Vegan Wedding in Paris
It is my sincere belief that everything happens for a reason! A few weeks after we posted a blog article about the catering of gluten free and vegan wedding meals, we got an inquiry about our full wedding planning service from Jennie and Richard, a trendy couple of a Cuban and Philippine background, living in SoHo, New York.
During a week in Paris, they chose a beautiful French Castle 1 hour drive north of Paris as a perfect wedding venue. But, still, they were looking for someone to organize an entirely vegan wedding in Paris.
Having personally tried the vegetarian style for a few weeks, we welcomed the challenge, partnered to work together as a team, and connected instantly. We adore when the groom and the bride to be are so involved in the planning process.
Soon, Jennie and Richard returned to Paris to check out all exciting things we selected for them. They envisioned a glamorous and stylish four-day event, including all the best that Paris has to offer.
Nevertheless, there is one single thing that we can’t predict and control – the weather. Unfortunately, Paris unlucky experienced one of the worst flooding of the Seine River on the supposed Gala Night. Thus, our planned private luxury cruise had to be replaced on a very short notice. I must admit that Jennie had shown an enormous amount of courage that I simply admired and will always keep in my heart as a lesson of wisdom! That’s why I keep saying that for a wedding planner a wedding goes way beyond planning! Enjoy the fabulous pictures of Gabriel Basilico Photography.
‘ THE WELCOME NIGHT ‘
The spectacular, unique rooftop at the Salon Hoche, a few blocks away from the iconic Champs Elysée Avenue was the perfect scene for a chill and Parisian welcome party. We chose a grand white veranda, adorned with fairy light trees and white orchids, and purple floral grand entrance as decor. For the occasion, the father of the groom welcomed the 65 guests arriving from all corners of the world with a mind-blowing wine tasting, including an extravagant vintage Cristal Roederer Champagne and some of the finest Bordeaux Wine.
A buffet of delicious vegan cocktail pieces, pies, fruit salads and quiche surprised everyone. It felt like all the guests were privileged and honored to be there. It was followed by a superb private concert by talented Carly Bryan, who played the best pieces of a modern pop-rock repertoire.
‘ THE GALA NIGHT ‘
Although it was almost impossible to match the standard of the originated planned luxury privatized cruise, the magnificent Salons des Arts & Métiers and their A-team made the impossible to substitute the Plan A. And, they indeed succeeded!
The chef catered the same vegan dinner, while the cake designer Synies made some delicious vegan brownie with chocolate mousse. The idea was to entertain the guest by providing them an extraordinary experience, so we turned the venue into a little cabaret. A classical duet with a glass of champagne and canapé welcomed the guests, who once again blow our minds with their exquisite outfit and gala dresses.
The star of the night was undeniably the bride-to-be who wore a magnificent black and white haute couture gown, with a tiara and a cascade of diamonds. Later, we had an incredible show of a Bouglionne Circus Artist. We ended the night with a Jazz concert, which made everybody dance smoothly.
‘ THE WEDDING DAY ‘
For the wedding day, we privatized the beautiful castle of Ermenonville, famous for being owned by the International Krishna society for 20 years… Early in the morning, the wedding party arrived at the venue for a rehearsal ceremony.
Later, a fabulous team of hair and makeup artist took care of the bridal party. It was also the occasion to discover the first vegan Louboutin shoes ever made, which perfectly match the gorgeous hand-made Galia Lahav wedding gown.
The Christian ceremony was conducted in Spanish in the backyards, by a friend of the couple who happens to be a priest. Besides, we had some beautiful and original interventions of guests who read poems, and a classical duet playing through the ceremony.
Then, the guests enjoyed the four course vegan wedding dinner and listened to emotional speeches of the parents, the groom, and the best man. Jennie and Richard reproduced their first dance of 15 years ago when they fell in love.
The night followed by a captivating firework, a fire lantern ceremony, and of course, lots of dancing thanks an incredible female DJ, who started to fire the dance floor with some Cuban vibes. Surely, none of the guests will forget this magical night in the French Castle.
‘ THE BRUNCH ‘
The great night ended, the couple was officially married. The post-wedding brunch was an excellent way to wind down the weekend festivities. Jennie and Richard enjoyed the last opportunity to thank their guests and spend a little more time with loved ones. Most of the guests were wearing some beautiful springish and floral outfit.
Once again, a private chef catered an incredible menu made of vegan salads. What really touched me, is that none of the guests complained about the fact that there was absolutely no meats and fish during the entire wedding. They proved to the couple how much they respected their decision and a way of living; those friends were like stars!
