Today’s real wedding is a masterclass in relaxed elegance! Frederik and Karel, a Belgian couple, celebrated their special day with a three-day extravaganza at a picturesque French castle. Kasia Bacq Photography perfectly captured the joyous atmosphere, which was characterized by an idyllic orchard setting, simple yet thoughtful DIY decor, and an intimate personalized ambiance that felt like a warm hug. The celebration wasn’t complete without a menagerie of dogs adding to the merriment! To create this laid-back wonderland, the couple drew inspiration from their surroundings, adorning the castle gardens with edible decorations plucked from nearby apple trees and string lights that twinkled like tiny stars. A BBQ reception and homemade eats served over the weekend only added to the carefree vibes. At the heart of it all were Frederik and Karel, a stunningly in-love duo who exuded charm and sophistication throughout their special day.
Wedding Day Snapshot
The Attire
My friends, Frederik’s friend Amelia and Frederik Spittael, took charge of selecting our attire for the evening. Initially, I had my heart set on a classic black suit paired with a black tie, but Frederik convinced me to opt for a blue suit instead, accompanied by a crisp white shirt and a sleek black tie. Thankfully, I heeded his advice, as the overall look turned out to be stunning. Amelia also demonstrated impressive attention to detail in finding a matching yet distinct outfit for her own ensemble that perfectly complemented mine. The end result was not only aesthetically pleasing but also instilled in me an appreciation for formal wear.
The Ceremony
A theatrical twist was added to the celebration when two talented actresses, acquaintances from my alma mater, took charge of conducting the ceremony. These skilled performers approached their task with professionalism and dedication, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all involved. The outdoor setting, nestled within an open tent, provided a unique backdrop for the proceedings.
Our Favourite Moments
The ceremony itself was a beautifully understated affair, taking place outdoors in a serene setting that perfectly complemented the occasion’s simplicity and elegance. As I stood there, I couldn’t help but feel a lump form in my throat as I reflected on just how fortunate I am to have Frederik by my side – it was a poignant moment that left me momentarily overcome with emotion.
One of the highlights of the day was the presence of so many beloved canine friends and joyful children, all mingling together in perfect harmony. The orchard played host to no fewer than 10 dogs roaming freely, bringing endless delight to the young ones among us. It was a match made in heaven.
We also had an absolute blast watching the ‘Nicki Minaj Parody’ video – our sides still ache from laughing so hard!
And then, of course, there was the weather: a glorious three-day stretch of unadulterated sunshine, with nary a cloud in sight. As the last guest departed on Sunday afternoon, Mother Nature decided to bid her own farewell in suitably dramatic fashion – a storm rolled in just as we were about to breathe a sigh of relief. Frederik and I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at the universe’s sense of timing, before pausing to express our gratitude to the weather gods for that final flourish.
The Decor & Details
As we planned every detail of our celebration, we relied heavily on the support of two friends who generously dedicated an entire week to helping us prepare. To add a playful touch, we created personalized namecards featuring inspiring quotes that reflected each guest’s unique personality. The game was simple yet effective: guests had to find their corresponding quote to determine where they should sit.
In terms of decorations, we opted for understated elegance and a light, airy atmosphere. To further enhance the experience, we put together thoughtful goodie bags filled with treats, including a self-made CD, candies, and a special memento – a fake dollar bill adorned with photos of our beloved dogs and ourselves. Our intention was to make the drive home a little more enjoyable for our guests.
The Refreshments
To create an unforgettable outdoor wedding atmosphere, we opted for a massive BBQ setup. Flammazien’s impressive spread perfectly captured the essence of a grand alfresco celebration, bringing our vision to life.
The Fun & Games
As we exchanged our vows, two friends from each of us took the stage to deliver heartfelt speeches that left all of us, including Frederik and me, emotionally moved to tears. The experience was so touching that we decided not to opt for a first dance, given our lack of dancing skills and vastly different musical tastes. However, one of our dear friends couldn’t help but disagree and took matters into her own hands by delivering a stunning live rendition of ‘Help Me Lose My Mind’ by Disclosure, sans accompaniment. The song choice was particularly poignant, as it perfectly captured the essence of our relationship. I must admit that the performance left me genuinely moved. Following this emotional outpouring, two talented actresses presented us with a self-produced parody video, a hilarious take on Nicki Minaj’s ‘Pound The Alarm,’ titled ‘Gayfest Is On!’ We all erupted into laughter at the cleverness and creativity displayed in the production. As a confessed Nicki Minaj fan (I know it’s wrong, but I can’t help myself!), I was deeply touched by the gesture. In between these emotional highs, Dimitri, Frederik’s brother, kept us entertained with a series of fun games that tested our teamwork and physical prowess. Thankfully, we proved to be a well-matched pair. I spent considerable time curating the perfect playlist for our celebration, ensuring that the music throughout the three-day event was both relaxing and meaningful. The dance party, however, was all about having a blast and letting loose. We hired our speakers from Lucassounds in Onkerzele, keeping things simple by connecting my laptop to six boxes.
Advice for Other Couples
Embrace your creative vision and assertively guide the planning process – it’s your special day after all! Remember, you don’t have to break the bank to achieve a stunning result; with some TLC, affordable elements can be transformed into showstoppers. Furthermore, allow ample time for preparation, as often overlooked details can significantly impact the overall experience. Most importantly, indulge in the joy and excitement of this momentous occasion – it’s meant to be savored! I must say, I’m enamored with the concept of a three-day celebration; it effortlessly exudes a relaxed, memorable atmosphere. A heartfelt thank you to Kasia Bacq Photography for capturing Frederik & Karel’s enchanting orchard wedding in such an intimate manner.