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Effortless French country wedding: Monique + Fred

September 29, 2011

About a year ago, Monique + Fred revisited an old farm in Baracé, France, owned by Monique’s parents. It had been left in complete disrepair, until these two decided to get their friends & family’s help to renovate & landscape the space before their wedding. What happened as a result of the hard work, was a breathtaking celebration captured by Claire Eliza. This one has got us gasping, pinching ourselves, and wishing we could just pick up and move to France!

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That’s their little pup, Ketchup. Keep an eye out for him – he’s going to look like a dapper little man in just a few photos from now.

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Our first look was very emotional (though short). I was running an hour late to the ceremony for various reasons, but when Fred turned around and saw me, we both became overwhelmed with waves of emotion – happiness and love – at the exact same second. After that, walking down the aisle and getting married just seemed like an exciting and fun moment together.

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The sweet sounds of “At Last” by Etta James played as Monique + Fred gleefully exited the ceremony.

Listen to it here:

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Decorations were kept simple, all DIY, and totaled around $400. Family style tables were covered with a simple burlap runner stitched with blue thread, white IKEA vases, and jam jars that had been collected over the year prior to the wedding. Monique & friends also went to a farm to pick flowers and made each of the arrangements themselves.

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We told you Mr. Ketchup would be looking sharp in his custom BonChicBonChien suit! And, here’s a little fun fact for you: Miss Claire, who as you know, was the photographer, was also the sweetie behind their cupcakes! She baked them the night before the wedding. A friend who can photograph, and bake? Score.

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A few words from Monique:

Our vendors were so professional,  adaptable, nice, and understood everything we were going for – the people, the dinner, the dancing, the love. The most amazing part about our wedding was all our friends coming together to help make it happen. Without them, there would be no wedding. They all had a part in it. They traveled from around the world to come stay with us and help with the execution. They helped coordinate, carry heavy things, mow the lawn, set equipment up, decorate, they helped with the seating arrangements – everything was a show of the love and respect we all have for one another, and I can’t thank them enough!

Thanks for sharing such a breathtaking wedding with us Claire!

Photographer: Claire Eliza  / Bride’s dress: Blue by Enzoani, purchased at the White Gown in Brooklyn, NY / Bride’s headpiece: Lace tie cap veil: Poshveils, headband: Tand3m / Bride’s shoes: Toms / Earrings: borrowed from friend / Groom’s suit: J.Crew (suit & shirt), MrPorter (tie) / Groom’s shoes: Jack Purcell / Dog outfit: Custom suit from BonChicBonChien / Rentals: BFM Location / Audio: Electronic Loisirs  / Catering: MJ Prestige / Cupcakes: Claire / DJ: OutOne /