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Fairytale French Wedding Courtesy of The Left Bank Chicago

When our ideas and creativity are challenged, we look to our partner at The Left Bank in Chicago and their Everything But The Dress Blog for ideas they’d like to share with our readers. Once again, they came through. Below is their dream French wedding:

As avid Francophiles, we would love to host a fairytale French wedding. Become a true princess bride and rent a luxury French chateau in the heart of the Loire Valley, just two hours outside Paris.  The Chateau de Guerinet is a breathtaking castle filled with spectacular French  architectural details. If you’ve ever dreamt of a wedding in France, you must set your eyes on this property that offers amazing rentals for an intimate French wedding.

Here are our picks for must wear jewelry to your French Wedding.

Our exclusive “Les Beaux” tiara

The Parisienne Chandelier Earring

The Duchess Cuff Bracelet

For other jewelry ideas, please visit their web site to view their beautiful Wedding Jewelry. You also have the convenience of purchasing online!

A Fairy Tale Wedding in Scotland

The story for this wedding is wonderfully romantic and storybook …but very long. I’m told young girls don’t like to “read all that stuff” and would prefer big pictures. So, my apologies to the bride and groom, I really shortened this one, but I encourage everyone to take the time and read the full story here.

Maegan Bardes & Brian Ernsthausen
September 1^st, 2009
Ceremony and Wedding Reception Dinner:
Dalhousie Castle, Bonnyrigg, Edinburgh, Scotland EH19 3JB

Maegan and Brian wanted something different than the normal church wedding and reception. Since they go on a big scale European vacation every 3 years and 2009 was the next big trip, they decided to combine the wedding and honeymoon into their trip to England and Scotland.

The destination wedding was Dalhousie Castle, a castle steeped in Scottish history. Maegan recommends that there are two things to consider if you’re doing a destination wedding: hire a wedding planner and if you have to have wedding VISAS then go through a VISA company. They did it themselves the first time and were denied which added a lot of stress.

Originally, Maegan was going to go the traditional wedding gown, but her mother found a plaid wedding gown that was perfect for her. She found the plaid after extensive searching though a company called Lochcarron of Scotland. She then found a local seamstress to make the dress who had nothing to go by except a picture from the Internet. You can see the results in the pictures.

The wedding party of 15 stayed at the castle. The rooms within the castle are very old and just what you would expect out of a unique venue like this. The castle is run very much like a B&B, so you can wander around pretty much wherever you like. The themed bedrooms are very upscale, just what you would expect from a Von Essen property. Brian and Maegan had the Mary Queen of Scots honeymoon suite which is one of two historic rooms in the castle.

You can organize private falconry displays for your guests during your stay for an additional fee. They also offer “owl delivery” for your wedding rings for an additional fee. Maegan jumped on this, because it was so magical. Their owl’s name was Teddy. So when it is time for the rings during the ceremony, the owl flies down to the Best Man’s glove with the ring bag and “delivers” the rings in the chapel. This is a very cool addition and is only offered to those having religious ceremonies.

Their wedding day would not have been complete without the Star of the castle which was Pipe Sergeant, Andrew Sharp. Maegan sent him 5 songs to play since they didn’t plan on having any other music at my ceremony. He piped in all of the guests and then he came up stairs and met the wedding party in the honeymoon suite. Andrew piped Maegan, her mom, her sister, and dad all the way down the stairs to the entrance of the chapel. Then it was Maegan and her Dad’s turn. Andrew learned a special song for her bridal processional that she had found on the internet.

The entire wedding was a fairytale come true for Brian and Maegan. The castle, the people and their honeymoon was amazing and it was a trip of a lifetime.

• Photography – Gary Donihoo and Kym Skiles F8 Studio www.f8studio.com
• Flowers – Bryan’s Farm Florist http://www.bryansfarmflorist.co.uk/
• Makeup – Jo Bechard Makeup www.jobechardmakeup.co.uk
• Music – Andrew Sharp, Pipe Sergeant (Bag Piper)
• Minister – Reverend William Brown
• Falconry – Falconry Scotland http://www.falconryscotland.co.uk/
• Dalhousie Castle – www.dalhousiecastle.co.uk
• Fit Tailor – Mai – Plano, TX – Park/Preston
• Lochcarron of Scotland – www.lochcarron.com
• Melville Golf Centre – http://www.melvillegolf.co.uk/

Top Bridal Fashions for 2009

One of the main trends for 2009 is floral details. Almost every designer on the catwalks featured a bridal design with flowers, in all shapes and sizes, from delicate floral embroidered lace to bold Mikado rose petal skirts. “There are few things as feminine and beautiful as a flower. It is the perfect complement to bridal fashion, and a fabulous way to give your dress that extra delicate touch.”

It is hard to imagine wearing a short dress as a wedding gown, but bridal designers are big supporters of the short hemline this year. For the destination wedding, summer nuptial or the bride who wants a bit of edgy style, this look is perfect. “Often brides overlook finding the dress that suits the season of their wedding, the mini dress is perfect for the summer event.”

Visit our StrictlyWeddings.com Partners

Destination Wedding Tips

• Each of your guests has unique needs. They are coming from different cities, and may stay for different lengths of time. You don’t want to be in the middle of all of that chaos. Find someone you trust to manage your guests or hire a professional so that it will go more smoothly and you can focus on your special day.
• Create a realistic budget. In today’s economy you want to be considerate of everyone’s budget – yours, your parents, your friends and family. The more affordable it is, the easier it is for more people to attend. However, you don’t want to book at a resort that doesn’t meet your needs as a wedding couple. Contact one of our partners to help you plan the perfect destination.
• Timing is everything. The perfect time to put your arrangements in place is between six to ten months prior to your date. You’ll want to send “Save the Date” cards out in plenty of time for your guests to arrange their schedules.
• Ask before you confirm. If there is anyone who absolutely must attend or your heart will break, speak to them first to see if they have any conflicts for the dates you’re considering.
• Relax! The main reason to have a destination wedding is that you can relax! Let us handle the inquiries from your guests, let us help you choose the resort and the destination so there will be no surprises.

StrictlyWeddings.com destination wedding partners.

Destination Weddings – Bridesmaid Considerations

Showing appreciation to your wedding party is a must, especially when they are willing to travel hundreds if not thousands of miles to bear with you.

1. Go easy on the extra expenses — two hundred dollar heels or a designer gown is simply unnecessary and unreasonable for a bridesmaid who’s so giving of her time and finances. If asking your wedding party to travel for your union, be flexible on the actual attire for the day. Consider allowing each lady to choose her own attire, with your approval of course. Or plan a shopping day when you arrive at your destination to find the perfect dresses. A lightweight sundress for the beach is the perfect compliment for the day or a chic vintage cocktail dress would be perfect when marrying in Europe. No matter what, get creative on ways to cut costs for your attendants’ attire.
2. A Spa Day Guys and Dolls — whether it’s golfing for the guys or a full on pamper fest for the ladies, treat your attendants to a day of bonding and relaxation in your destination of choice. After all, it’s their vacation too.
3. Please don’t expect those extra’s — don’t put added stress on your bridal party for extras like an over-the-top bachelorette party in Vegas or a lavish bridal shower. Let them off easy by hinting that simple get-togethers will do for any pre-wedding celebrations and demand no gifts from attendants who are already dishing out lots of cash.
4. Upgrades a winner with all — if your budget allows, consider contacting the hotel where your attendants are staying and upgrade their rooms. Whether you give them an ocean view or complimentary breakfast in bed every morning, they will definitely feel your love and appreciation.
5. Welcome them with Grace and Style — definitely consider gift baskets for your bridal party, if for no one else. Fill it with all the goodies they will need throughout their stay. When going tropical, give them sunblock, lip balm, after sun lotion, waterproof cameras and other treats that will get them beach ready. If heading off to wintery climes, a lush scarf, hot cocoa with marshmallows and extra thick socks are perfect.
6. Let’s Spoil the Family — if your attendants are traveling with their spouses or children, be sure to do something extra special for the family. In Hawaii, set up lei making classes for the kids, while sending your attendants and significant others off for duo massages. In Mexico, set up a private dinner in seaside cabanas for each couple.
7. Make it effortless — whatever happens, make the travel plans for your wedding party as easy as possible. Have your wedding planner or travel agent do all of the footwork, researching the best accommodations and fun activities each attendant might enjoy. Also, don’t forget to provide an itinerary for each member of your bridal party so they can be plan for their trip accordingly.
8. Down time a must — when planning the week’s celebrations, don’t forget to allow each attendant some down time. Give them the opportunity to explore the location on their own and partake in activities that you may not have incorporated into the week’s events.

No matter what, showing care and consideration for each person in your out-of-town wedding party will help you create the memories that will last a lifetime, not just for you, but for them as well.

StrictlyWeddings.com Destination Wedding Partners

Photographs Courtesty of Larry Sengbush, Photography