Anna & Richard's France wedding checklist

Anna and Richard, an Irish couple, were married in a destination ceremony at Château de Garde in Saint-Émilion, France on July 5, 2025. According to a report by One Fab Day, 80 guests attended the wedding, which the couple designed to feel like an intimate dinner party rather than a formal event.

The couple first met in February 2020 on a ski trip to Tignes, France. They got engaged at Ballyfin Demesne in County Laois. Choosing France for their wedding was an obvious decision, Anna explained, as it was where they met and a place they both loved.

Wedding Ceremony Checklist

Anna and Richard's planning highlights what can be needed for a wedding ceremony, especially for a destination event. The venue was a dry-hire chateau, which required more coordination but allowed for personalization. Their legal marriage took place in Dublin a month prior, making the French event a celebration.

Key elements from their ceremony checklist included:

Personal Ceremony Touches

The ceremony was filled with personal details. Anna walked down the aisle to a song from the movie Father of the Bride as a tribute to her late father. She also had a charm with his photo on her bouquet. A string quartet played, including Elvis Presley's Can't Help Falling in Love.

Friends did readings from authors Dolly Alderton and Mark Twain. The couple's first dance was to Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac.

Reception and Catering Details

Food and drink were a major priority for the couple, who describe themselves as big foodies. They worked with a chef to create a menu focused on sustainability and local seasonal ingredients. Each dish was inspired by a holiday or special meal they had shared.

The styling used a classic white and green palette. Large hydrangeas, candlelight, and chandeliers decorated a long dinner table set in the vineyard. A saxophonist played Soul and Motown classics.

Drinks included Negronis and French 75s. Embracing French traditions, they served a croquembouche for dessert. Late-night food featured a crepe stand plus French patisserie and charcuterie stations.

The celebration concluded with a Veuve Champagne tower and a surprise fireworks display. The following day, guests enjoyed a rosé and croquet garden party with games like pétanque. The couple honeymooned with a road trip across Provence.