the lifers

Château de Bouthonvilliers

Emma and Cole embarked on an extraordinary journey that whisked them away to the serene embrace of the French countryside, where Château de Bouthonvilliers awaited, a veritable sanctuary nestled amidst verdant landscapes. Steeped in history, the Château has been a cherished heirloom for over two centuries, its legacy lovingly upheld by the gracious hosts, Eduard and Alexia.

As they arrived, they were greeted by a scene straight out of a storybook: horses grazing peacefully by the shimmering waters, a flock of geese gliding gracefully overhead, and the majestic peacock, a resident of the estate, making his regal appearance without fail each day. Every corner of the estate seemed infused with an enchanting aura, as if plucked from the pages of a fairytale.

Throughout their stay, Emma, Cole, and their loved ones were immersed in the rich tapestry of the Château spast, each room adorned with stories of generations gone by, painted upon the walls like whispers of history. It was more than just a getaway; it was an experience of a lifetime, where the past intertwined seamlessly with the present, creating cherished memories that would endure for years to come.

Getting Ready

Emma, her closest friend’s and family, whiled away the afternoon in the opulent grand sitting room of the Château, preparing for the eagerly anticipated wedding festivities. Bathed in the gentle glow of sunlight streaming through the windows, the room echoed with the sounds of shared laughter and palpable excitement. Each member of the entourage took turns adding the final flourishes to Emma's appearance, enhancing her radiant beauty with every delicate touch.

Meanwhile, across the estate, Cole found himself enveloped by the warmth and support of his own family, nestled within the cozy confines of the Château cottage. Mindful not to steal even a fleeting glance at his beloved bride-to-be before the ceremonial proceedings, he immersed himself in the comforting embrace of familial bonds, eagerly anticipating the momentous occasion that lay ahead.

Ceremony

As folklore would have it, rain on one's wedding day is believed to bring good fortune, and fate seemed to affirm this belief with a timely downpour just ten minutes before the ceremony. While Emma remained concealed from the guests within the chapel, and Cole protected in the cottage. In a hurried flurry, guests sought refuge under the giant trees that adorned the courtyard, only for the rain, as if on que, ended just as swiftly as began. And so, the ceremony unfolded, each moment unfolding like a movie, that stirred the hearts of all in attendance.

Adding an extra layer of sentimental charm to the proceedings, Emma's aunt, assuming the role of officiant, drew from the tender verses of a beloved children's book, 'Your Personal Penguin'. Quoting, "Wherever you go, I'll go there too, here and there and ev'rywhere. And always with you. I want to be Your Personal Penguin, from now on," She beautifully expressed the idea of lasting love with heartfelt simplicity.

It was a deeply touching moment that brought tears of happiness to everyone there, underscoring the beauty and importance of the marriage taking place.

Reception

Following the lovely ceremony, guests gathered at the rear of the Château to savor Aperol spritzes. Emma and Cole soon joined them for a splendid dinner arranged by the Château. Amidst laughter and storytelling, accompanied by numerous glasses of wine, the evening unfolded before the dancing began. The sounds of Taylor Swift and ABBA reverberated through the halls, eliciting singing along from vendors and guests alike.