A glamorous and intimate surprise elopement in the heart of Bordeaux
Lovebirds Katrina and Andrew Fahey came from the Golden Coast, Australia, where they live with their three children Ethan, Amber and Sienna to get married in Bordeaux, in France. They decided to say "Yes!" to each other in France, where it all began for them several years ago. Since their love story began in Paris (at the Eiffel Tower precisely), what could be more romantic than a surprise elopement at this iconic place?
Keep reading to see how Charlotte Poésie Wedding Planner brought their dazzling vision to life - while surprising ten of the couple's closest friends and family. All photography was beautifully captured by Koral Bleu.
The day before the wedding, after a romantic stroll through the streets of Bordeaux, Andrew and Katrina bought their wedding rings from a major jeweler in Bordeaux, Mornier.
Unique & dazzling Elie Saab
Katrina asked Agence Charlotte Poésie to source several dresses in Paris 4 days before the wedding, as she only had one afternoon to try on and find her dress. Katrina chose a glamorous and unconventional long dress embroidered with multiple shades of gold, designed by Elie Saab. Paris is a city of mode after all - making this unique choice an absolute statement piece.
A destination family affair
Family was at the heart of this destination elopement! Kat and Andy are passionate about travel, Europe especially, they travel there regularly. After a stopover in Paris for a few days to visit, they came to Bordeaux with 10 guests: their family and friends for holidays, very close to Saint-Emilion, a charming little village. They surprised all their close family and friends on July 6 at their wedding at the five stars hotel InterContinental Grand Hotel in Bordeaux.
Music was key to the romance
Music was very present for this wedding, with 2 live bands and a DJ from Satisfaction Event. A classic live band consisting of a violinist, guitarist and flutist begins the ceremony with Kat & Andy's love song, "Can't Help Falling In Love" by Elvis Presley. A truly emotional moment was when Katrina made her ceremony entrance to this special musical accompaniment. Blanca Bertely created the ceremony in 2 weeks with some calls and mail exchanges with the couple. After the ceremony, the live band then followed them onto the hotel rooftop to play some jazzy tunes.
Glamorous red & pink rose ceremony
Charlotte Poésie Wedding Planner's ceremony design for Katrina and Andrew was in osmosis with the Intercontinental Grand Hotel de Bordeaux, the colors red, powder pink, white, nude, allowed to accentuate this "Frenchie" side, graphic flowers by Les Mauvaises Herbes were selected, including traditional pink and red roses.
The modernity of the floral design by Les Mauvaises Herbes and Kartell crystal chairs furniture blends with the classic and historic design of the place to bring balance and best represent the couple.
This wedding was organized by the Charlotte Poésie Wedding Planner Agency, based in France, which imagined everything in 4 weeks and photographed by Rebecca Patterson from Koral Bleu, based in Seattle.
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"They wanted this elopement to be elegant but casual, open hearted, unexpected… The bride and groom were really very relaxed and experienced their elopement 100%." - Charlotte Poésie Wedding Planner
Modern & romantic floral reception
The reception took place in this iconic place Intercontinental Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux, with a Haussmanian facade, French ceilings, and crystal chandeliers of the Sauternes room listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They chose this iconic venue paired with French gastronomy, great Bordeaux wines, red geraniums on the balconies, all the French codes brought together to experience this elopement.
Touches of gold with graphic porcelain plates signed Bernardaud and Cutipol cutlery - a rental by Maison Options, and the letterpress stationery designed by Le Studio Wallace completed the reception set up.
French gastronomy with sommelier pairings
The bride and groom enjoyed local hors d'oeuvres with oysters from the Arcachon Basin, foie gras and champagne at the cocktail reception, followed by a 3-course dinner of French gastronomy prepared by the chef of the Intercontinental Grand Hotel in Bordeaux.They were also able to taste some of Bordeaux's finest wines, which Andrew wanted sommelier service for, and offered to their friends.
"The couple were determined to perform karaoke with their friends during their wedding. The French gourmet dinner took place in the Sauternes lounge, punctuated by some wild karaoke between courses on iconic music for the couple such as "Shallow" by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. The evening continued with a DJ set on the rooftop where Katrina and Andrew and their loved ones were able to enjoy cocktails, singing "Turn" by Nathalie Imbruglia of course."
Wedding cake cutting for the whole family
The couple cut their wedding cake with their children, before they were looked after by babysitters in their suite. They wanted their children to experience and take part in the moment, and to be able to taste this wedding cake revisited in the French style.
Congratulations Andrew and Katrina! Be sure to check out the full gallery by Koral Bleu below for even more romantic elopement inspiration.
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- Wedding Photographers: Koral Bleu
- Venues: Intercontinental Grand Hotel de Bordeaux
- Event Planning & Design: Charlotte Poésie Wedding Planner
- Flowers: Les Mauvaises Herbes
- Jewelry: Maison Mornier
- Wedding Dresses: Elie Saab
- Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Les Coquettes Party
- Officiants: Blanca Bertely
- Rentals: Maison Options
- Lighting, Entertainment & Photo Booth: Yohan Sati
- Paper Goods & Calligraphy: Le Studio Wallace