An Intimate Classic Wedding at Chateau de Jalesnes

43+ more

From Office Meetings to French Château Dreams in the Loire Valley

Finding love in the workplace often happens when you least expect it. For Kaitlynn and Alec, their story began while working at separate companies within the same industry. After their first encounter, Alec found every excuse to return to her facility, leading to a first date where they discovered an abundance of shared connections – from speaking Spanish to having foreign parents and fathers who both drove Raptors. Their connection was instantaneous, and they became inseparable. The perfect proposal came in February 2022, during a ski trip to Alec’s family cabin in Lake Tahoe, where he chose a meaningful spot on the pier from one of their first dates to ask for her hand in marriage.

A Week-Long International Wedding at Chateau de Jalesnes

The couple envisioned more than just a wedding day – they wanted to create an extended celebration that would bring together their multinational families in a neutral location. They chose the magnificent Château de Jalesnes, a 1600s Renaissance castle nestled in the heart of France’s Loire Valley. The venue’s location in Vernantes proved perfect for their 50 closest friends and family members, who gathered for a week of festivities. This intimate setting allowed their loved ones from different parts of the world to truly connect and share in their joy. The château’s unique feature – a dry moat – provided an extraordinary setting for their ceremony, adding to the historical charm of this Loire Valley wedding venue.

Explore more Wedding Venues in France.

Classic Design with Modern Elements

Working with Emily Mauddiman of Rose Andrew Events, Kaitlynn and Alec created a wedding that married classic elegance with personal touches. The design palette centered around sophisticated gold elements, from the meticulously crafted invitations to the gleaming table decorations that caught the light of countless candles. Floral arrangements in warm salmon, yellow, and orange tones brought vibrant energy to the historic space. Kaitlynn’s choice of wedding dress perfectly embodied this blend of timeless and trendy – a classic silhouette with a distinctive 80’s-inspired cut that made a confident style statement. The celebration culminated in an intimate candlelit dinner reception, where guests gathered around beautifully adorned tables, and a spectacular fireworks display illuminated the château’s ancient walls. Every moment was artfully captured by photographer Sarah Lord, preserving the magic of their celebration.

Related Article: Planning a Wedding in France