Elegant wedding at Château Grattequina in Bordeaux – Eugénie + Hugo

Saying "I do" in France: Eugénie & Hugo's wedding at Château Grattequina

There are places that tell a story even before words are spoken. For Eugénie and Hugo, the Grattequina Castle It became obvious: a princely setting along the Garonne, between French refinement and the good life.

Although they are based in London, it is in FranceIt was there, where it all began, that the lovers chose to celebrate their union. Three days like a breath of fresh air, conceived as a true experience, blending elegance, sincere emotions and delicate aesthetics.

From the golden light of Bordeaux to the pastel floral decorations, each moment tells a story of a wedding that is both timeless and resolutely contemporary.

Through the sensitive gaze ofUtopic LoversEugénie and Hugo reveal the behind-the-scenes of an exceptional weekend and share their story with us.

The initial meeting

We met in 9th grade at Tivoli middle/high school in Bordeaux when Eugénie started there. Over time, we became best friends. We then lost touch for a few years before reconnecting at a mutual friend's birthday party. It was then that we realized there was more than just friendship between us. That was eight years ago already!

Elegant wedding at Chateau Grattequina in Bordeaux © Utopic Lovers

Elegant wedding at Chateau Grattequina in Bordeaux © Utopic Lovers

Elegant wedding at Chateau Grattequina in Bordeaux © Utopic Lovers

Elegant wedding at Chateau Grattequina in Bordeaux © Utopic Lovers

Elegant wedding at Chateau Grattequina in Bordeaux © Utopic Lovers

The marriage proposal

In the autumn of 2021, we traveled to the south of England to explore the English countryside. During a hike in a national park, while having a picnic, after seeing Bambi frolicking in front of us, Hugo got down on one knee to propose. Funny fact: the moment I said yes, it started to rain instantly, just like in the movies. (thanks good English weather!).

The reception venue

We hesitated for a long time between getting married in a wine estate, or by the sea at Cap-Ferret, because we used to go there every weekend when we lived in Bordeaux.

We finally chose Grattequina Castle because it brought us a bit of both aspects, a particular atmosphere with a “princely” castle on the banks of the Garonne. Having made a 3 day wedding, they offered us the possibility of having separate spaces for different times of the weekend, such as the evening or brunch. One more thing: we were able to travel between Notre-Dame Church in Bordeaux and the castle by boat!

Elegant wedding at Chateau Grattequina in Bordeaux © Utopic Lovers

Elegant wedding at Chateau Grattequina in Bordeaux © Utopic Lovers

Elegant wedding at Chateau Grattequina in Bordeaux © Utopic Lovers

Wedding planning

A few days after our engagement, we started contacting wedding planners, especially since we live in London and were going to we get married in Bordeaux. We very quickly fell in love with Lucie de MC2 My Love BordeauxWe entrusted the organization and coordination of our wedding to Lucie. We started planning a year and a half in advance, which allowed us to avoid too much stress and to have all the vendors we wanted. We never really felt any particular stress, thanks in particular to Lucie who guided us perfectly and suggested vendors who perfectly matched our expectations.

Elegant wedding at Chateau Grattequina in Bordeaux © Utopic Lovers

Elegant wedding at Chateau Grattequina in Bordeaux © Utopic Lovers

Wedding decoration

We were able to have fun decorating this wedding, having three days to decorate.

Town Hall Day, we wanted to make a simple and refined dinner with our loved ones. The tones recalled nature with foliage and white flowers. 

For D-day, we wanted a chic and elegant atmosphere. We chose pastel colors in harmony with the white and gold of the decorative elements. We love flowers, so we put them everywhere, including magnificent columns of flowers for the entrance of the Church in pastel tones for a sober and elegant rendering, but also a splendid arch in colored flowers for a more dynamic rendering.

For the next day, we had decided to make a brunch with dolce vita and colorful tones.

Elegant wedding at Chateau Grattequina in Bordeaux © Utopic Lovers

Elegant wedding at Chateau Grattequina in Bordeaux © Utopic Lovers

Elegant wedding at Chateau Grattequina in Bordeaux © Utopic Lovers

Elegant wedding at Chateau Grattequina in Bordeaux © Utopic Lovers

Elegant wedding at Chateau Grattequina in Bordeaux © Utopic Lovers

Choosing the wedding dress

The decision was quite quick. After a weekend trying on different dresses in several shops in London, I went to Suzanne Neville, accompanied by my mother and one of my witnesses.

I tried on many dresses in different styles and fell in love with two. After spending a few days looking at photos of the dresses being worn, I knew which one would be MY dress; I just wanted to make a small alteration. After speaking with one of the consultants at Suzanne Neville, she confirmed that we could create the dress of my dreams.

The wedding budget

110€ for 000 people

Their most moving memory

For Hugo : it was Eugenie's entry into the Church, seeing the door open, the light coming into the Church and Eugénie in her beautiful white dress, who was starting to walk down the aisle. It may be a bit cliché, but it was my moment of emotion, an emotion that I could not hold back.

For Eugenie : it was the exchange of our vows in the ChurchIt was a moment when we were alone, face to face, to discreetly reveal our feelings. The entire assembly seemed forgotten at that moment, despite my shyness in front of an audience. It was simply him and me, a timeless moment, to take the time to tell him what is obvious but important to say aloud from time to time.

Elegant wedding at Chateau Grattequina in Bordeaux © Utopic Lovers

Elegant wedding at Chateau Grattequina in Bordeaux © Utopic Lovers

Elegant wedding at Chateau Grattequina in Bordeaux © Utopic Lovers

Their best choice in wedding planning

We could say Lucie, our wedding planner because everything was perfectly organized and coordinated on the day. All his work made our weekend as magical as possible.

But honestly, All our providers were our best choice. We wouldn't have changed anything even if we had the choice.

The atmosphere, thanks to the DJ and band Rose Culotte, was perfect. The decoration, thanks to the florist and Lucie, magnificent. Not to mention the fabulous dishes and cakes by Thibaut and Maquette Crème.

Finally and above all thanks to Utopic Lovers, we have wonderful photo memories and a great video. They were there for us throughout this weekend, and yet so discreet in doing their job.
Everything was perfect!

Elegant wedding at Chateau Grattequina in Bordeaux © Utopic Lovers

Elegant wedding at Chateau Grattequina in Bordeaux © Utopic Lovers

Elegant wedding at Chateau Grattequina in Bordeaux © Utopic Lovers

Elegant wedding at Chateau Grattequina in Bordeaux © Utopic Lovers

Advice from the newlyweds

For us, I think the most important thing is to surround yourself well, de take the time to choose your service providers. Enjoy, it goes by quickly but it's so wonderful."