We know the perfect cure for those Monday blues: let’s all take a much-needed mental vacay to France + live vicariously through Hildegunn + Samuel as we pour through these photos from their gorgeous Château le Mont Epinguet wedding! We’re going to let Hildegunn share the sweet story of how she + Samuel met, but let us just tell you, she planned their entire wedding in France from the Philippines with a fiancé that was living in Finland at the time. And with VERY little internet to boot. We’re impressed to say the least. Goes to show that sometimes all you need is a little bit of time, some ingenuity, and the help of awesome friends + fam to pull together an epic celebration!
We first met at a wedding in Hawaii the summer of 2012 and from there I moved to Paris to study French. Samuel pursued my heart in Paris and that is one of the biggest reason why we chose to get married in France. It is so special to us! Since we also come from two different countries, one side of the guests would have needed to travel anyways. so why not meet up in France?! We both love the French culture and we thought it would be perfect with a laid back, yet classy chateau wedding.
Thanks so much to Logan Cole Photography for sharing these images with us – seriously, every photo is so, so dreamy – and big congrats to the newlyweds on a BEAUTIFUL day!
Our Favorite Memory
The first look was definitely the highlight for both of us, but the whole week in Normandy was almost equally incredible. It was honestly just a big reunion. That week Samuel and I were officially done with 2 years of long distance and we were reunited with our closest friends from all over the world, some of them we hadn't seen for years. From beach volley and swimming in the ocean to game nights, spontaneous dance off's under the stars, exploring Normandy, big dinners and wine tastings, good talks and just lots of laughter. This made the wedding day even more relaxed and fun since everyone already knew each other! The night before the wedding we also had a worship night with all our guests. We both love the Lord and it was important to us to praise The One who made all this happen and to lay the wedding day in His hands.
The silhouette and lace sleeves on Hildegunn’s Jun Escario dress are to die for! She looks amazing…
We love that these two spent lots of time with Logan pre-ceremony capturing gorgeous portraits. We can’t recommend this enough if you are able to work it into your timeline. Imagine looking back on these images forty years from now! Le’Swoon.
^^ OMG! ^^
The flowers were ordered just the week before the wedding, but you’d never know it! Hildegunn’s good friend, Elena Goetzinger, crafted the dreamiest installments, including that crazy-good ceremony arch.
Our Musical Choices
Bottom line we just wanted our guests to have FUN in our wedding. I love weddings where people can feel free to walk around and find different things to do in between the program. We had organized a photobooth corner, a polaroid photo challenge, a ping pong table, a guestbook table and a lounge area for people to sit down and chill. Often times weddings are quite long and you have to sit for a long time. This allows guests to have fun and mingle with different people, not just the ones you’re sitting next to. :)
H + S are officially the coolest!
Fun fact: Norwegians love cake and by tradition you always have a big cake table. Our super-moms baked about 20 different cakes!
See more in the beautiful film below by Matti Haapoja from Heartvisuals:
Our Advice
Delegate work to your friends, they want to help! We could never have pulled this wedding off without the help of our amazing friends and family.
Featured in This Wedding
LOGAN COLE Photography
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Other Vendors in This Wedding
Venue: Chateau le Mont Epinguet // Florals: bride's good friend, Elena Goetzinger // Wedding Dress: Jun Escario // Bride's Shoes: Vic // Bridesmaid Dresses: Etsy // Hair Stylist: Bride // Makeup Artist: Bride // Groom Attire: Turo Tailor // Videography: Matti Haapoja from Heartvisuals // Catering: La Ferme des Mares // Cake: Gift from a friend // Music: Erik Klintenberg // Officiant: John Gillespie // rentals: La Ferme des Mares
