Garden wedding: good or bad idea?

the clercs blog

02/11/2023

On this beautiful 3rd of June 2023, love was in the air as Mathilde and Stéphane sealed their union in a truly unique and memorable way. Instead of choosing a traditional wedding — with a princess dress and a grand banquet in a château — this inspiring couple decided to celebrate their love in the intimacy of their own home, right in the heart of their garden.

It’s the story of a love that grew from their high school days, becoming stronger over time until it blossomed into a family of five. With two boys and a girl, Mathilde and Stéphane wanted their wedding to be an authentic celebration, infused with a vintage-chic outdoor vibe, surrounded by family and friends. In this article, I take you through the story of this unforgettable day, which took place at Mathilde and Stéphane’s home, with the majestic Vercors mountains as a breathtaking backdrop.

Planning a garden wedding: the pros and cons of an intimate, personalised celebration

Organising a wedding in your own garden can seem like an ideal option for many couples who want to create an intimate and personalised event. It allows for full control over the setting and décor, while also reducing the costs associated with renting a traditional wedding venue.

Among the advantages of a garden wedding are the ability to fully personalise the space according to your tastes and personality, as well as creating a more relaxed atmosphere for your guests. It can also lead to significant savings on the overall wedding budget.

However, there are also some drawbacks to consider. First of all, organising such an event can be extremely time-consuming, as you will need to manage all logistical aspects, including setting up sound systems and planning a backup solution in case of bad weather. It’s important not to underestimate the time and energy required to restore the garden after the celebration.

It is also essential to ensure that the garden is large enough to comfortably accommodate all guests, with clearly defined areas for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. Finally, you’ll need to take into account local regulations regarding noise and schedules, as well as any potential disturbance to neighbours.

Mathilde & Stéphane’s experience

The beginning of a beautiful story

Mathilde and Stéphane met in high school, a meeting that would shape their future. At first, they were simply friends, but their friendship quickly grew into a deep and sincere love. Their love story began 14 years ago, when Stéphane gave Mathilde a beautiful bouquet of flowers — a gesture that marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey together.

After finishing their studies and settling down together, Mathilde and Stéphane decided to start a family. Today, they are the proud parents of three children — a true little tribe. It was within the context of their growing love and family life that the idea of getting married slowly began to take root.

A Simple Garden Wedding

For Mathilde and Stéphane, getting married was an obvious choice, but they had a very clear vision of how they wanted to celebrate it. They wanted to avoid a traditional wedding, with its extravagance and conventions. Instead, they chose a vintage-chic outdoor atmosphere, allowing their family and friends to share an unforgettable moment in their own garden, offering a breathtaking view of the Vercors mountains.

A daytime wedding quickly felt like the perfect option, giving them the chance to enjoy every moment without the pressure of tight schedules or constraints. For Mathilde and Stéphane, it was essential that this day truly reflected their personalities and values. The décor was carefully sourced by the bride over the course of more than a year, and all the floral decorations were entirely created by her. A local florist, Rose Poudrée, crafted the bridal bouquet, flower crown and boutonnieres.

Getting ready at Home

The day began peacefully at Mathilde and Stéphane’s home, with the wedding preparations underway. The couple was surrounded by their loved ones and their children, adding a touch of tenderness and authenticity to every moment. The atmosphere was relaxed, laughter filled the air, and excitement grew as the big moment approached. There was only one lingering concern: would it rain?

A Memorable Civil Ceremony

After getting ready, Mathilde and Stéphane headed to the town hall for their civil ceremony — but not in a traditional way. They chose an original approach by cycling to the town hall, accompanied by their three children. Mathilde sat on the back of the bike with her father, sharing a moment of intimacy and connection as they made their way there. It was a deeply personal and unique way to begin their beautiful day.

Back Home: The Cocktail Reception

After the civil ceremony, Mathilde, Stéphane and their guests returned home for a beautiful cocktail reception prepared by La Caravane à Cocktail. A refined selection of cocktails was served to celebrate this memorable day. Guests enjoyed delicious food, from plancha grills to buffet-style dishes, while sharing lively conversations and bursts of laughter.

The Symbolic Ceremony: A Moving Moment

The symbolic ceremony took place around 4 p.m., under radiant sunshine and with a breathtaking view of the Vercors cliffs as a backdrop. It was both an emotional and beautiful moment, as Mathilde and Stéphane declared their love for one another, surrounded by friends and family. The simplicity of the ceremony added to its charm, placing heartfelt emotions at the centre rather than formal traditions.

A Joy-Filled Afternoon

After the ceremony, the afternoon unfolded in an atmosphere of joy and spontaneity. Children played together, adults danced to the music, and all the guests enjoyed the relaxed and welcoming vibe. It was a wedding where love and connection took centre stage, where everyone felt free to be themselves and share precious moments with the couple.

The Weather Challenge

There was, however, one constant source of stress throughout this memorable day: the weather. With no real backup plan in case of rain, Mathilde and Stéphane were hoping with all their hearts that the weather would be on their side. The day before the wedding, a storm had hit, with heavy rain even falling late in the afternoon. Thankfully, the wedding day itself was bathed in sunshine, bringing a collective sense of relief to all the guests.

The wedding of Mathilde and Stéphane, celebrated in the intimacy of their own home, remains a beautiful testament to authentic love, simplicity and sincerity. A truly unforgettable day.

So… is a garden wedding right for you?