FAQ's
Your Questions, Answered
Travel & Arrival
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IMPORTANT CHANGE COMING: ETIAS
Starting in late 2026, travelers from visa‑exempt countries—including the U.S., Canada, and Australia—will need to apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System). This is not a visa, but a quick online authorization, valid for three years for multiple short visits, and will come with a fee (expected around €20).VISA INFORMATION
United States & Canada:
You do not need a visa for tourism to mainland France (part of the Schengen Area) for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This rule applies to both U.S. and Canadian citizens.* Just be sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from France.
Australia:
Australian citizens are also exempt from requiring a visa for short stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period within the Schengen Zone.European Citizens (EU / EEA / Switzerland):
You do not need a visa to enter France—you have the right to freedom of movement, and can travel, reside, or work across member countries using just a valid passport or national ID card. -
We recommend Lyon–Saint Exupéry (LYS), a smooth 45 to 60 minutes from the Château gates.
Other options if you’re feeling adventurous:
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). Perfect if you’re adding Paris to your journey. From CDG, hop a train to Lyon or Villefranche, then continue to the Château. Expect the whole trip to take about 2 hours or more, depending on connections.
Geneva, Switzerland (GVA). Scenic, dramatic, and about a 2-hour drive. If you prefer trains, the journey stretches closer to 4 hours with a few transfers, and you’ll still need a car or Uber for the final stretch to the Château.
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That’s the plan! If you arrive into Lyon–Saint Exupéry (LYS) on June 18th, our carriages (fine… shuttles) will be waiting to whisk you away to the Château, and then to your near-by BnB.
Shuttle times are still being finalized, but here’s what you need to know:
There will be at least two shuttles from LYS (exact times TBD).
The last shuttle will depart no later than 2:00pm local time.
We highly recommend booking flights that land before then. If you arrive later or on a different date, you’ll need to arrange your own travel to the Château.
Once you’ve booked your flights, please send us your arrival and departure times, via the Guest Details page, so we can make sure your seat is reserved.
*We can’t guarantee the shuttle transport at this time, but it is something we’re hoping to be able to provide. Please stay tuned.
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Our shuttles will run from Lyon–Saint Exupéry (LYS) only, on Thursday, June 18th, 2026.
Shuttle A [TBD]
Shuttle B [TBD]
The last shuttle will leave the airport no later than 2:00pm local time (official time is still TBD), so we highly recommend choosing flights that arrive well before then, if you’d like to be a part of the chariot experience!
*We can’t guarantee the shuttle transport at this time, but it is something we’re hoping to be able to provide. Please stay tuned.
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Travel hiccups happen, no stress. If your flight is delayed or your arrival time changes, simply post in the Grand Duke & Grand Duchess channel of our private WhatsApp community. Our planning team will be watching and will be able to help and support you as you make your way to the Château.
We kindly ask that you don’t reach out to the bride and groom directly, as they will not be answering any wedding-related questions or concerns, starting 36-hours prior to the first wedding weekend event starting!
The WhatsApp group is the smoothest way to keep everything on track, and the Circle of Honor will be ready to come to your rescue.
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Yes. There will be parking available for all guests driving to the Château, whether you are staying on-site or nearby. Your carriage (or rental car) will have a safe place to rest while you step fully into the fairytale.
Suites & Stay
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Once you RSVP, you will be welcomed into our private WhatsApp community, “🏰 Château Dreams - The Circle 💍.” This will be our central hub, part planning tool and part living scrapbook.
One channel will keep you updated on the important details such as shuttle schedules and daily reminders.
Another will be for fun and connection, sharing photos, swapping tips, and building the buzz together.
You will also receive a printed overview of the week’s key moments in your welcome packet, but the WhatsApp group will be the heartbeat of our community as it unfolds.
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If you are staying in the Château, you will have already heard from us and your accommodations will already be confirmed. If that is not the case, it means you are one of our beloved guests who will be resting in nearby accommodations.
We have handpicked a list of charming bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels close to the Château for you to choose from. You can find our recommendations here.
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The booking link is coming!
Please expect an email from us and the Château in the coming days, which will include your link to book your suite and all other details you need to know. We’ll also follow up with you directly when this email goes out, to confirm receipt. We’re SO excited to experience the Château with you!!
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We recommend choosing from our handpicked nearby accommodations, which you can find here. Each one is charming and all are within a short drive of the Château.
We do not recommend staying in Lyon. Between the distance and the traffic, it makes for a far less pleasant experience over the four days.
The best villages and towns to look at include: Bagnols, Theizé, Moiré, Oingt, Val d’Oingt, and finally Villefranche-sur-Saône (the furthest we suggest).
If you are staying at one of the two BnB’s we’ve hand-selected, we will likely be able to arrange shuttle transportation for you each day, to and from the Château. This is part of our vision for making the whole experience seamless and magical from morning to night.
If you are not staying at one of these pre-selected BnB’s, we will not be able to provide you with shuttle services throughout the weekend.
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Yes! The bride and groom have arranged to provide a beautiful breakfast each morning. Whether you are staying at the Château or nearby, you are warmly invited come to the Château for breakfast!
Please RSVP for the breakfasts you plan to attend on your guest detail page (click here) so we can plan accordingly. We cannot wait to begin each day gathered around the table together, fueling up for more magic.
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Yes. Wi-Fi is available throughout the Château, although the signal may be a little moody in certain corners of the castle walls.
That said, we hope you will also take this as a chance to disconnect a little and let yourself be fully wrapped up in the beauty and magic of the celebration. After all, the best connection here is the one between us.
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Not necessarily. Most guests will not need one. We will be running daily shuttles to and from the Château for those staying at our pre-selected BnB’s, and we’re hoping to be able to arrange airport pick-up and drop-offs for you as well.
If you prefer more flexibility, you are welcome to rent a car. Just know that village roads here are much narrower than typical North American ones, and you will encounter plenty of roundabouts. Driving is very doable, but it is a different rhythm than many are used to.
Taxis and Ubers are also available in the region, though they can sometimes be scarce late at night or in the smaller villages.
In short, you will not need a rental car unless you want full independence for extra exploring outside of the wedding events.
Your Guest Package
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This is not just a one-day wedding. It is a curated four-day journey. Our union is about more than a ceremony, it is about living our values of showing up, choosing love, and creating intentional moments together. The package makes it possible for us to create that vision seamlessly for you, while keeping the experience fair and simple for everyone.
We want you to be fully immersed in the magic without needing to reach for your wallet at every turn. While we’re covering the vast majority of the experience, this package is a contribution towards the food, wine, cocktails, events, transport*, and more. This way, once you arrive, you can simply relax, connect, and celebrate.
*We can’t guarantee the shuttle transport at this time, but it is something we’re hoping to be able to provide. Please stay tuned.
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Every event across the four days is optional, and you will RSVP to each one individually on your guest detail page. You are free to choose the pace that feels right for you.
That said, the four days have been designed as a continuous celebration, with each moment carrying meaning and building toward the heart of our union. It is a little like a story: you could technically read only the last chapter, but you would miss the richness of the whole book.
For this reason, unless you are only able to join us for Union Day itself, we ask all guests to contribute the $350 package. It keeps things simple and fair, and most importantly it ensures that everyone who steps into this journey with us is part of the shared experience we have crafted with so much love.
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Almost. Your guest package is your contribution towards daily meals, wine pairings, cocktails, airport shuttles*, and (almost) every scheduled event. In other words, all the magic you need to relax, connect, and celebrate without pulling out your wallet.
The only things not included are little indulgences you might choose for yourself, such as spa treatments, personal shopping, room service, or extra drinks and meals outside our hosted gatherings. Think of those as bonus luxuries, should you feel called to treat yourself.
*We can’t guarantee the shuttle transport at this time, but it is something we’re hoping to be able to provide. Please stay tuned.
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We know this is a big ask, and it means the world to us that you are traveling to France, stepping away from daily life, and choosing to be part of this chapter with us. We have been very mindful of costs, knowing our Circle includes many different budgets, and we have worked hard to keep the experience as accessible as possible without sacrificing beauty or intention.
The $350 USD / person is a contribution toward nearly everything for four days: food, wine, cocktails, events, and transport*. If you were to experience all of this on your own, it would add up to far more. (In reality, it costs far more than $350/person! The $350 is simply what we’re asking you to contribute.)
This way, you can simply arrive, exhale, and be carried by the magic without juggling logistics or surprise expenses.
And while $350 USD is the contribution we ask of each guest, some of you have shared a desire to give more toward the experience. If you feel moved to do so, your generosity will help us bring the larger vision to life.
*We can’t guarantee the shuttle transport at this time, but it is something we’re hoping to be able to provide. Please stay tuned.
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Once you RSVP (which you need to do no later than 11:59 pm eastern, on Oct. 31st, 2025), you will find the payment link inside the Guest Details page (click here).
We’ve set this up so the process will be smooth, secure, and easy enough to do with a glass of wine in hand. Here’s how to make your contribution:
For US guests: Venmo 646.640.6757 | Zelle magnes@crisisreadyinstitute.com
For Canadian* guests: e-Transfer magnes@crisisreadyinstitute.com
For the security question, put “what year is your wedding?” and make the answer “2026.”
For Australian* guests: please reach out to us directly
For European* guests: please reach out to us directly
*Helpful note: $350 USD is approximately $480 CAD, $535 AUD, or €325 EUR (exact conversion may vary).
Once your Guest Package is complete, your place in the Circle is locked in and we can get busy preparing the magic.
Please text us when you make your Guest Package payment, so we can confirm receipt.
Events & Attire
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Of course there’s a dress code! In fact, there are several!
Each event has its own mood and style, and we’ve createda Dress Guide (click here) to help you get inspired and feel your best.
An Important Note: please leave white to the couple, and all forms of tiaras and crowns for the bride ALL WEEKEND. These items will be sacred, and they plan to wear them well.
Furthermore, on days 1 and 4, there are colors that you’re asked specifically NOT to wear. Please make sure you refer to those guidelines.
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On Day 1, for the Grand Welcome Reception, please do NOT wear:
White
Gold
Emerald Green
If you have gold or emerald green embellishments, that’s fine, but your outfit should not read as those colors.
For day 4, the Union, please do NOT wear:
White
Blush rose
Eucalyptus green
We’ve sent you an email with samples of what these colors are.
Lastly, no white, tiaras, or crowns the entire weekend, as those are reserved for the bride. Other headdresses are welcome!
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Sure! For the majority of the days, choose shoes that handle cobblestones, grass, and a little adventure. Be comfortable while feeling fabulous!
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Of course not. Each event is optional, and we simply ask that you let us know which ones you plan to attend (RSVP for them here) so we can prepare accordingly.
The Bride and Groom do ask, however, that you attend the following three events at a minimun:
The Grand Welcome Reception (Day 1)
The Blessings in the Garden (Day 2)
The Union (Day 4)
That said, the four days are designed as one continuous celebration. Every piece carries meaning and builds toward the heart of our union. It is a little like a story: you could technically read only the last chapter, but you would miss the richness of the whole book.
We would love for you to be part of the full journey, but whatever pace you choose, you will be warmly welcomed.
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Yes. While we would love to have you with us for the full four days of experiences, we also understand that some guests may want a little space to wander and explore on their own. (Though please note that free time has specifically been built into the weekend’s calendar for this reason.)
The bride and groom’s deepest wish, however, is for everyone to join them for three core moments:
Thursday’s Grand Welcome Reception at 8:15 pm
Friday’s Blessing in the Gardens at 9:45 am
Sunday’s main event: The Union at 3:45 pm
These are the heartbeats of the celebration, and having you present makes the story whole. Please RSVP to each event you plan to attend here.
Guest List Parameters
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We love that you would want to share this experience with someone special. Because our celebration is intimate and space at the Château is limited, invitations are extended personally and only to the names addressed.
This allows us to hold the Circle with the intention we have envisioned, and to honor the space we have created for each of you. You are here because you matter deeply to us, and your presence is exactly what makes the story complete.
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As much as we adore little ones, our celebration is designed as an adults-only experience so that everyone can fully immerse in the joy, connection, and flow of the days together.
A small handful of children have been personally invited, but beyond that we’re keeping the Circle grown-up only. We deeply appreciate your understanding of this choice, it helps us hold the wedding exactly as we’ve envisioned it.
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Our guest list is intentionally intimate, and capacity at the Château is limited.
Every person invited holds a special place in our hearts, and we want to be fully present with each of you. By keeping the Circle close, we can create the kind of experience we’ve always dreamed of. One where everyone feels seen, cherished, and part of something unforgettable.
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Yes, we do!
With the same thoughtfulness we’ve poured into every detail of our union, we’ve created a simple registry of two funds that reflect what we’re building: a home to expand into, and a honeymoon to begin it all.
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Our biggest ask is simply your presence and that you arrive with an open mind and an open heart.
Every aspect of this week has been curated with love and deep intentionality. Come ready to immerse yourself fully in the experience, to connect with others, and to let yourself be carried by the magic. You are our Circle, and your presence here means everything to us.
Food & Drinks
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Of course! We can accommodate gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, diary-free, and specific severe allergies. For us to do this, we need to know about them. Please be sure to let us know on your RSVP form, which you can access here.
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Yes, the vast majority of meals are included. Whether you’re staying on-site at the Château or nearby, you’ll be taken care of for breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the celebration, with only a few exceptions.
We just ask that you let us know in advance which events on which days you’ll be joining so that we can plan accordingly and make sure there’s a seat and a plate waiting for you.
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Meals during excursions are not included. Part of the joy of these outings is exploring the local flavors together, so everyone will have the chance to choose what excites them most in the moment.
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The bride and groom are covering the meals and drinks during all of their hosted events — from long table dinners to poolside barbecues and celebratory brunches.
The only exceptions are meals during excursions, since part of the adventure is discovering local flavors together, and any personal choices outside of the scheduled times.
So, if you’d like to order room service, dine at the Château restaurant outside of the scheduled gatherings, or enjoy extra drinks beyond what’s poured during the events, those treats will be yours to cover directly.
Sunday morning (day of the wedding), breakfast is not being covered. Instead, Melissa and Aaron have arranged for Le Bagnolais (a local restaurant less than a 1 minute walk from the Chateau) to serve breakfast.
The First Dance
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We obviously want you to be in this experience with us, but this is not about pressure. If you’re not feeling it, you can absolutely just be present, watch, cheer everyone on, and enjoy the moment.
Important Note: If you absolutely do not want to be (or cannot be) a part of this magical moment with us, please let us know ASAP so that we can rearrange the roles for certain people, so that no one is dancing alone.
That said, we invite you to step outside of your comfort zone and embrace all the joy and fun that this moment will be, and share in it with us!
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Head to the wedding’s WhatsApp community and drop any questions, hesitations, excitement, videos of you learning the dance, or anything else in the First Dance Channel.
That’s the dedicated place for updates and support.
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If you think you’re a terrible dancer, embrace that identity, let loose and have fun!
This is not about being good. It’s about being a part of a magical and unique moment, and creating an unforgettable memory all together!
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You can’t! Truly. Again, this is about having fun, not perfection!
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The answer depends on your role in the wedding. If you’re part of the Circle of Honor, you have 5 parts to learn. If you’re part of the larger circle, there are only 3 parts for you to learn.
Each group has a custom tutorial that was created for you. The tutorials break down each part and include time stamps so you can go straight to your parts. The music track is also in your respective folder on the “First Dance” page.
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It means you are a beloved guest of our wedding 😊
The Circle dances in pairs. Find out if you’re “partner 1” or “partner 2” here, and then learn the steps for your designated role 💃🏼 🕺🏽
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Yes. We’ll have a fun, low-pressure rehearsal during cocktail hour on the Day of the Union so everyone feels comfortable and confident.
You’re also welcome to practice throughout the wedding weekend with fellow dancers and/or with Kim, who will be there with us as well 😄.
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That’s your moment to watch, take it in, and be part of the atmosphere. Swaying, vibing, smiling, a d enjoying is highly encouraged.
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Our choreography was created by Kim Gingras, one of the best in the world. Literally.
Kim has danced on stages with Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Ariana Grande, Christina Aguilera, Meghan Trainor, Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani, and The Backstreet Boys, and we’re so grateful that she’ll be with us at the Château.
Trust us when we say that you’re in amazing hands!!
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If you absolutely do not want to be (or cannot be) a part of this magical moment with us, please let us know ASAP so that we can rearrange the roles for certain people, so that no one is left dancing alone.
That said, we invite you to step outside of your comfort zone and embrace all the joy and fun that this moment will be, and share in it with us!
Other Practicalities
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The Château may be pet-friendly, but for this fairytale the only animal on the guest list is Princess Kiara. She insisted on a solo spotlight — and honestly, who are we to argue with royalty?
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As compelling as she may be (and trust us, she’s a master of the soulful stare), please don’t slip her people food. Her royal highness has a carefully curated menu of her own, which you’ll see labeled in the dining room. If you’d like to indulge her, those are the only treats she’s allowed — thank you for helping us keep her happy and healthy.
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Simply to respect the spaces, savor her beauty, and let the magic unfold.
Since we’ve privatized the Château for all four days, you’re free to roam. Wander the gardens, slip down hidden passageways, and discover her secrets at your own pace. She’s yours to explore!
Local Exploration
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The Château sits in Bagnols, France, right in the heart of the Beaujolais wine region, and she is surrounded by adventures worthy of exploration!
Between celebrations, you might find yourself:
Wandering Lyon’s famous food markets and strolling along her rivers
Hiking through rolling hills and breathing in the French countryside
Toasting life and love at local vineyards during wine tastings
Getting lost (on purpose) in medieval villages with cobblestone streets and charming little shops
Think of it as your own chapter in the French countryside fairytale. And have so much fun!
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Yes, Sundays in France are quiet. Most shops take the day off, with minimal restaurants, cafés, and bars keeping their doors open.
Since our wedding celebration falls on a Sunday, you will be happily swept into festivities from the afternoon onward. The morning, however, will be free time, so plan accordingly.
A special note for our ladies (and anyone planning glam time): hair and makeup appointments need to be arranged in advance, as salons and shops will be closed on Sunday.
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While much of France rests on Sundays, Lyon comes alive again on Mondays. The city will be lively and open the day after the wedding.
In the Beaujolais countryside, however, things move at a gentler pace. Shops and cafés may be open, but in our experience, it can be a little hit or miss.
Post-Wedding
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That’s the plan! Right now, we’re waiting to receive everyone’s Guest Details, which should be provided to us via the form on the Guest Details page (click here) no later than March 7th, 2026.
Once we receive all that information, we’ll determine whether a shuttle to the airport on June 22nd, 2026, makes sense (depending on everyone’s departure airport, dates, and times).
Once we have these details, we’ll let the Circle know via the WhatsApp Community, which you’ll be invited into once you officially RSVP.
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Yes! After the wedding, we’ll be heading to Paris, and you’re absolutely welcome to join the adventure if it calls to you!
There's nothing formal planned yet, and nothing will be planned until we’re deeper into the main wedding details.
That said, the likely plan is to head to Paris by train, the afternoon of Monday, June 22.
The train from Lyon to Paris is about 2 hours, and Château de Bagnols is about 45 minutes from Lyon by car.
If you want in, just send us a quick text to let us know. There’s no RSVP form (yet, anyway), and there’s certainly no pressure. This is simply an open invitation to anyone who wants to keep the wedding festivities going, together in Paris!
We'll keep anyone who texts us in the loop as we get closer.
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The vibe is spontaneous and fun. We’re going to Paris to continue the magic, soak up the city, and gallivant with anyone who wants to carry on the wedding joy with us!
Currently, there’s no itinerary, no hotel blocked, and no departure time set for our return home. If you’re the kind of person who needs to book and plan every detail in advance, this part of the journey might not be for you. And that’s okay.
Alternatively, if a post-wedding escapade with friends, wine, cafés, and laughter sounds like your kind of adventure, we’d love to have you come along! Just let us know by sending us a quick text that says “count me/us in for Paris!” and we’ll be sure to share more details as the dates get closer.
Step Into the Celebration With Us
The next section highlights the Wedding Events.