HANDPICKED FLOWERS, HOMEMADE CROWNS & A PICNIC STYLE WHIMSICAL WEDDING
A Renowned Wedding Planner’s Love Story
Alisha Rodrigues, Co-Founder and Lead Wedding Planner of Velvet Chaos Co., weaves Dreams into Reality, creating a spectacular Journey of Love and Luxury with a Grand French Wedding Extravaganza.
When Alisha Rodrigues and Adrian Martinez-Blaser embarked on the enchanting journey of their engagement, they knew they wanted to curate a bespoke celebration that encapsulated their unique love story and exuded unparalleled romantic essence. Alisha, renowned as the Co-founder and Lead Wedding Planner of Velvet Chaos Co., with years of experience in orchestrating exquisite weddings, couldn’t resist envisioning her own dream wedding.
Camille Collin Photography
The couple then embarked on a journey that spanned two continents, countless international trips, and two wedding ceremonies to execute their meaningful, unique celebration. After getting engaged in Mexico, Alisha and Adrian secretly eloped in Costa Rica. Picture this: the union of their souls on a suspended bridge in the rainforest overlooking the majestic Arenal volcano. It was a moment imbued with the allure of the Costa Rican culture and its “Pura Vida” lifestyle, making it the perfect prologue to their love story.
Camille Collin Photography
Camille Collin Photography
After the intimate elopement, Alisha and Adrian wanted to host an extravagant wedding celebration surrounded by family and cherished friends. France, the very place where their love first blossomed, as the natural setting for their grand celebration. Adrian had first told Alisha he loved her on the Seine River under the Eiffel Tower at midnight on New Year’s Eve in 2017.
Camille Collin Photography
The opulent, four-day wedding celebration unfurled in a historic chateau in Vallery, France, built in 1548 by none other than Pierre Lescot, the esteemed architect of the Louvre. The event’s itinerary was a meticulously stacked deck of enchanting moments, each intricately infused with sentimental touches that held deep significance for the couple and their families. Alisha and Adrian were resolute in their pursuit of a wedding celebration that was not merely splendid but a manifestation of their very souls, a labor of love, and an homage to the profound connection they shared. Every element of their celebration was a personal tribute to their love story, as unique and intricate as the love they so ardently professed to one another.
Day 1:
As the guests arrived at the enchanting chateau for the celebratory week, they were welcomed with a symphony of regional wines, artfully arranged charcuterie, bespoke maps of the grounds, and a meticulously crafted schedule of the week’s events. Conversations danced on the gentle breeze as guests embraced the tranquil surroundings, settling into a captivating sojourn that would forever linger in their hearts.
Camille Collin Photography
Camille Collin Photography
The first evening’s event was a fantastical voyage back in time with a journey that encapsulates the essence of the 70’s Disco era and the intrigue of the Narcos Cartel world. Poolside, at the chateau’s inviting edge, a dreamscape conjured. Culinary artistry took the stage with a spit-fired pig roast, a culinary masterpiece meticulously prepared by a Michelin-star team of chefs; each bite a harmonious symphony of flavors. Themed cocktails garnished with their custom A2 logo laser-printed disco balls that transported guests to a world where glittering memories swirled within their glasses.
Camille Collin Photography
Camille Collin Photography
And then there was the ultra-iconic and decadent dulce de leche cocaine cake à la Pablo Escobar, a deliciously daring indulgence that dared to dance on the edge of intrigue. The evening was a playful way for the couple to pay homage to their cultural backgrounds. The Cuban band played traditional Latin music while the groom’s Huarache shoes, a loving nod to his heritage, grounded him in the enchantment of the night. Guests dressed in an echoing theme that revealed the art of nostalgia and vibrant colors that shaped Alisha and Adrian’s love story. The party danced through the night into the early morning hours, commencing the start of a week filled with celebrating boundless love and exhilaration.
Camille Collin Photography
Day 2:
On the second day, guests were treated to a splendid brunch buffet unfolded on the lawn of the Chateau. Picnic blankets artfully arranged across the lush lawns, beckoning guests to partake in a midmorning feast amidst the picturesque grounds. Guests were encouraged to relax by the pool or explore the historic gardens and structures while enjoying a life of simple luxury.
Camille Collin Photography
Meanwhile, the bride and groom’s family and wedding party were invited to partake in a culinary adventure hosted on the side. Guided by the same talented team of Michelin chefs responsible for crafting the culinary magic through the week, this cooking class was a hands-on voyage into the world of gastronomic artistry. Each participant was gifted a custom-embroidered apron, a symbol of their newfound culinary esteem. Once they completed the class, the fruits of their labor were presented with an exquisite flourish as the catering staff plated and served the three-course meal that had been lovingly prepared.
The bride and groom then held a delicate rehearsal for the ceremony, during which they both adorned the same custom attire they wore during their elopement ceremony in Costa Rica. Following the rehearsal, guests were invited to partake in a wine tasting in the exclusive on-site wine cellar. A sommelier led the tasting, featuring wine flown in from Adrian’s family winery in southern France, adding another layer of intricately woven personal touches.
Camille Collin Photography
The day came to an end with a magical garden party, an ode to vintage floral elegance that was displayed throughout the grounds. Every incredible detail was made with thoughtful customizations, from the enchanting bespoke floral wall to the A2 logo ice stamps, crafting intricate designs in the cocktails. For those who preferred non-alcoholic libations, fresh basil, rosemary, lavender, and rose syrups were offered for guests offering a sea of flavorful beverages.
Fresh Mediterranean fare was served family-style, accompanied by a live barbecue, and featured cocktails, including espresso martinis, cucumber mojitos, and Negronis to elevate the evening’s libations. Upon a blanket of stars, a bonfire transformed the space to end the intimate affair. To sweeten the night, the culinary team showcased their artistry with homemade rose and sage marshmallows, each as delicate as the pastel color palette. An exquisite display of fruits, gourmet chocolate, and graham crackers elevated the s’mores experience, inviting guests to indulge in an opulent finale to the evening’s enchantment.
Day 3
On the morning of their much-awaited wedding day, the chateau was alive with a symphony of anticipation. In the luminous bridal suite, the bride’s transformation began, a scene bathed in soft light and fragrant anticipation. As sunlight streamed through the windows, she donned a custom robe, a lovingly crafted heirloom stitched from her mother’s own wedding dress. Her feet were graced by Jimmy Choo slippers, a testament to the art of elegance.
Meanwhile, a delightful surprise unfolded at the poolside. The groomsmen, hearts aglow with excitement, embarked on a journey of rejuvenation through the practice of poolside yoga in harmony with the French sunrise.
The bride’s journey was a moment of serene beauty as she shared a touching first look with her father. Her radiant presence was soon graced by the arrival of her brothers and paternal grandparents, who lovingly gifted her a hand-crocheted bouquet wrap, a treasure imbued with familial warmth.
Camille Collin Photography
The groom, too, was surrounded with meaningful and personal moments in the morning when he received a classic close shave from Alisha’s grandfather, a man who spent his life as an adored barber. Adrian wore Omega cufflinks and watch, and a pin to honor his late father’s importance, a touching homage gifted to him by the bride.
Alisha and Adrian encapsulated the essence of their shared journey with custom scents they created together at a perfumery on a previous trip to France. The romantic couple loved the idea of creating a sensory memory through a fragrance that would bring sentimental value as they look back at the day in years to come.
As the bride and groom exchanged their vows, the air filled with the string quartet’s sweet melodies playing their favorite songs. The ceremony was a reflection of their union, with three aisles merging into one, each aisle representing their families melding into one. The bride, accompanied by her family, made her way down the left aisle while the groom and his family entered through the right aisle. Finally, the bride and groom concluding the ceremony recessed down the center aisle together, their love radiating and undeniable.
The ceremony was an inverted tradition, with the officiant standing in the center aisle. The bride and groom faced the seated guests, allowing them to be fully immersed in the moment. Family played an integral role, with heartfelt prayers, poems, and speeches that stirred the soul. The couple paused to take it all in, the sights, sounds, and the fragrant symphony of the moment that was etching itself into their memories. Surrounded by their loved ones, the couple began their journey together as husband and wife. Alisha’s grandparents, who had shared over five decades of love, beamed with pride as they presented the couple with their wedding rings. The groom’s family heirlooms contributed the Swiss gold that was used to craft the wedding bands; an exquisite personal touch was added by inlaying wood from the very sycamore tree beneath which they had exchanged vows at the chateau.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests enjoyed a delightful celebration on the Chateau’s grounds, where the string quartet continued to serenade a lovely soundtrack. Guests enjoyed custom-smoked old fashions and vesper martinis and were treated to an exquisite culinary experience. Guests indulged in eight cuts of jamon, wagyu, and foie gras cooked perfectly over a live fire, scallops, and caviar bumps.
As the evening approached, the newlywed couple and their guests meandered towards the music room to commence the formal reception. The room was thoughtfully decorated with stunning floral arrangements and elegant lighting, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The couple took center stage to perform their first dance as husband and wife to the tune of the romantic classic “La Vie En Rose.” The guests were seated at grand tables, with each place setting marked by custom-embroidered napkins and adorned with beautiful greenery. The Michelin-starred team of chefs served a delectable 10-course meal, each course paired with a perfect wine. The guests savored the flavors of bourguignon-braised beef cheek, freshly caught fish, local cheeses, and cured meats, ensconced in the luxury of the reception.
Camille Collin Photography
After the opulent dinner, the bride and groom returned to their suites for a quick outfit change. The bride donned a stunning pair of Christian Louboutin Flamenco line shoes, launched just a week before the wedding, and flown overnight from Madrid to France for her to wear. The groom wore a bowtie made from the same fabric as Alisha’s wedding dress.
As the couple returned to the music room, they were greeted by the vibrant glow of purple light illuminating from beneath the dance floor, accompanied by a sparkling disco ball. The first dance was a mesmerizing two-part choreographed dance, with the first part being performed only by the couple and the guests joining in for the second part. The dessert table was a feast for the eyes, with a towering French Croquembouche cake and a wide selection of other delectable desserts to choose from. The groom performed a traditional French champagne sabrage, which filled the glasses to create a champagne tower. As champagne bubbled and sparkled, a breathtaking fireworks display painted the night sky over the chateau, a testament to the magic that had unfolded.
Camille Collin Photography
The after-party had an electrifying “Rave Carnival” theme, where the atmosphere was filled with pulsating strobe lights, upbeat dance music, and a kaleidoscope of colorful glow sticks and wigs. The bride became a vision, adorned herself with body paint, sparkling body glitter, and a striking pink mohawk. Her one-of-a-kind Louboutins, one neon green and the other pink, were a testament to the unique and truly customized vivacity of the night. The hair and makeup team worked their magic, creating stunning body art for the guests, adding to the vibrant ambiance. And to satiate late-night cravings, sweet and savory crepes were served, a fitting end to a day that had been a tapestry of love, romance, and memories that would endure for a lifetime.
Artists and Vendors:
VENUE & GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS: Château de Vallery
FARM HOUSE ACCOMMODATIONS: Domaine de la Margottière
VIDEOGRAPHER: Carat Films
AV – ENTERTAINMENT – PHOTO BOOTHS – DJ BANDS: Sté BOUNZ’EVENTS
CATERING: Jardin du Gout
WINE: Cave Chez BAK’ Avallon
WEDDING DESIGNER: Logo, signage, paper goods, custom work, newspaper, etc.: Letter19
WEDDING PLANNER & COORDINATOR: Velvet Chaos Co. (formally ANA Trio Solutions)
TRANSPORTATION: Les Cars Moreau
FLAIR BARTENDER: DNA Bartending
FLORIST: Baptiste Pitou
PHOTOGRAPHER: Camille Collin Fotography
2nd PHOTOGRAPHER: Celine Kopp Photographies
FIREWORKS: Nuit Feerique
BRIDE OUTFIT – 2nd Dress (Red)/ After Party Rave/Master Chef: Nordstrom
BRIDE OUTFIT – 70’s Night: BHLDN – Anthropologie
BRIDE OUTFIT – Garden Party Dress: Impression Bridal Store
BRIDE ROBE – Custom Made from Mom’s wedding dress: Unbox the Dress
BRIDE WEDDING BAND: Bulow Jewelers
BRIDE WEDDING DRESS: Impression Bridal Store
SHOES BRIDE – MASTER CHEF: Nike
SHOES BRIDE 70s: Christian Louboutin
SHOES BRIDE GARDEN PARTY: Christian Louboutin
SHOES BRIDE GETTING READY: Jimmy Choo
SHOES BRIDE WEDDING DAY – AFTER PARTY (Neon 2 pairs): Christian Louboutin
SHOES BRIDE WEDDING DAY – RED DRESS: Christian Louboutin
SHOES BRIDE WEDDING DAY – WHITE DRESS: Freya Rose
EMBROIDERY: Wild Stich Design
ENGAGEMENT RING: Bulow Jewelers
GROOM BOWTIE: Tom Ford
GROOM WEDDING BAND: Bulow Jewelers
GROOM WEDDING WATCH & CUFFLINKS: Omega
GROOMS OUTFIT (70s Theme): Shirt – Dandy Del Mar Pants- Bespoke Edge Shoes-Espiritu
GROOMS OUTFIT (Cooking Class/Wine Tasting): Shirt-Zara Pants-Suit Supply Shoes-Nike
GROOMS OUTFIT (Garden Party): Jacket/Shirt/Pants-Bespoke Edge Shoes-Taft
GROOMS OUTFIT (Wedding): Tuxedo & Shirt – Bespoke Edge Shoes – Christian Louboutin
GROOMS OUTFIT (Wedding Pt 2): Shirt-Bespoke Edge Pants-Suit Supply Shoes – Christian Louboutin
HAIR & MAKEUP: Volume Social Club
HAIR EXTENSIONS & SECOND HAIR ARTIST: Bella Alvarez
CUSTOM PERFUME: Galimard Parfumeur
INVITATIONS PRINT & CALLIGRAPHY: Artisan 2
SAVE THE DATES: Off the Beaten Press
SIGNAGE PRINTER: SpeedPro The Woodlands
About the Venue:
Located roughly 100 kilometers from Paris, the Château de Vallery features four grand historical halls, 28 bedrooms, tennis courts, and a heated swimming pool on five incredibly private hectares of luscious grounds. Pierre Lescot, the architect of the Louvre, built the Chateau de Vallery. Throughout its history, the chateau has been a place of splendor and celebration, and today, its festive spirit is still very much at its core. At the chateau, guests can select the venue that best fits their event, between the lavish Grande Gallerie with high ceilings and classic period features, the Music Room with painted ceilings, glass walls, and astonishing chandeliers, the Salle des Tentures with its 400 sq ft trompe l’oeil, or the Oriental Pavilion with a lush palm grove and turquoise pool. The gardens echo the interiors, opulent and multifaceted.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
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70’s NIGHT:
- Homages to the bride and groom’s heritage include the Cuban band, traditional Latin cuisine, Huarache shoes, and dulce de leche cocaine cake.
- Custom details, including laser-printed cocktail logos
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MICHELIN COOKING CLASS
- Custom aprons for all guests participating
- Three-course guided cooking class taught by the team of Michelin star chefs who cooked all the meals at the Chateau.
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REHEARSAL
- Alisha and Adrian wore the same outfits during their elopement in Costa Rica.
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WINE TASTING
- Held in the on-site underground wine cellar
- Led by a sommelier
- All wine was flown in from Adrian’s family vineyard in the South of France
-
GARDEN PARTY
- Custom floral wall
- Custom ice-stamps and freshly made basil, rosemary, lavender, and rose syrups.
- Fresh Mediterranean fare served family-style with a live barbecue and custom cocktails, including espresso martinis, cucumber mojitos, and Negronis.
- After dinner, the space was transformed by a bonfire. The culinary team prepared homemade rose and sage marshmallows to match the pastel color pallet, a display of fruits, gourmet chocolate, and graham crackers created an elevated s’mores experience for guests.
-
WEDDING
- The bride and groom incorporated meaningful touches, including a robe made from the bride’s mother’s wedding dress, the groom wore a pin to symbolize his late father, hand-crochet bouquet wraps made by the bride’s grandmother, bride and groom wore perfume they created specifically for their wedding ceremony.
- They chose an inverted ceremony, meaning the officiant faced backward, and the bride and groom faced the guests.
- The ceremony strongly emphasized family and included family members performing prayers, poems, and speeches.
- Wedding bands were forged from Swiss gold from Adrian’s family heirlooms, inlaid with wood from branches of the sycamore tree under which they exchanged vows at the chateau, which they collected on a previous trip to provide the jeweler.
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COCKTAIL HOUR
- After the ceremony, guests enjoyed music and cocktails on the grounds of the Chateau.
- Bartenders served custom cocktails, including smoked old fashions and vesper martinis.
- The grill station served eight cuts of jamon, wagyu, and foie gras cooked over a live fire, scallops, and caviar.
-
DINNER
- Custom embroidered napkins for each guest marked their seats at the grand tables, adorned with beautiful greenery used as tablescapes.
- The dinner was a 10-course meal, each served with wine pairings by the Michelin star team of chefs. Courses included bourguignon braised beef cheek, freshly caught fish, local cheeses, and cured meats.
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RECEPTION
- The bride wore the Christian Louboutin Flamenco line, launched the week before the wedding, but had yet to be sold in stores. The shoes were flown to France overnight from Christian Louboutin in Madrid so that Alisha could wear them for her wedding reception.
- The dance floor was illuminated by purple light, and a disco ball created reflective sparkling lights on each wall.
- The first dance was a two-part choreographed dance, the first with just the couple, joined by their guests for the second part.
- The cake was a towering French Croquembouche cake and a large selection of other desserts.
- The groom performed a traditional French champagne sabrage, which was poured into glasses that formed a champagne tower. As they sipped champagne, a full fireworks display lit the skies of the chateau.
-
AFTER-PARTY
- The after-party was themed “Rave Carnival,” which included strobe lights, dance music, glow sticks and wigs.
- The bride donned full body paint, body glitter, a pink mohawk, and mix-and-match Louboutins, one neon green and one pink.
- Late-night bites were served, including sweet and savory crepes.
FAQ:
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Tell us about your love story and how the proposal happened.
Adrian wanted to propose to Alisha for the longest time, but that was a little challenging when the pandemic hit. They both had “the talk” and agreed this was a mutual decision they wanted to carry out. Alisha had no clue what kind of ring she wanted. She insisted on Adrian just using a ring pop when “popping the question,” and they would both make the rings together because Alisha really wanted to control every detail. In the back of Adrian’s mind, he knew no way, this was how he wanted to experience a proposal, so he got to work behind the scenes. After months of Alisha and Adrian shopping and virtually meeting ring designers, progress was finally made. Adrian was finally able to get the “ideal design” that really suited Alisha. He found an amazing family jeweler in Denver which worked with him every step of the way. Once he found the perfect Marquise diamond, he knew this was it. The ring is now secured and Adrian needs to begin planning the proposal. The pandemic was still in full swing in summer of 2021 but the world was starting to rebound and open back up slowly. After 18 months of uncertainty with the pandemic, they planned a trip to their favorite resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico. This would be the first real vacation in almost two years. Remember when Alisha said just to get a ring pop and propose with that? Well, Adrian worked with a designer to manufacture and print a ring case with the shape of a ring pop. It fits perfectly inside!
