Axelle & Maxime
Take a trip to Axelle and Maxime's wedding at a unique venue in Gironde, with a warm and creative atmosphere !
Photo credit : Studio Un autre regard
The meeting and the proposal :
We met in autumn 2011 on the benches of the IUT. We had this little meeting spot, a pub in Bordeaux, where we often met up with our mates. And from evening to evening, we got closer until it was obvious.
A little over 5 years later, in January 2017, once we had both graduated and were both in stable jobs, he proposed to me one evening at our home. Of course, I said a huge yes!
The most memorable moment :
It's not easy, but I think it was when I walked down the aisle at our secular ceremony.
We got married at the town hall the day before the big day, so that our guests wouldn't have to travel 45 minutes (not including traffic jams) between the two ceremonies. So it was the first time I had seen all my guests dressed up in fancy clothes, on the arm of my wonderful dad and my future/young husband at the end of the aisle, it was a wonderful memory !
The venue :
We held our ceremony and reception at the Relais de Margaux (in the Médoc, Gironde). It is a 4-star hotel with its own restaurant and reception room. All the staff are attentive and take great care. It was a real pleasure to have them on our big day. It allowed us to let go and have the festive atmosphere we were looking for. I wanted a wedding that was chic but not stuffy, and that everyone could enjoy themselves, and I think we succeeded !
The inspirations :
We are always on the move and ‘between planes’ (as my mother-in-law would say). So naturally we decided that our theme would be travel. A few hours on Pinterest and wandering the aisles of Cultura later, I created a large part of my decor with my own hands (with the help of my future husband, of course). We went for a vintage feel for the ‘via air mail’ envelopes, with pretty blue and red stripes and a very bright brown to break up the patriotic feel of the other two colours.
The dress :
I have always dreamt of a beautiful white dress with a lovely train. I'm not a big fan of princess and strapless dresses, so that limited my choice ! And like all women, I have my complexes, so I wanted to hide them for this very important day. But during my fittings, I fell in love with the Olympiade dress from the Pronuptia 2017 collection. It was a big hit for me and my companions, despite its very close-fitting cut, which at first made me a little nervous.
The shoe creation :
Unfortunately I don't have a Dessine-moi un soulier shop near me, but I had read nothing but good things about the brand. So I quickly decided on a pair of Salomés. For my choice of leathers, I ordered samples, bacause I was a bit hesitant about the materials and colour combinations I wanted. In the end, I opted for blue velvet and silver sequins, for the festive aspect and to satisfy my desire to feel like a princess.
My husband is much taller than me (23cm between us !), so I opted for 10cm chunky heels. With the addition of the gel sole, my feet didn't hurt at all during the day !
Their favorite service providers :
Venue and caterer : Le relais de Margaux (33)
Photographer / videographer : Studio Un autre regard
Make-up Artist : Laetitia du Boudoir du bien-être, Pessac (33)
Hairstylist : Johanna Vigneau
Florist : Le Hollandais, Pessac (33)
Dress : Pronuptia Bordeaux
Suit : Father and Sons Bordeaux
DJ : Guillaume Arsaut
Bride's Advice :
First and foremost, I advise you to surround yourself with the right people ! The service providers are a huge part of the success of your big day : I recommend choosing true professionals.
On the big day, try to let go by looking at your guests, admiring their smiles, and enjoying your husband's hand in yours. Don't worry about insignificant details that no-one will see. I know we think about this day for months or even years, but once the big day arrives : ENJOY IT ! But don't forget to eat and drink!
Finally, have a wedding that reflects who you are, even if it's not necessarily what your nearest and dearest expect. Whatever happens, your day will be perfect : you are marrying the man of your dreams !
