The Chateau de Bourron is gorgeous. Ever since I saw the aerial picture on Celtic Castles I knew I had to go. I had no doubts, this was the place I wanted to get married.  I planned our entire trip around our castle stay and it was the best vacation, wedding, ceremony, honeymoon ever – EVER! By the way, did I mention the photo above was featured on The Knot!  Best day ever!

To give y’all some background, I didn’t want to take the “real wedding” route. I’d rather save my money and spend it on traveling, my mortgage, making memories, or investing it so I can retire earlier.  I don’t think I’d even be able to do a big fancy elaborate wedding because to me, wedding planning is the worst. I can’t fathom spending tens of thousands of dollars on one day. Not only that, but asking guests to travel and bring gifts, go to engagement parties, bridal showers, wedding parties, bachelorette and bachelor parties… it’s just a lot to ask of people at this stage in my life. Maybe if I was 25 I would be more open to it…but I’m not, I’m 30. My parents also paid for my out of state college tuition so asking for 50k (plus or minus) wasn’t about to happen. They’ve done so much for me already. I had The Knot wedding planners call me Bride Chilla after I asked for Snoop Dog to perform at our family party lol. Unfortunately they didn’t know his number.

I’m not knocking your wedding if you had one or want to. In fact, chances are 99% of the people that read this did. Lawd knows we got some flack for it. We were told our way wasn’t traditional, anti-climatic, and the list goes on and on. Even from family. I feel bad that my husband had to defend the way we wanted to get married because when you share your idea of the best day of your life the only response you should get is “Congratulations, we’re so happy for you.” But guess who gives zero fucks about other peoples opinions…me. Because it’s not your wedding and we didn’t ask for your opinion. Your day should be magical and exactly how YOU want! Everyone else should respect that regardless of how you want to spend your day. There is no right way. Most of our traditional norms were created by advertising and a wedding industry anyways so don’t feel bad about ditching them.

There is so much pressure on girls to go all out for their wedding. Eloping is definitely not traditional but just remember to do what you want, do you. Do what makes you happy. This is your day. It’s about you and your husband and your life together and the love you share. So screw everyone else who thinks it’s about how much your flowers cost or if you rented out the nicest venue.

Rant over. Ok, more about our ceremony!

We had a small bon voyage party at home for our family and close friends before we left. We wanted to include the fam because they mean so much! It was snowmahgeddon in Atlanta which made for an interesting weekend but we pulled it off.

Our private ceremony in France was so special. We locked our love on the Pont des Arts bridge in Paris prior to driving to the Chateau. We were excited to exchange letters we had written to each other, and just be alone to soak it all in, in the most beautiful 17the century castle in France. These memories will definitely last a life time.

Read More: Our Stay At Chateau de Bourron

Check out some photos from our ceremony at Chateau de Bourron

Tulle skirt courtesy of Welcome To Royalty

Engraved Mrs hanger courtesy of Beloved Wedding Hanger

Earrings courtesy of Merci Perci

*All photos by Jennifer Oetting Photography

*All drone work by VGB and Elevated Advantage with DJI Mavic Pro

I’d love to hear your wedding stories below! Much love! xoxo