We wanted something timeless, romantic, classic, but elevated.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
Ger is an Architect, and Kelli is a People Consultant. We live in Dublin City with our dog Daisy, whom we adore. We love to go on long walks together with her, and to cook and travel when we can. We both love France, and after getting engaged in Paris, we knew the wedding had to be there!
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
We met on a dating app—our first date was on a random Tuesday night at a pub in Dublin. I was hesitant to get too excited, and arrived late to him waiting outside for me with a big smile and warm blue eyes. I knew immediately I was in trouble!
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.).
We wanted something timeless, romantic, classic, but elevated – but most importantly, really fun for our guests! The style had to complement the beautiful chateau and scenery, so it focused on lush green, white florals and touches of powder blue to complement the shutters. But the vibe needed to be chic, it had to be lots of fun, and something our guests would get the best memories from!Â
What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee, etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).
The florals were truly incredible – it took our breath away when we saw the ceremony arrangements against the backdrop of the tree-lined driveway, and the tablescaping was above and beyond what we hoped for.Â
What did you enjoy most about the planning process, and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?
The most enjoyable element was definitely picking the fun extras for our guests to create an unforgettable experience – having Mihai from BIBERE managing the drinks and cocktails for our two days of events was one of the highlights. Our guests still remember the trays of espresso martinis coming out when the surprise roaming band kicked off!Â
Tell us about your vendors. Were there any standout suppliers you would like to make special mention of?Â
We had fantastic supplies and wish we could recognise them all. Our wedding planner, Jess (Dorulete Events), was truly wonderful and the patience of a saint. We both have very busy careers and often need a few prompts to respond! She also truly got the vision, had a fantastic eye for detail and created such an elevated experience. Mihai from Bibere, who managed the bar. He is a cocktail guru!! Our Photographer, Frances, was fantastic—so calm and attentive—and really captured the magic of the day.  The Beau Ties were fantastic – they really got the party started after dinner!
Tell us about your wedding and engagement rings.
The engagement ring is a custom-made 2.5-carat oval diamond with an 18-carat gold band. The wedding band is a matching gold diamond band. Ger’s wedding band is a brushed gold band with a bevelled edge, all from Loyes diamonds.
What were one or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).Â
If we had to pick 2, it would be the venue and the food. We really wanted it to feel different to any Irish wedding at home, so we put a lot of consideration into the venue, and it had to have enough rooms for all guests, but also still fit the bill aesthetically. The venue director, Marion, was so helpful and went above and beyond to make our stay so special.Â
Kelli loves to cook, so the food was really important and had to be delivered. La Vallergue were exceptional – really accommodating and built the perfect menu for us. The highlights were the canapés, which included live cooking stations of risotto in Parmesan cheese wheels, seared tuna and grilled meats and fish. We will never forget  the stunning croquembouche for our wedding cake / dessert that was demolished by our guests!Â
Was there a favourite moment (or two) that you will treasure always?
Ger – seeing Kelli walk down the aisle with the chateau in the backdrop was incredible.
Kelli – seeing my mom and dad’s reaction when they saw me in my dress was a lot more emotional than I anticipated, and I’ll cherish those moments forever.Â
Seeing Ger at the end of the aisle with the biggest smile was magical. Felt like a dream.
Both – when the band kicked off and the trays of espresso martinis arrived, the party started. It was so special seeing how much fun our friends and family were having, and I think in that moment we felt we really nailed it!
LOCATION Château La Tour Vaucros, Sorgues, Provence, France, @chateaulatourvaucros BRIDE Kelli GROOM Gerard PHOTOGRAPHER Frances Mary Sales, @francesmarysales VIDEOGRAPHER Aysh & Hamish, @ayshandhamish PLANNER Dorulete Events, @doruleteevents FLORIST The Flower Shop Designs, @theflowershop_designs CELEBRANT Muriel Bell – Marry Us In France, @marryusinfrance ENTERTAINMENT Strings – Sunny Stars VIP, @sunnystars.vip; Roaming Band – The Beau Ties, @thebeautiesband; DJ – DJ Glen John, @djglenjohn HIRE Options Aix en Provence, @options_aixenprovence CATERING La Vallergue Traiteur, @lavallerguetraiteur MIXOLOGIST BIBERE, @bibere.bar STATIONERY Olive & Millicent, @oliveandmillicent RINGS Loyes Diamonds, @loyes_diamonds BRIDE’S DRESS Suzanne Neville, @suzanneneville BRIDE’S SHOES Silvia Lago, @silvialago_ BRIDE’S ACCESSORIES Scalloped lace trimmed veil – Pronovias, @pronovias; Drop diamond earrings – One Dame Lane, @onedamelane; Diamond tennis bracelet – Loulerie, @louleriejewellery MAKEUP Breifne Keogh, @brefmakeup HAIR Lou Merryweather, @loumerryweatherhair GROOM’S SUIT Double breasted dinner suit – Cavaliere, @cavalieresweden purchased in Patrick Sheary, @friendlytailor GROOM’S SHOES Lloyd, @lloyd_shoes GROOM’S WHITE SHIRT Profuomo, @profuomo GROOM’S FRAGRANCE Dior, @dior BRIDESMAIDS DRESS Custom made halter neck satin dresses in powder blue – Dresscode, @dresscodeltd
