A Rococo Inspired Wedding of Romantic Whimsy at Versailles’ Hameau de la Reine

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

Inspired by the sumptuous pastel color palette favored by Marie Antoinette, Allie dreamed of a garden wedding filled with blush, lavender, peach, and, of course, French blue. Even dreamier by candlelight, the palette was carried over into the ballroom reception. To see it in person was to be transported back in time.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

I have always deeply admired the fashion and architectural influences of Marie Antoinette. I often referred to her village in Versailles, Hameau de la Reine, as inspiration for the peaceful ambience I desired to create for the wedding. The romantic whimsy of the Rococo era was also our guiding compass, pulling from the time’s ideology of blending the ornate with nature and creating a playful atmosphere with light, beautiful colors.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[board_carousel title=”Getting Ready”]

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[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Flat Lays”]

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[board_carousel title=”First Look”]

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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

Allie looked every bit the part of a queen in a chic strapless gown from Lela Rose. The timeless gown featured corset-inspired seamlines and a unique drop waist, culminating in a voluminous skirt that caught the wind as she walked. She pulled her hair back in a sleek bun accessorized with a vintage-inspired pearl snood and a custom veil.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]And what would a Queen be without her Ladies in Waiting? Swathed in ruffles and decked out in bows, the bridesmaids embodied the pastel color palette in shades of lavender, sage, and blue.
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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

For the elegant black-tie affair, the groomsmen arrived in classic black tuxedos while Parker stood out in a chic white Dinner jacket.

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[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]

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[board_carousel title=”Cocktail Hour”]

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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]

After the garden ceremony, guests enjoyed champagne and passed hors d’oeuvres on the spacious lawn. Then, they were treated to braised beef served with pea and leek puree paired with local wine. To keep the party going well into the night, the couple surprised their guests with a taste of home, some late-night sliders.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Clouds of roses, hydrangea, and Canterbury Bells in dreamy pastel colors lined the aisle leading to a grand floral arch that gave the entire garden an otherworldly feel. Linen-clad lounges set the tone for a playful and relaxed cocktail hour on the lawn. Elegant scrolls with wax-sealed numbers escorted guests to their seats. As the guests entered the ballroom, the French blue linens popped against the rich wood paneling of the walls. Gold chairs and other gilded accents graced the table along with crystal glasses and plenty of candlelight. Pastel florals lined the center of each table and brought a little of the outside in.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

It doesn’t get any more romantic than taking to the terrace after a night of dancing, only to be greeted by a surprise firework salute–just as they would have done at the balls of a time gone by. There, an elegant three-tiered wedding cake was waiting, frosted in ivory buttercream. Note the “M” on the wedding cake–is that the couple’s monogram for “Mays” or could it be a nod to the wedding’s inspiration?

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

I knew I wanted something that blended both nature and history; I also knew I wanted a grand yet private experience with my guests where everyone could stay close together without the public exposure of a hotel wedding. Being all too familiar with the wedding venues in Dallas, I knew I wanted to break free of my norms and explore outside of Texas. With the help of Julian Leaver and Sarah Kane, we found the beautiful Domaine des Halles, which provided the historic, natural, intimate, and ethereal elements I so desperately desired to find.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
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[board_carousel title=”Couple Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Reception”]

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[board_carousel title=”Wedding Weekend Events”]

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