A Luxury 4 Day Chateau Destination Wedding In Loire Valley, France

In a charming intersection of serendipity and grand romance, the picturesque Loire Valley in France served as the idyllic backdrop for the enchanting love story of Deni Jacobs and James Hammermeister. The former Broadway performer from St. Louis, Missouri, and the real estate developer from Alberta, Canada, crossed paths in an unexpected yet delightful twist – a blind date in sun-kissed San Diego, California.

As their whirlwind romance blossomed, they found themselves swept up in a fairytale-like courtship that culminated in a breathtaking destination wedding.

How They Met

In a tale of serendipity, fate intertwined the lives of James and Dani in a way that defied conventional expectations. What began as an ordinary encounter took an extraordinary turn when they found themselves bound together by shared struggles and common ground. The backdrop of personal turmoil – James’ wife’s cancer diagnosis and his subsequent solo care for their 12-year-old daughter, alongside Dani’s tumultuous divorce – created the perfect storm for their connection to flourish.

Introduced by a mutual acquaintance, their initial dinner meeting was marked by an effortless conversation that spanned long after the restaurant closed. The spark was undeniable, yet Deni’s departure from town for two weeks threatened to extinguish the flame. But instead, they chose to nurture their budding relationship through ceaseless texting, and it was during this period of intense communication that they solidified their bond and deepened their appreciation for each other.

The Proposal

As fate would have it, three years after their first encounter at the restaurant, James decided to pop the question amidst the awe-inspiring scenery of a glacier in Patagonia, Argentina. The anniversary of that serendipitous meeting held a special significance for him, as he had grown increasingly confident in his feelings.

So much so, that if her answer hadn’t been a resounding yes, he half-jokingly admits he might have taken the plunge and leaped into the icy waters; his faith in their love was unshakeable.

The Venue

As they planned their enchanting love story, the couple’s imagination ran wild with visions of a whimsical wedding straight out of a fairytale. Their search for the perfect venue took them on a thrilling adventure across France, where they explored six picturesque locations before stumbling upon the majestic Chateau Challain-la-Potherie. As soon as they laid eyes on the castle’s stunning facade, they knew they had found their happily ever after.

But what truly made their discovery magical was the warm and charming encounter with Cynthia, the chateau’s owner and event planner. Her kind-hearted nature immediately won them over, weaving a sense of harmony into every detail of their wedding plans. With each element falling effortlessly into place, it seemed as though fate had conspired to bring their fairytale dreams to life.

Planning The Wedding

As James and Deni prepared for their special day, they were consumed by the desire to create a truly memorable celebration for their family and friends. The thought of all the people traveling from far and wide to be with them moved them deeply, and they became determined to show their gratitude in a meaningful way. With their meticulous nature on full display, they devoted themselves to planning every detail, pouring over each aspect of the event to ensure it was nothing short of extraordinary.

Their shared attention to detail, both a blessing and a challenge, played a crucial role in shaping their vision. As new ideas flowed each day, they worked tirelessly to refine every element, carefully considering the unique preferences and interests of every attendee. This was not just about throwing a party; it was a genuine expression of appreciation, a heartfelt endeavor to gift their loved ones an unforgettable experience that would be cherished for years to come.

The Brides Wedding Gown

For Deni, Marchesa has always been more than just a fashion brand – it’s a symbol of romance, sensuality, elegance, and beauty. When she had the chance to meet Georgina Chapman at New York Fashion Week, her admiration for the brand reached new heights. What followed was an unforgettable experience: a custom-made wedding dress designed by Marchesa, amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the stress, Deni found the process incredibly fulfilling, and when she finally put on the dress, all her hard work felt justified. The end result was a stunning purple ombre gown that perfectly captured the essence of her regal and whimsical wedding theme, reflecting her own elegance and poise.

All The Details of Deni and James’ Destination Wedding

As the sun set on their four-day celebration, Deni’s love story reached new heights of joy and extravagance. The ceremony itself was a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, with a poignant moment when the couple’s children lit a unity candle, symbolizing their newfound family bond. The majestic chateau transformed into a floral fantasy land thanks to David Kimmel Design’s masterful arrangements.

Elegant arches and overflowing purple blooms created a whimsical wonderland that was as much a testament to the transformative power of love and celebration as it was a reflection of Deni’s favorite color, purple. Each day unfolded like a page from a fairy tale, with activities tailored to delight their guests. From hot air balloons soaring above the castle grounds to wine and cheese tastings, carriage rides, and pig roasts, every moment was carefully crafted to showcase the enchanting setting.

The pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the Casino Royale evening, where guests could win lavish prizes in exchange for their gaming victories. Imagine winning a Givenchy evening bag or a limited edition Dupont lighter used by James Bond himself – it was an experience that left everyone buzzing with excitement.

As the night drew to a close, a breathtaking equestrian show featuring trick riding and Cirque du Soleil-trained artists took center stage, set against a backdrop of fireworks that exceeded even the grandest expectations. The air was filled with music from a remarkable band, as an endless sea of magnificent flowers surrounded the revelers. It was a night that felt like living out a dream – a fantasy brought to life.

The Wedding Vendors

Photography by @serenity. photographyau, Venue at @chateauchallain, and Planner Cynthia from @cicievents_cynthia set the tone for a truly unforgettable celebration. The talented florists behind France’s @misterbrettevents, USA’s @davidkimmeldesign, and Netherlands’ @rutgermflowers brought the couple’s vision to life with stunning arrangements.

For the big day, the bride opted for ceremony gowns from @marchesafashion and @marchesabridal, while the groom looked dashing in Ferragamo’s finest (@ferragamo). The ladies of the wedding party were treated to bridal shoes by Jimmy Choo (@jimmychoo) and makeup artistry courtesy of Medved Art Make-up (@medvedart_makeup), with Kristi Grimm providing a touch of glamour for their guests’ makeup needs (@kristi. grimm).

Kapustinskaya Hair styled the wedding party’s tresses to perfection (@kapustinskaya). The night was filled with live music by Shine Live Band Paris (@shinelivebandparis) and video production courtesy of Alex Znahar Films (@alexznaharfilms). A dazzling fireworks display from Dragon Rouge Artifice (@dragonrougeartifice) capped off the evening.

Food and drink were provided by Lessaveurs Dupre Catering (@lessaveurs_dupre), with a show-stopping cake designed by Deelicious Gateaux (@dealiciousgateaux). Theatre Enigma Art Entertainment kept the party going, while harpist François Perne from @francoispernelharpist added an air of sophistication. The groom’s stylish suit was courtesy of David August Clothing (@davidaugustclothing), and jewelry by Reposi (@repossi) sparkled throughout the celebration.

La Jolla Rings (@rings_lajolla) were a romantic touch, with invitations designed by Momental (@momental). MC Rob Ferre from @robferre kept everything running smoothly.