Elizabeth & Telemaco | June 2025 Wedding
We first met Elizabeth and Telemaco on a sunny September day in 2024, when they visited Château de Jalesnes in search of their dream wedding venue for the following June. From the very beginning, it was clear that this was something special.
They instantly fell in love with the château – wandering through the grounds, exploring the elegant interiors, sampling the menu at a local restaurant, and spending time wine tasting with owners David and Jenny to discover the perfect blends for their celebration.
A second visit followed in February, this time with Elizabeth’s maid of honour and her husband, and with just four months to go, the final details for their big day were confirmed.
Although the couple live in the US, planning from afar was seamless throughout. With clear communication and a shared vision, everything quickly began to take shape.
From Planning to Arrival
As with all weddings, a few last-minute ideas appeared (including beautifully personalised macarons!), but by the time the couple arrived, everything was perfectly in place.
Before joining their guests at the château, Elizabeth and Telemaco enjoyed a romantic photoshoot in Saumur, soaking up the charm of the Loire Valley. They then returned to the château to prepare for an intimate Tea Ceremony held in the entrance hall. This meaningful moment allowed close family and friends to share kind wishes and memories, honouring loved ones and symbolising luck, love, and unity.
A Celebration Begins
Once the château filled with excited voices and laughter, it was time for the first group activity – a wine blending workshop in the château’s historic caves. Guests learned about French terroir before blending their own red wines from single-varietal vintages, presenting their creations with plenty of friendly competition and laughter.
As evening approached, everyone returned to the front terrace to enjoy the soft summer sunshine and a generous buffet of slow-roast pork, grenaille potatoes, and ratatouille -the perfect start to the celebrations.
The Wedding Day
On the morning of the wedding, the weather was uncertain, but with sunlight peeking through the clouds, preparations continued with optimism. Bright white, rose, and fuchsia florals brought vibrant colour to the day, while thoughtful details – including luggage-tag seating charts and a mirror welcome sign – added a personal touch.
The ceremony took place on the sunlit front terrace. Telemaco made his entrance to ‘Still D.R.E.’, beautifully performed on the harp by François Pernel, while Elizabeth walked down the aisle to ‘She’. The ceremony was officiated by the bride’s uncle and included heartfelt readings from close friends and family, creating a truly unique and personal moment.
Champagne, Music & Unexpected Rain
Following the ceremony, guests moved to the shade of the chestnut grove for the vin d’honneur. La Roulotte à Swing set the tone with upbeat jazz, while guests enjoyed canapés and signature cocktails: a classic Vodka Soda and a Raspberry French 75.
One of the most memorable moments followed: the champagne tower. Elizabeth and Telemaco chose to saber an Ackerman Brut Rosé, perfectly matching their pink theme, and raised a toast to their family and friends.
Just as guests began to take their seats – marked by glass cloches hiding personalised raspberry macarons – the skies opened. Thanks to the quick work of the château team (and the wonderful flexibility of the couple and their guests), the reception was swiftly moved indoors. While tables were relocated, guests were entertained by speeches and a spontaneous violin performance from one of the bride’s nephews – turning a weather surprise into a magical memory.
Dinner, Dancing & Fireworks
The evening unfolded beautifully with a menu of burrata and carpaccio to start, followed by pork, chicken, or risotto, and finished with a fresh fruit pavlova. Before dessert, the couple opened a magnum of wine from a vineyard local to them in Napa Valley – signed by guests as a unique and meaningful guestbook.
Later, guests were surprised with a spectacular croquembouche and fireworks display before moving inside the château for Elizabeth and Telemaco’s beautifully choreographed first dance. From there, the celebrations continued on the dancefloor well into the early hours.
A relaxed farewell
The following day was all about rest and relaxation. Although the skies remained overcast, the weather was warm, and guests enjoyed lounging by the pool and taking refreshing swims. In the early afternoon, Belgian burgers and fries were served, followed by the arrival of an ice-cream triporteur – a hit with children and adults alike.
The team at Château de Jalesnes had such a wonderful time celebrating with Elizabeth, Telemaco, and their families and friends. We hope to welcome them back again very soon and wish the happy couple every joy in their marriage and all the adventures ahead.
Photos by Sebastien Bicard
Video by Il Etait Un Pixel
