We were in our own world from the start and knew it would be the beginning of a grand love story.
Vanessa – I work in the diamond industry, and I love to travel. I am also obsessed with skincare. JP is an artistic director in the music industry. We met in Paris while I was on holiday, showing the city to one of my friends. I ended up staying for three days after meeting JP. We were in our own world from the start and knew it would be the beginning of a grand love story. I realised how special it was while we were living apart for a year and a half. It was hard, but we knew from that moment that we would be inseparable.
JP proposed to me in the South of France, near Marseille in the Calanques. He rented a boat for the day and proposed while the skipper was having a swim. I didn’t see it coming. We kept the proposal a secret for a week. We wanted to enjoy it just between ourselves.
Initially, we wanted to do something similar to Solange Knowles for our wedding – in an atypical place such as a museum, for example, but it was quite complicated due to things like opening and event hours. Our lovely wedding planner finally found us the Château de Nainville, and it was love at first sight. We were happy to splurge on the location, the gathering and the gown.
On the day, I was reminded of my grandfather, who passed away 10 years ago. Just before I was about to join my husband for the ceremony, I saw a huge feather rolling through my feet. I thought it was my grandfather – that he was by my side. It was a very special moment that I will never forget.
Getting my main outfit was a bit of a drama because I had particular requirements and it took a year and half to find the perfect gown. I wanted something different, not the typical wedding dress but an outfit with a twist. Victoire Vermeulen perfectly understood my vision and created a two piece gown that represented me very well. I am quite an eclectic person and I know I will be able to wear my wedding dress again at other occasions.
LOCATION Château de Nainville les Roches, @chateau_nainville_les_roches PHOTOGRAPHER Pia Photography, @_piaphoto VIDEOGRAPHER Matt Swill, @matt_swill CELEBRANT Marie-France Coste PLANNER Johanna from Hayden Events, @hayden.events DECORATION Balcoco, @balcoco.fr FLORA Reflets Fleurs, @refletsfleurs CATERING & BEVERAGES Maison Massiwani CAKE Blossom Cakes, @blossomcakes_paris MUSICIANS Friends BRIDE’S SUIT Massimo Dutti, @massimodutti GROOM’S SUIT Gucci, @gucci BRIDE’S DRESS Victoire Vermeulen, @victoirevermeulen RINGS Diamonds Factory, @diamondsfactoryfrance SHOES Neous, @neous; Jimmy Choo, @jimmychoo; Gucci, @gucci JEWELLERY Family jewellery MAKEUP Justine DLK, @justine.dlk HAIR Pony Pony Paris, @ponyponyparis FRAGRANCE Byredo, @officialbyredo BRIDAL PARTY Etsy Personalised Dresses, @etsy
