Whatever your definition of Provence is from the exceptional fabrics of Provence that you decorate your home with or the lavish “Savon de Marseilles” that you treat yourself to in the bath or where its exact boundaries are, one thing we can all agree upon, Provence is a very special land of extraordinary variety and sublime beauty. It encompasses dramatic landscape, fierce, rock-strewn plateaux, incredible deep gorges, mellow pasture-land, vineyards, olive groves, lavender and sunflower fields, salt marshes and the coastal strip with its lush Mediterranean vegetation. Provence is bathed in miraculously clear light; and hence the landscape that has inspired brilliance in both writers and artists for centuries.

Location:

Provence is a region of southeastern France on the Mediterranean adjacent to Italy. It is part of the administrative région of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.

There are literally hundreds of awesome villages in Provence which would render my task very difficult and impossible to list them all; and so I have decided to tell you about the ones I am most familiar with and the ones I fell in love with…from Avignon to Antibes, Aix-en-Provence to Cannes, Dignes-les-Bains to Fréjus and Grasse, Marseilles, Menton, Nice and Orange, St Rémy-de-Provence, and of course St Tropez!

Antibes Ultimately, Antibes is a yachting town, with its massive port called Port-Vauban. Its inner harbor is home to several hundred vessels and the outer port shelters some of the world’s most prestigious yachts on a wide “quai” called the “Millionaires Row”. It’s a bit ritzy but worth your while if you enjoy Yacht-Watching. Antibes also houses the Picasso Museum, tons of restaurants and beautiful beaches.

Aix-en-Provence Aix-en-Provence is the city of art, a city of light and activity. Aix is also a home of art schools and several universities, including some American. The town is filled with fountains, hundreds of fountains bubbling and splashing everywhere, quite a site. The restaurants are abundant and serve anything from fast-food to the highest haute-cuisine. Aix as it is referred to in France (don’t pronounce the “ix”, simply X, as in X marks the spot…). Aix is also home to Cézanne.

Cannes Ah Cannes!! Yes this is by far the queen of the French Riviera, famous for the Cannes International Film Festival and the glitzy hotels, cars and beaches. You never know which famous person you might run into here, a famous producer or perhaps Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Chances are you will never get a chance to speak to them before they are whisked away on their private yacht, it’s quite the town. The beaches are beautiful but I must warn you, you might also run into the stars cavorting topless on the sands… just look the other way! Don’t forget to take a stroll on the town’s most beautiful boulevard called “La Croisette”. This world-famous street, which runs along the shoreline of Cannes, is full of upscale shopping opportunities. It is lined with palm trees and pristine flower beds which are tended to 12 months out of the year. Naturally should you get bored at night you can always join the high-rollers at the casino.

Menton Ok let me breathe in and out now…. Oh! my goodness, this is an awesome town, you have to trust me now… This is by far my most beloved town in Provence, Menton is sheltered by mountains and only a stone’s throw from Italy! Menton has the best climate in France, and basks in an enchanted setting with I am told 300 days of sun a year… Wahoo! Menton is cozy and friendly, the people there speak Italian and French all at the same time with no trouble at all switching from one language to the other. But they also speak English not to worry. You see, at one point Menton was owned by the very powerful Grimaldi family in Monaco, you might remember your mom and dad telling you about a wonderful Prince Charming story about a girl from Philadelphia by the name of Grace Kelly who married Prince Rainier of the Grimaldi family in 1956, (okay okay, this was way before your time, but an important event for both France and the U.S.A,) and became the most loved princess in the world prior to of course our beloved Princess Diana of England. So the Grimaldi family ruled Menton from 1346 to 1848. Now a day Menton is on the French side. It is really an enchanting town, I won’t spend too much time talking about Menton only that it is my most favorite place, its romantic, the streets are adorned with beautiful flowers and citrus trees gracefully paired with Cinderella white lights . Anywhere you turn, you will smell lemon and orange trees which permeate the town. I don’t want to sound like a tour-guide, but you have to go to the Lemon festival. Yikes, there is nothing like it in the world! Have fun …

Nice Everyone has heard of Nice…. I don’t think I have to tell you about this town, very international and great things to do. I can only tell you that in my very humble opinion, this is where I tasted my very first favorite pizza!

Grasse Most people don’t really know Grasse, but should! This is the capital of Perfume, Fragrances and Love. Grasse is an Old Provencal town of towering buildings and narrow streets linked by steep flight of steps. Grasse is the capital of the perfume industry! Ever wanted to have your own wedding night scent? Well this is where you come, to Grasse! Grasse has had a prospering perfume industry since the end of the 18th century. Grasse is the center of the French perfume industry and is known as the world’s perfume capital (la capitale mondiale des parfums). Many “noses” are trained or have spent time in Grasse. It produces over two-thirds of France’s natural aromas (for perfume and for food flavorings). This industry turns over more than 600 million euros a year. I can talk until I am blue in the face, just go there!

St. Tropez or as the French call it “St. Trop”; in 1955 Roger Vadim created”And God Created Woman” in St. Tropez with Brigitte Bardot then wife of Roger Vadim. The St-Tropez season traditionally starts at Easter time and peaks in the frenzy of the national holiday month of August. Each year, in early October, a regatta is held in the bay of Saint-Tropez. This is a draw for many yachts, some up to 50 meters in length. Many tourists come to the location for this event or as a stop on their trip to Cannes, Marseille or Nice.

Gastronomy:

The cuisine of Provence is the result of the warm, dry Mediterranean climate; the rugged landscape, good for grazing sheep and goats but, outside of the Rhone Valley, with poor soil for large-scale agriculture; and the abundant seafood on the coast. The basic ingredients are olives and olive oil; garlic; sardines, rockfish, sea urchins and octopus; lamb and goat; chickpeas; local fruits, such as grapes, peaches, apricots, strawberries, cherries, and the very famous melons of Cavaillon, they are so delicious…

Bouillabaisse is the classic seafood dish of Marseille. The traditional version is made with three fish: rascasse, grondin, and congre plus an assortment of other fish and shellfish, such as saint-pierre. Lotte and sea urchins; crabs and sea spiders included for flavor. The seasoning is as important as the fish, including salt, pepper, onion, tomato, safron, fennel, sage, thyme, laurel, sometimes orange peel, and a cup of white wine or cognac. In Marseille the fish and the broth are served separately- the broth is served over thick slices of bread with rouille.

Ratatouille is a traditional dish of stewed vegetables, which originated in Nice.

Wines:

Pastis fis thé traditionnel liqueur of Provence, flavored with anise and typically containing 40–45% alcohol by volume. When absinthe was banned in France in 1915, the major absinthe producers (then Pernod Fils and Ricard, who have since merged as Pernod Ricard) reformulated their drink without the banned wormwood and with more anise flavor, from star anise, sugar and a lower alcohol content, creating pastis. It is usually drunk diluted with water, which it turns a cloudy color. It is especially popular in and around Marseille. Another very famous wine is the delectable Cote de Provence. Cotes de Provence is a wide area that covers the Cote-D’Azur on the French Riviera from Marseille to Nice. Contrary to what most people think in the U.S., rosé wine has nothing to do with the Zinfandel wines of California. In fact Cotes de Provence is both dry and fruity; it is usually served in the summer months and perfect paired with fresh salads or fish. Try it you will love it!

Climate:

Most of Provence has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers, mild winters, little snow, and abundant sunshine. Within Provence there are micro-climates and local variations, ranging from the Alpine climate inland from Nice to the continental climate in the northern Vaucluse. The winds of Provence are an important feature of the climate, particularly the mistral, a cold, dry wind which, especially in the winter, blows down the Rhone Valley to the Bouches-du-Rhône and the Var Departments, and often reaches over one hundred kilometers an hour.

If you have never been to Provence, now is the time to think about going… whether for a visit, a honey-moon or a destination wedding, you will not regret it!

A wedding in Provence: In a next article we will explore all the wonderful sites of Provence for a perfect “Provencal Wedding”

Stay tuned!!!

References: www.wikipedia.org, www.provence.com, The Discovery. Channel.com, The French Riviera.com, google.images.com, la france.discovery.com, chateauxandvillasweddings.com, www.Provence.com

A wedding is the ceremony in which two people are united in marriage. Wedding traditions and customs vary greatly between cultures, ethnic groups, religious beliefs, countries, and social classes. Most wedding ceremonies involve an exchange of wedding vows by the couple, presentation of a gift (offering, ring(s), symbolic item, flowers, money), and a public proclamation of marriage by an authority figure or leader. Special wedding garments are often worn, and the ceremony is followed by a wedding reception. Music, poetry, prayers or readings from Scripture or literature also may be incorporated in the ceremony. This is pretty much it, in a nut-shell…

But … with that said, most of us are only familiar with wedding traditions within our own country, knowing very little about other customs. In this first piece we will explore the various customs and traditions of France. Soon to follow, will be the ones of Italy, England and the U.S.A. We hope you have fun reading these, and perhaps you might think of incorporating them into your own wedding celebration…

France Wedding Customs

France has always been known for being the most romantic country in the world, so it should be no surprise to anyone that many French wedding customs and traditions have spilled over to many other countries. Some of the early French weddings traditions have persisted throughout the years and have influenced modern wedding ceremonies as we know them today. Here are some of the more interesting customs:

Trousseau: The traditional bridal “Trousseau” originated in France and derives from the word “trousse” which means “bundle”. The Trousseau literally refers to a bundle of linens and clothing. It would contain clothing for Sundays, everyday dresses, night clothing, lingerie and linens that the bride or the mother of the bride to-be would have embroidered with the initials of her future family.

I myself still have my mom’s hand embroidered wedding linen sheets from her wedding to my father; they bear the initials of both my mom and dad’s family. This is a very beautiful keep-sake and one that I wish modern brides would adopt more often…The fun is to embroider it yourself or have your grand-aunt teach you …

Wedding Armoire: In the earlier days, the armoire or “hope chest” was hand-carved by the father of a future bride and given to her during adolescence. When she grew up, she would fill it up with her own wardrobe and take it to her new home when she married. During the 18^th century wedding armoires were manufactured by craftsmen and were offered to the newlyweds as a wedding present. Nowadays, we purchase armoires for our modern homes without even knowing the significance of it…

White Wedding Dress: During the medieval and renaissance periods, wedding dresses were simply elaborate versions of contemporary dresses with no specific color required. The bride’s finest dress was transformed into a wedding dress, embellished by jewelry, tassels, beading and ribbons; if widowed the bride would wear black. It was not until the 16^th century that the all-white wedding dress was introduced by Queen Anne of Brittany, she wore white to her third marriage to King Louis XII of France in 1527.Although the white wedding dress had not become popular until the 19^th century it is said that brides from French aristocracy and bourgeoisie were reported to wear all-white dresses, embroidered with gold and silver threads. Today French brides wear chic and flattering wedding gowns thus replacing the more common dresses of days gone by.

The Jarretière: This is the French word for “Garter”. Ever wondered where the custom of wearing a garter came from? Tossing of the bride’s garter become popular in the 14^th century. In France it was the best-man who was in charge of stealing it off the bride but it is also said that is was the bride who would toss her garter to the guests before some unruly inebriated gentlemen would literally tear it off her!

The Sabrage: Not for the faint at heart, this is very old, famous, pretentious but fun French custom of “beheading” (for lack of better words) a bottle of champagne with a saber specially made for the occasion. With over 100 lbs of pressure per square inch in a bottle of champagne, the saber must strike the neck of the bottle at exactly the right angle. Don’t try this yourself at home; it takes quite a bit of skill!!

La Coupe de Mariage: This is where the couple uses a toasting cup called “Coupe de Marriage”. The origin believe it or not came from a small piece of toast which was dropped into the couple’s wine to ensure a healthy life. Hence, a toast to the bride and groom is what you are doing today….

Wedding Processions: This is still a very sweet and traditional French custom for the groom to call on his future bride at her home on the morning of the wedding. The groom escorts her to the wedding chapel or church in a procession, preceded by musicians and followed by the bride with her father, the veil or trane carrier, guests and the groom with his mother at the end of the line.

Le Charivari: Is basically a fun prank used by wedding guests to interrupt the wedding couple at night with a crowd gathering around the couple’s wedding night site (which was supposed to be a very well guarded secret by the groom) clanking pots and pans till the wee hours of the night until the bride and groom appear one last time and offer the guests more champagne, food or wine…in exchange for peace and quite, romance and love together on there first nuptial night. So much fun! Still a tradition to this day in France…

Le Retour de Mariage: This is a tradition that I really love… It means the” return of the wedding party”, and is usually held at the bride or groom’s family home, the day after the wedding. This is only reserved for the wedding party and close family and friends. The parents would roast a pig or lamb and serve other “comfort” foods for the ones suffering from the after affects of too much drinking and partying the night before. It’s usually held during the afternoon where guests and family members can chit-chat with one another and celebrate once again the married couple’s marriage!

So, these are only a few examples of French wedding customs… I will end this piece by sharing my most memorable moments at a wedding in Brittany, France as a child. My sister who will remain nameless married in France at the age of 19, I was nine then… I happen to be the very “important” veil and trane carrier… I will never forget the procession of 250 or so people which started at our home and ended at the church. I was so proud! … I don’t recall too much after that except for the reception which I have to share with you, old customs gone-by… One of the strangest customs was the introduction of a “wedding chamber pot” at the table of honor. I was absolutely appalled at age nine to see this very bizarre pot arrive at the table. My sister and my beloved brother in-law proceeded to drink from this chamber pot! My father and all of my sis’s friends were all French-Americans and had a real good sense of humor… What was in the chamber-pot you might ask? The best French Champagne and the most scrumptious Belgium chocolate one would ever lay hands on. So here is a long forgotten wedding ritual, Le Pot de Chambre!!! Another fun thing at my sister’s wedding were the sugar cubes in our cups of coffee and tea; once your sugar cube dissolved it would reveal a pink miniature baby which would float to the surface of your cup! This was for fertility… what fun that was!

Resources: www.wikipedia.com, www.worldweddingcustoms.com, www.bellaonline.com, www.njsweddingshop.com

We thank you for reading and hope you have enjoyed the French whimsical wedding traditions… As always should you need further information on the subject please do not hesitate to let us know. Please stay tuned for Italian wedding traditions.

According to the encyclopedia, an engagement ring is a ring worn by a woman indicating her engagement to be married. In some countries, such as Great Britain and France, the ring is worn on the left-hand ring finger, while in other countries, such as Germany, Poland and Ukraine, it is customary for the ring to be worn on the right-hand. In the United States, the ring represents a formal agreement to a future marriage.

In classical times it is said to date back from an early usage reportedly referring to the fourth finger of the left hand as containing the vena amoris or “vein of love”!

In Egypt, Brazil and many European countries, both the man and the woman usually wear engagement rings, most often in the form of matching plain bands of white, yellow, or rose gold. In these countries the man’s engagement ring often also eventually serves as the wedding ring. Some men wear two rings, but this is rarer. The woman’s wedding ring can sometimes have a precious stone. In Spain, the woman sometimes buys a wristwatch for the man as an engagement present.

THE FOUR C’S

Men still surprise their girlfriends, and heirloom rings are still being passed down from generations to generations, these days a ring usually involves a shopping expedition that is often taken together. Whatever guides your choice of an engagement ring, you and your fiancé should learn a few basics before buying… The four “c’s” represent the basic guidelines: carat, clarity, cut and color. Diamond professionals use these four factors to describe and classify diamonds. When taken together, they help in evaluating the finished diamonds you buy. They are often called value factors.

CARAT

The carat weight measures the mass of a diamond. One carat represents 200 milligrams. Fractions of a carat are called points; a half-carat is equal to 50 points. Much tinier gems used as side stones are often called pointers. The price per carat increases with carat weight, since larger diamonds are both rarer and more desirable for use as gemstones.

CLARITY

Clarity is a measure of internal defects of a diamond called inclusions. Inclusions may be crystals of a foreign material or another diamond crystal, or structural imperfections such as tiny cracks that can appear whitish or cloudy. The number, size, color, relative location, orientation, and visibility of inclusions can all affect the relative clarity of a diamond. Diamonds become increasingly rare when considering higher clarity grading. Only about 20 percent of all diamonds mined have a clarity rating high enough for the diamond to be considered appropriate for use as a gemstone; the other 80 percent are relegated to industrial use. Of that top 20 percent, a significant portion contains one or more visible inclusions.

CUT

Diamond cutting is the art and science of creating a gem-quality diamond out of mined rough. The cut of a diamond describes the manner in which a diamond has been shaped and polished from its beginning form as a rough stone to its final gem proportions. The cut of a diamond describes the quality of workmanship and the angles to which a diamond is cut. Often diamond cut is confused with “shape”. The more skillfully the cut is made, the more perfect the proportions and the more brilliant the stone will appear. The best cut stones are ranked in descending order: ideal, premium or good. Inferior cuts are graded poor. Brilliant cuts have facets shaped like triangles and result in a particularly fiery gem. Step cuts, used on emerald and cushion shapes, are ones that run up the sides of the stone like a staircase. Mixed cuts, such as princess shapes, combine both step and brilliant cuts.

COLOR

Gemologists use letter grades from D through Z to denote a white diamonds color or rather the lack of color. The best, rarest diamonds are pure white, which allows the most light to pass through them; they have a rating of D. The next has very slight traces of color which can be detected only by a diamond expert. These are graded as E color or F color diamonds. Diamonds which show very little traces of color are graded as G or H color diamonds. Slightly colored diamonds are graded as I or J or K color. A diamond can be found in any other color also other than colorless. Some of the color diamonds such as pink are very very rare diamonds and are priceless.

THE VARIOUS CUTS

Here we will look at the various cuts of diamonds from classic to antique and contemporary cuts

THE CLASSIC CUTS

ROUND

The round brilliant cut is by far the most popular shape available today. It was introduced in 1919 and so for almost 100 years, diamond cutters have been using advanced theories of light behavior and precise mathematical calculations to optimize the fire and brilliance in a round diamond. In addition to being the most popular and researched shape, a round diamond will typically give you more flexibility in terms of balancing cut, color, and clarity grades while still getting the fire and brilliance you want. Round brilliants work in a variety of settings, from simple to ornate, sleek to modern. The prong setting was invented by Charles Lewis Tiffany in 1886 as a way to showcase a round brilliant.

EMERALD

This rectangular shape was developed in the art-deco period in the 1920’s. It has long glamorous lines with lean facets extending down the sides. What makes this shape different is its large table, the flat surface on the top which shows off the stone’s clarity better than any other shape, though this also means that any flaws will appear more magnified. Also, emerald-cut diamonds can vary greatly in how rectangular they are; if you prefer an emerald cut with a squared outline; look for an Asscher-cut diamond.

OVAL

An oval diamond has beautiful brilliance that’s similar to a round diamond. Oval diamonds are also very popular as their length can accentuate long, slender fingers. Ovals can be set either vertically or horizontally, and look particularly pretty when paired with tiny diamonds.

PEAR

This brilliant-cut diamond is also called a teardrop for its single point and rounded end. The unique look of the pear shape helps make it a popular choice for a variety of diamond jewelry. If you choose an elongated pear shape, the length of the diamond creates a subtle slimming effect on the fingers.

MARQUISE

The shape of a marquise diamond can maximize carat weight, giving you a much larger-looking diamond. This brilliant-cut diamond looks beautiful set with round or pear-shaped side stones, and the length of the marquise makes fingers appear long and slender. This distinctive shape is for woman who wants to make a statement.

HEART

The heart is the ultimate symbol of love. Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece wears this style of stone in her engagement ring. When choosing a color grade, consider that while the price of a J-color heart shaped diamond is exceptional, color may be slightly visible in its corners.

THE ANTIQUE CUTS

ASSCHER

This beautifully unique shape is nearly identical to the emerald-cut, except that it is square. Created in about 1900 by Dutch jeweler Abraham Asscher, this shape was popular in the 1930’s and has come back into vogue with fashion’s renewed love for vintage styles.

CUSHION

This unique shape has been popular for more than a century. Cushion-cut diamonds (also known as “pillow-cut” diamonds) have rounded corners and larger facets to increase their brilliance. Cushion-cut diamonds are available in shapes ranging from square to rectangular. As with any emerald cut, any imperfections will be more visible on a cushion than on shapes with brilliant-cut facets. The cushion diamond had its heyday a century ago but is now coming back into style.

ROSE

A rose cut diamond is domed and covered with concentric facets, making it look like a rose. The pretty floral shape first emerged during the 15^th century in India, although it had long been out of style, it has begun to blossom again…

PRINCESS

The Princess diamond was designed in 1961 in London. This is a very popular non-round diamond. Its beautiful brilliance and unique cut makes it a favorite for engagement rings. The princess has pointed corners and is traditionally square in shape. When choosing a color grade, consider that while the price of a J-color non-round diamond is exceptional, color may be slightly visible in its corners. Also, princess-cut diamonds can vary greatly in how square or rectangular they are.

RING STYLES

CLASSIC SOLITAIRE

Simply put, solitaire means one. For an engagement ring, this means the ring has one simple diamond, without side stones, accent stones, or other gem embellishments. Solitaire engagement rings need not be dull or plain, however, and for many women, the simple elegance of a single, sparkling stone is the ultimate symbol of the single love that two people share. While round brilliants are most commonly used for solitaires, any shape of diamond can work in this simple presentation.

SIDE STONES

Marc Anthony gave Jennifer Lopez a ring with side stones. The most traditional version features a round diamond with two tapered stones on each side known as baguettes because they resemble the classic loaf of French bread. The two side baguettes flood the center diamond with light and make it sparkle even more.

WIDE BAND SOLITAIRE

This style is sleek and modern; it embeds a single diamond in a thick metal band an is ideal for brides who do not want to stack an engagement ring with a wedding ring band. It’s also flattering for women with larger hands and fingers who might not feel comfortable with dainty rings.

VINTAGE

Anyone looking for a retro or retro-modern style should look no further than a vintage engagement ring. Whether it’s a delicate or glamorous art-deco look, vintage rings have recently caught on with brides looking for something different. Keep in mind that stones cut in the 19^th century and earlier on, give off a softer glow than the more fiery contemporary versions of these styles. The reason is that the technology did not exist then to facet stones the way jewelers can today.

MICRO-PAVÉ

This method was invented in Paris about 20 years ago; it is a setting technique that involves placing many tiny stones closely together on a ring so that it looks covered with diamonds.

OTHER STYLES

COLORED DIAMONDS

THREE STONE DIAMONDS

CELEBRITY ENGAGEMENT RINGS

Elizabeth Taylor, when engaged to her third husband, Michael Todd, wore a nearly 30-carat emerald cut diamond. Lady Diana Spencer wore an 18-carat deep blue oval sapphire circled by fourteen diamonds when she promised to become Princess Diana. Catherine Zeta-Jones’ nuptial promise to Michael Douglas was sealed with a 10-carat antique horizontal set marquise diamond. Paris Hilton’s short-lived engagement was highlighted by the 24-carat emerald cut diamond ring. Donald Trump presented his bride-to-be Melanie Knauss with an overwhelming 12-carat emerald cut engagement ring reported to cost a cool $1 million. Jackie Kennedy was given a modest 3-carat emerald set with nearly three additional carats of diamond accents when she accepted John F. Kennedy’s proposal. Jessica Simpson’s 4-carat engagement ring was an unusual pear-shape set in platinum with two side stones. Katie Holmes’ 5-carat ring from Tom Cruise is a classic oval shape in a pavé setting. Reese Witherspoon’s 4.5 carat Asscher cut engagement ring is set in a stunning 1920s art- deco style. Camilla Parker Bowles wed Prince Charles with an emerald ring accented by baguettes on each side, set delicately in platinum with an art deco style. Madonna’s 5-carat total weight ring is a three stone design with bezel settings.

And finally remember that the purpose of an engagement ring and or a wedding ring is to be a constant reminder of a spouse’s constant love, you can’t put a price on that, so have fun exploring !!

Should you want to know more on this topic, simply contact us at our blog site and we will answer all your questions.

References: www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond,www.theknot.com,  www.GoogleImages.com,www.InStyleWeddings.com,  www.Lovetoknow.com, www.howtobuyadiamond.gia.

WEDDING OF LENA & ARI

The Date: June 7^th, 8^th and 9^th, 2008

The Location: Majestic Loire Valley Castle

The Ceremony: Non-Traditional Jewish Wedding

No. Of Guests: 48

Thursday and Friday:

Guests flew in from Russia, Australia, UK and even a few from France on that Thursday but the majority arrived at the castle on Friday. Their wedding planner Caroline Berthe had planned out all the activities for the entire week-end.

First the guests were treated to a wonderful and unforgettable hot-air balloon ride which started at dusk and ended way past ten o’clock at night! Everyone met at a pre-determined spot, one hour before sunset. The guests were invited to help prepare and inflate the balloons, a total of four balloons were used to carry everyone. Inflating these giant multi-colored balloons is no easy task and requires a bit of patience and “muscle” …

For those of you who are interested you might want to know that a lot of the work in hot air ballooning comes at the beginning and the end of the flight, when the crew inflates and deflates the balloon. For the spectator, this is a spectacular show; once the crew has found the perfect launching point, they attach the burner system to the basket. Then they attach the balloon envelope and begin laying it out on the ground. Once it is laid out, the crew begins inflating it, using a powerful fan at the base of the envelope. When there is enough air in the balloon, the crew blasts the burner flame into the envelope mouth, this heats up the air, building pressure until the balloon inflates all the way and starts to lift off the ground! But watch out one must be quick to jump in and our guests did just that.

But I digress… here every one chipped in including the future bride and groom and before you knew it was up, up and away!!! It’s hard to resist as one hundred feet of wispy nylon majestically rises, the air is stable, and the winds are calm. All four balloons flew together in harmony. The flight itself was so tranquil and serene; the only sound was the dragon like roar of the burners from each balloon. The views were breathtaking; here the guests were magically transported above the Loire Valley and its beautiful castles, gliding over le Château de Chenonceau and le Château de Razay. Next they flew over the countryside and its glorious forests. The big surprise was when suddenly and just as if it was staged, a mother doe ran across the entire field anxiously looking for her baby fawn which was heard from far away but not in plain site calling for her mother. What an unexpected treat this was!

Unfortunately what “goes up” must “go down” and so the balloon ride was coming to an end. Here the guests braced themselves for the landing. The balloon landing can be a little rough, but our experienced pilot bumped along the ground to stop the balloon gradually, to minimize the impact. Next the ground crew held the basket down once it had landed. But this was not the end of the job for our guests and ground crew who began to push the air out of the balloon. Once the balloon was flattened, the crew packed it into a stuff bag. The whole process was like packing a giant sleeping bag! Champagne was served on the premises during the whole process and one could see how thrilled the guests were with this amazing experience.

It’s now 10:30 pm, the guests are all back at the castle tired but invigorated by the balloon ride. A jazz duo entertains everyone for an informal dinner before everyone retires to bed for a well deserved rest.

Saturday:

The wedding party consisted of several children of all ages as well as adults. What does one do with little children all day you might ask? Well the first thing to remember is that a baby-sitter is a must; preferably someone who speaks their language and can translate for them if needed. Here the children along with their sitter played all afternoon on the grounds of the castle, surrounded by jugglers and gestures dressed in medieval costumes. The bouncy castles were a favorite of the kids where they were allowed to bounce, jump, hop, skip and run around till their little heart’s content! Oh what a ball they had! They also played with medieval wooden games which were plenty of fun but kind of tricky and challenging, games like wooden pin-balls, beautiful wooden chess games and trampolines were also available for kids of all ages as well as puppet and magic shows.

While the children were playing… the adults were also having fun on a leisurely bicycle ride through the countryside along the Loire River. The weather was perfect, the guests were all thrilled and smiling, some riding handle-bar free and laughing like children as if to say: “This is soooo wonderful “! Once we passed the giant red poppy fields one could see that everyone was mesmerized by its beauty…there is nothing like the Loire Valley for its flower gardens and its castles clinging to the hillsides and alongside the rivers. From glamorous castles to picture perfect villages our trip was highlighted by a visit to the Château de Chenonceau, a guided tour of the castle spoken both in Russian and English which made everyone feel at ease. The castle stretches from on white stone piers across the river and its grounds are adorned with rose gardens and mazes. Next we went to Amboise, home of King François the 1st as well as home to Leonardo Da Vinci where he spent the last three years of his life. Here we visited the Da Vinci home and viewed his inventions at the museum. Then we treated ourselves to plenty of shopping.

Its evening and we are back at the castle for an early dinner, buffet style and relaxed with the soothing sounds of the harp and singer. A magician visited each table and amazed us with his magic tricks. Afterwards at the end of the dinner, and for those of us with “two left feet” we were entertained with a ballroom dance show as well as dance lessons from the pros featuring the Cha-Cha and of course the elegant Waltz. Everyone was very grateful for the lessons as we now can show off the next day for the wedding!

Sunday Wedding Day:

Before the actual ceremony started guests lounged at the pool then enjoyed a casual lunch of wine and cheese at the Troglodyte cave of the castle. Here bottles of fine wines dating back to the bride and groom’s date of birth were opened and was a lot of fun.

In the meantime the bride and groom prepared for their big day, the castle provided three private hairdressers and one make-up artist to care for the wedding party guests. We were only expecting the woman that morning at the salon but soon the men as well as the groom joined in as well for a quick trim! The little girls also came in early that day to get their hair done, but later could not resist the beautiful pool and ended up jumping in before the ceremony with their pretty new hairdo’s. Meanwhile the bride was expertly cared for in a private room in front of a sunny window while some guests peaked in and took pictures. The groom also was seen in another room fixing his tie and smiling for the cameras.

And now the big event we all waited for had finally arrived and the ceremony started!

The bride and groom each came down the castle stairs separately, escorted by their respective family members to finally arrive at the bottom of some eighty stone steps. They slowly walked down the beautiful red carpet aisle decorated with thousands of multi colored rose petals. There the guests were seated facing the Huppa and the beautiful castle in plain view.

The bride wore a dazzling long strapless gown with lace and tiny sequins and a long train. Her head was covered with a traditional tulle veil which later revealed her beautiful hair styled with swirls of blond curls each adorned with single pins made of pearls. Her jewelry was simple but pretty; a white satin ribbon around her neck with a small diamond pendant in the shape of a flower. Her bouquet was made of pale peach colored roses and white freesias surrounded by fresh ivy leaves.

The groom looks tense but then relaxed when the couple joined hands and gathered under the traditional Huppa to meet the Rabbi who had arrived from London to perform the ceremony. After the blessings, came the rings then the sipping of the wine and finally, the breaking of the glass. This signaled the guests to shout “Mazel Tov”! Let the party begin… The entire ceremony was filmed live to be viewed through a private internet website for family and friends in Australia and Russia who could not attend the wedding. Bride and Groom toasted with their glasses of Champagne before the end of the transmission. The couple walked down the aisle while little children carrying wicker baskets threw rose petals. What a site! Spectacular pictures were then taken outside on the grounds of the castle by a professional photographer hired by their wedding planner Caroline Berthe.

Now its party time and all the guests return to the castle for cocktails. Dom Perignon 1998 Champagne flowed; foie gras, oysters and numerous French canapé appetizers where served, live jazz was playing and a few very talented singers, who to my surprise were actually guests, joined in the band and song a few songs! Dinner was served outside under a tent, tables were decorated with orchids and papyrus leaves, a live band sang Jewish songs. Next came the raising of the chairs, a time honored Jewish wedding tradition where the wedding couple and sometimes, their parents are hoisted up on chairs and into the air. Guests were laughing, singing and dancing. I even caught a glimpse of a pretty blond woman at a table laughing while smoking a distinguished cigar…and a couple of men dancing the typical Russian dances kicking their feet low onto the dance floor while the rest of the guests clapped and encouraged them..

And now for the grand finale! The bride and groom filled a Champagne glass pyramid with Vouvray, a wonderful local Champagne, proceeded by the cutting of the cake which in this case was a traditional French wedding specialty called “croquembouche” consisting of a giant tower of caramel-glazed cream puffs. Sparklers lit up the cakes which was perfectly coordinated with the start of a dazzling firework show which lasted a whole ten minutes! Dancing followed till the end of the night…

This WAS truly a wedding to remember!

References: www.wikipedia.com, theknot.com,majicjump.com, http://science,howstuffworks.com, www.1800skyride.com, infohub.com,

Timing for Orders and Mailing

Wedding invitations are usually mailed six to eight weeks before the wedding date. To place your invitation order in time, count backward from your mailing date. As a general rule, plan on at least two months for printing and delivery of formal invitations, enclosures and envelopes. The wait may be less for nontraditional invitations, but get a reasonable time frame from your stationer or supplier.

If planning a Destination Wedding in a foreign country, you will want to make allowances for extra time, generally six months to mail all your invitations to your wedding planner who will then mail them back directly to your guests from abroad with a distinctive foreign stamp. This time frame also allows for delays in RSVP from your guests as well as time needed for your wedding planner to book transportation, hotels and activities abroad.

Here are Invitation Tips from “Peggy Post”, Emily Post’s great grand daughter in law, who is today’s recognized leading authority on “Etiquette”:

What’s Your Style?

Traditional Formal Invitations

The formal wedding invitation has a precise form and style. It’s printed on a heavy-weight paper of ivory, soft cream, or white. The paper can be flat or have a raised plate mark or margin. Formal invitations may be a large double sheet that is folded twice, a sheet folded once, or a single sheet. The lettering style for a formal invitation is generally classic and conservative, a serif type such as Roman and is printed in black or dark gray ink.

Traditional Wording for a Wedding Invitation

Invitations are customarily written in third-person style, and the wording and spelling are governed by the following conventions:

§ The words “honour” and “favour” (“the favour of a reply…”) are traditionally written in the British style. But the American spellings, “honor” and “favor” are acceptable.

§ The phrase “request the honor of your presence” is correct for an invitation to a ceremony held in a house of worship and may also be used for formal and semiformal weddings in other locations.

§ For invitations to a reception only, the wording is “request the pleasure of your company…”

§ While traditional invitations use the phrase “at the marriage of” it is correct to alter the wording to make grammatical sense in a less formal invitation. For example: “invite you to the wedding of”.

§ When a Roman Catholic mass is part of the ceremony, invitations may include the phrase “and your participation in the offering of the Nuptial Mass” on a separate line below the groom’s name.

§ There is no punctuation except periods after abbreviations (Mr., Mrs.,) and when phrases requiring commas appear in one line (“on Saturday, the ninth of December”). “Senior” and “Junior” may be abbreviated.

§ Names on invitations are written in full. Initials are not used. If someone prefers not to use his or her first or middle name, leave it out.

§ Numbers in the street address mentioned on the invitation are written in numerals: “3737 West End Avenue”. But when there is just one number, it is spelled out: “Thirty West End Avenue”.

§ Half hours are written as “half after seven o’clock” not “half past seven” or “seven thirty”.

§ Numbers in the date of the wedding are spelled out: “the twenty-sixth of July”, this form is perfectly correct. The year is spelled out” two thousand and eight”. The full date of the wedding, including year is always used in wedding announcement.

§ When the invitation is to the wedding only, it does not include an RSVP.

§ The invitation to the reception only or a combined ceremony-reception invitation does request a reply either RSVP or “The favor of a reply is requested.”

Semiformal and Informal Invitations

Semiformal and Informal invitations are often written in a more intimate, first-person tone, though the information is the same as in a formal invitation. The paper and design might incorporate the theme of the wedding, and stationery manufacturers now offer a wide variety of color schemes, borders, and designs. Color inks and contemporary type faces are acceptable, so long as they are easy to read. Today’s couples may prefer to design their invitations to reflect the nature of the occasion and their personal style.

Please Save the Date

Save-the-date cards, giving advance notice of an upcoming wedding, can be very helpful to guests who must make travel plans or when the wedding will be held at a time when there may be conflicts with other activities, such as on major holidays.

Save-the-Date cards are especially useful for alerting guests about a Destination Wedding and a thoughtful gesture, giving guests plenty of time to book flights.

Save-the-Date cards are usually mailed three to four months prior to the wedding. In the case of a Destination Wedding at a distant location, your wedding planner will notify you on when to send your save-the-date cards.

This is done as soon as you finalize the wedding date and confirm the reception hall.

Be sure that everyone who receives a save-the-date card also receives an invitation. Printed on single, standard invitation-sized or postcard-like cards, save-the-date can be informal or formal to match the style of the upcoming wedding or event.

Hand Written Invitations

If your wedding is small and informal, you might consider hand-writing the invitations yourself or hiring a calligrapher to do them. Long after the advent of the printing press, the aristocracy continued to have their invitations hand-lettered as a sign of status. But, this is a major undertaking when the guest list is lengthy. Generally, handwritten notes and invitations are suited for small weddings at which the guest company will be made up of family and close friends. Notes can be written by the bride and groom and /or their families, and each invitation can be issued by the person closest to the invitee. A note must convey the necessary information and can be as original and personal as the writer wishes.

Invitation to the Reception

When all guests are invited to both the ceremony and the reception, you can combine the invitation.

Six Invitation Mistakes to Avoid

The beauty of the traditional invitation is that it’s hard to get wrong. Still mistakes happen, and the time to catch them is before anything is printed.

§ Spelling errors can be avoided by checking, double checking, and having others check your wording. Be particularly attentive to the names and addresses of ceremony and reception sites and the spellings of all names.

§ Any mention of gifts or listing of gift registries in unacceptable. Also do not include a note like “No gifts, please.”

§ If you don’t want children, don’t invite them. Never add notations such as “no children” or “Adults only” to the invitation.

§ Dress notations are not included on a wedding invitation unless the ceremony and reception invitations are combined. If it’s essential to indicate” black tie” or “white tie”, the notation is printed on the lower right corner of the reception invitation.

§ References to food and alcohol service are not included on invitations, although food choices may be mentioned on reply cards.

A Mailing for Travelers

Out-of-town guests usually need to know more than can be included on a direction card, so you may want to prepare a separate mailing. If you are considering a Destination Wedding Abroad, your wedding consultant will provide you with all the necessary information.

JUST REMEMBER …that the way you decide to make the announcement – through your choice of paper, format, type style, printing method and embellishment – will make a first and lasting impression of your wedding, hinting at the tone and of the event just weeks away and serving as a keepsake for years to come!

If you are planning a Destination Wedding abroad and would like to know more about the etiquette of that particular country is, simply contact us at our website and we will run a full article on our next blog.

References: www.wikipedia.com, www.peggypost.com, www.affordableweddinginvitations.net,

DREAM RENAISSANCE CASTLE (<– Check this location on our website !)

Is there a more romantic idea than renting a real private historic castle?… a castle located nearby the Châteaux of the Loire Valley, Romanesque Abbeys and Medieval Cities. Here you are almost transported a few centuries back in time… in a Dream Renaissance Castle.

Location:

Discover the impressive cultural heritage of this beautiful region of France. Located in the Loire Valley this castle is just under an hour from Paris on the TGV, France’s high-speed bullet train; you can also ride the TGV train directly from Charles de Gaulle to the local airport not far from the castle in only one and a half hours and offers very attractive low prices. Not far away one will be mesmerized by the many historic Châteaux of Europe such as Chenonceau, Chambord, Amboise and Leonard Da Vinci’s famous mansion where he spent the last three years of his life.

Décor:

This is a magnificent 14^th Century castle offering spacious and refined rooms and apartments. Views of this Renaissance castle are perched atop its picture-perfect hill. Guest rooms range from the grandiose to the more standard-issue, yet always with stylish salons and period furniture. Once the home of several French kings and their royal “mistresses”, it is not surprising to find the elegance of this château to be fit for a King. Large marble fire-places in the foyer and great hall bring a sense of warmth and luxury to these rooms. Vaulted ceilings combined with velvet period armchairs rest on beautiful hand crafted floors. Dripping, luxurious red velvet curtains are hung atop the 20 foot ceilings and are adorned by magnificent bronze and gold chandeliers. The castle features 22 outstanding and spacious rooms to accommodate all your guests, some with canopy beds and large fire-places, others with exposed beams from the 16^th century and lovely views of the front courtyard.

Ceremony and Reception:

Imagine riding in a horse and carriage, a short distance away to exchange your wedding vows in the village’s local church. For your ceremony, the castle will accommodate you and guests outside on the magnificent grounds. Cocktails can be served on the terrace overlooking its superb “ jardins français” or formal gardens. Dinner will follow in a grand reception room (3,440 square feet) featuring a beautiful stone vaulted ceiling, this dinning room seats up to 100 guests. Pictures can be taken in the garden, in front of the castle, or even facing its famous “potager” vegetable garden. But whichever site your photographer chooses, you are sure to be pleased.

Leisure Activities:

On the premises enjoy a game of tennis on the outdoor courts or relax in the outdoor heated swimming pool.

Hot air Balloon rides, horseback riding, wine and cheese tasting at impeccably kept wineries, canoeing and kayaking along the river. For half or full day excursions, visit the historical castles and gardens of the Loire Valley; enjoy sound and light shows at the castles or rent a bicycle for a leisurely visit near the Renaissance Dream Castle. Also of interest your guests will enjoy the famous “Festival de la Tomate”, this whimsical garden grows 300 or so varieties of tomatoes disguised in many different ways such as chutneys, sauces, beauty creams, medicine, paintings, sculptures and alcoholic concoctions, a visit not to be missed… A major feature of the area around Saumur are the fascinating Troglodyte caves which offer lots of scope for a variety of visits for you are your friends encompassing underground museums, mushroom caves, wine cellars, restaurants and even a zoo which are all given a different slant because of their unusual setting.

References: www.wikipedia.com, www.fodors.com, www.nationmaster.com, http://frenchduck.com, www.a-castle-for-rent.com, www.jpmoser.com

MARIE-ANTOINETTE THEME WEDDING

The French inspired style of decadence has been a strong trend in the past couple of years for destination weddings to France and Italy. Both France and Italy have an abundance of Châteaux reminiscent of the glorious Versailles Palace. 18^th Century Palaces and Villas adorn Florence and Venice and sumptuous Châteaux in the Loire Valley of France. All can accommodate small or large wedding receptions.

Many couples have seen the charm of Paris-Theme receptions over the past few years. In fact, it’s possible that this devotion to France and its Châteaux has turned into a craze, especially now that Eva Longoria of Desperate Housewives and fiancé Tony Parker held their lavish nuptials in a swanky Château just south of Paris called Château de Vaux-Le-Vicomte.

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

Vaux-le-Vicomte was in many ways the most influential work built in Europe in the mid-17^th century. It is located 34 miles southeast of Paris and was the work of three geniuses of the 17^th century: the architect Le Vau, the painter and sculptor Le Brun and the landscape gardener Le Nôtre. The building impressed King Louis XIV so much that he commissioned the same three men to create the Château de Versailles. The first view of Vaux-le-Vicomte and its grounds is breathtaking. It is smaller than Versailles however the gardens are spectacular. In fact several scenes from Sophia Coppolla’s award winning movie “Marie-Antoinette” were filmed on location in the gardens of the Château; you surely remember the fire works for Marie-Antoinette’s birthday, or the playful boat scene with her friends as well as the promenades in the gardens.

Inspired by the fashion epic, Marie-Antoinette, decadent reception décor is a must. Brides will show a flair of bourgeoisie by boasting big gowns, brocade, gilded colors, hand written invitations, lush floral centerpieces, champagne-tasting bars, seven course meals and dessert displays.

Your Marie-Antoinette Wedding Theme

The Inspiration: Kirsten Dunst in Sophia Coppola’s award winning movie

“Marie-Antoinette”

The Theme: Romantic, Whimsical and Decadent.

The Motto: More is better!

The Metallic: Gold, Gold and More Gold, Silver, Precious Jewels also. Mix them up.

The Venue: A grand ballroom with airy, light décor and paisleys. Look for sand-colored patterns on the walls, (damask, toile), grand chandeliers, over the top molding, drapes and valance combinations with lavish tassels.

Colors: Focus on neutrals on the pastel end of the wheel for your base: porcelain, pale pink, and peach, oyster, shell and pearl. Accent with frothy, feminine colors that aren’t oversaturated: dusty rose, salmon, celadon and pale blue.

Textures: Silky damasks in multiple layers. Avoid using the same combinations at every table but use complimentary colors. A must have: Plumes, plumes and more plumes! Think fans, vintage shoe clips, hair embellishments, centerpieces and boutonnieres; chunky, vintage style jewelry such as chandelier earrings, sparkling chokers and satin ribbons on the neck, bouquet wraps and stationery.

Flowers: Roses, roses, roses!

Plenty of roses, peonies and hydrangeas will complement your rich neutral palette of colors.

Wedding Cake: A festive croquembouche or macaroons cake such as the ones made by Ladurée in Paris as well as a dessert buffet, with tons of tiny pastries for guests to help themselves to.

Must-Haves: Gold chargers, luxurious napkins folded into a fleur-de-lys, silk fans opened on a plate with a hand written guest tag in gold calligraphy, rose topiaries on the tables, parasols, satin bows, gloves and ruffles, garters and tiaras, tulle, silk and taffeta. Masquerade masks for you and your bridal party is a must!

Additional touches: Champagne fountains with rose petals floating in a basin and decadent chocolate fountains. Find the best ostrich plume pen to compliment your satin damask guestbook. Lastly adorn your fingers with pink sapphire costume rings which Marie-Antoinette loved as well as plenty of pearls!

References: Retrieved from official website of the chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte, www.wikipedia.org, www.weddingfavorstolove.com, www.palmbeachdailynews.com, www.wedsmack.com, www.weddingbycolor.com, www.favorideas.com, www.findgalegroup.com,www.etsy.com, www.fodors.com,  

La Cornouaille

A true capsule of Brittany’s past, Cornouialle once a medieval kingdom is still known today in France as “the most Breton part of Brittany “.

PONT L’ABBE

This is the most traditional of all Cornouaille towns, and thus the most traditional town in Brittany. The town rises above a harbor at the estuary of the Odet River twenty miles south of Quimper. Here the old women still wear the tallest of Brittany’s sixty-six regional coiffes. Pont L’Abbé has long been known for its intricate embroidery, which adorns both coiffes and black velvet costumes.

QUIMPER

The twin steeples of Quimper’s Saint Corentin cathedral, set in the town’s main square dominates the skyline of this old capital of Cornouaille. Several old cobblestone streets lead into the Place Saint-Germain and are still lined with four-hundred year old houses, handsome mansions and chestnut trees. Once a year at the end of July the town host one of the largest and liveliest folk festivals in Brittany, La Fete de la Cornouialle. For a full week the town becomes a stage for the program of parades, dances, musical events and theatrical performances. Quimper is also world renowned for its Faienceries. The faience industry was founded in the 17^th century and today these white-glazed faience depicting painted Breton figures, flowers, and symbols are sold throughout the world.

PONT-AVEN

Pont-Aven draws its many French and foreign tourists with its historic legacy as a once-important artistic community of Post-Impressionists. Shortly after his arrival in Brittany, Paul Gauguin invited a group of young Post-Impressionists to come and paint with him in Pont-Aven; these included both French and American painters who eventually formed the Pont-Aven School of painters. Pont-Aven streets are filled with antique shops, and enchanting chaumieres, (thatched roof cottages).

Saint-Malo

An ancient, wall city surrounded by 13^th century ramparts, Saint-Malo was badly damaged during the bombing raid in World War II. Most of the old city of Saint-Malo was totally destroyed. Devastated after the war, the people regrouped and restored the old city, virtually to the last stone. The old city is almost entirely surrounded by water and by the strong North Atlantic winds. Even as a pastime, sailing in Brittany is a rugged activity, requiring skill, stamina and protective gear. Sailboat races in the Saint-Malo harbor are an on going tradition.

Mont Saint-Michel

Le Mont Saint-Michel is to France, Victor Hugo said “ what the Great Pyramid is to Egypt” The most visited attraction in France, Le Mont St-Michel is an island which rises off the NE coast of Brittany and is joined by a walkway to the mainland. Resting on top of this very high island is a fascinating monastery.

Gastronomy

Seafood platter

Breton seafood platter
The authentic Breton seafood platter must contain at least three types of crustaceans and three of shellfish. However, the composition varies depending on the season, and the life cycle of the crustaceans and shellfish. Frequently it comprises crabs, various types of oysters and clams, periwinkle, shrimps or Langoustines and prawns…served on a bed of seaweed.

Climate

Located on the west coast of France, Brittany has a warm, temperate climate. Rainfalls occur regularly which has helped keep its countryside lush, green and wooded, but sunny, cloudless days are also common.

In the summer months, temperatures in the regions can reach 86 degrees Fahrenheit, but remain comfortable compared to parts of France south of the Loire. Brittany attracts summer tourists from its neighboring countries in Germany, England, Sweden, Denmark but also Spain since their summers are too hot.

Transportation

There are several airports in Brittany which serve destinations in France and England. TGV or bullet train services link the region with cities such as Paris, Lyon and Marseille. In addition if you prefer to travel by sea, there are many ferry services that take passengers and their cars to Ireland, England and the Channel Islands.

Why you should get married in Bretagne

Brittany or Bretagne as it is called in France is the country’s most beautiful and rugged region. Brittany is a fascinating mix of spectacular coastline, ancient towns, magical islands and inland woods. It is a land rich in culture, tradition and history. When you travel through this peninsula, you’ll discover people whose language, customs and dress remain a vivid homage to their past.

Bretons are renowned for their friendliness and many speak French as well as Breton (a Celtic-based language similar to Welsh) and English. The province takes on a medieval feeling as many of the people still wear traditional lace head-dresses and the region seeps with fairy-tale stories and fables. Said to be the final resting place of Merlin and where King Arthur and Guinevere married, Bretons are famous for their supernatural stories, creatures and magical fountains. Brittany has an abundance of Chateaux and Manors which will accommodate any wedding.

References: www.Wikipedia.com,Pierre Deux Brittany, www.fodors.com, www.westernfrancetouristboard.com, www.answers.com,

Our blog is under progress so come back whenever you want to see our news !

Sincerely,

Chateau and Villa Weddings Team