Wedding Day

Summer

What an amazing time! We had the best weekend, and are so grateful we were able to share it with all of you! Thank you for making it so magical! Official photos from Jeremie (Il Etait un Pixel) are coming soon. Bona's photos, featuring the welcome dinner &amp; guest portraits, can be found here <a href="https://bonphotography.pixieset.com/catherineandnick/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bonphotography.pixieset.com/catherineandnick/</a>

Our Wedding

We met in Boston on December 8, 2018, and went on essentially 3 dates! Date 1 and 2 were coffee shops, The Thinking Cup next to the Boston Common and the Bella Vita cafe in Beacon Hill. Date 3 was cooking dinner at Catherine's apartment in the North End. We had so much fun!

First date(s)

We met each other's families, and eventually moved in together! Nick moved into Catherine's apartment in the North End in March of 2020. We then moved to East Boston in August, which started a whole new adventure. We fostered 6 dogs and adopted 1 (hi Larry).

And then

Now we're in Cleveland! Nick started medical school at Case Western Reserve University. We've been exploring Cleveland through restaurants, pottery classes, and dog parks! We're also making great friends and enjoying our time here.

And after that

We got engaged on April 2nd at sunrise in Beacon Hill. We had a photoshoot with an amazing photographer, Erin of Boston, and we got engaged in the same location as our first date. It was a chilly day, but our love and excitement kept us warm!

And now we're getting married! 

Our Story

Engagement Photos

Timeline

Photos

Check in begins on Friday September 1st @ 2PM. ﻿The welcome cocktails begin at 6PM and dinner is at 7PM.

Flights

If arriving from the US or Canada, we'd recommend you fly into Charles de Gaulle (CDG). If you're arriving from Europe, either having taken a vacation before the weekend or you live in Europe, a train may be easier. If you spent a few days in Paris before the celebrations, you could take the train to Tours from Montparnasse train station, or rent a car from any number of options (see below)!

Ground Transportation

To arrive at the chateau, the best option will be to rent a car.1. Rent a car in Paris, and drive to the Chateau (~3.5 hours).2. Take the train from Paris to Tours or Angers(~1 hour), and then rent a car from there to drive to the Chateau (~1 hour). Paris has numerous rental car options. Feel free to ask us if you have any questions or need any recommendations.Tours has the (major) options of <a href="https://www.avis.com/en/home" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Avis</a> or <a href="https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/reservation/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hertz</a>. Renting a car will provide flexibility to come and go as you please, sightsee/explore during the free bits of the weekend, and makes checking out a breeze. There is free parking on the premises. Note: Paris DOES have <a href="https://www.zipcar.com/how-it-works" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zipcar</a>. It may be worth exploring a 1-month membership ($9) and renting a zipcar in Paris for the weekend. This would include gas/insurance etc. Note: There are many rent-a-car apps such as <a href="https://www.sixt.com/#/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sixt</a>, <a href="https://www.liligo.com/car-rental-paris" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Liligo</a> or <a href="https://www.momondo.com/car-rental/Paris-36014" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Momondo</a>. These options may be more economical but could be less reliable than established car rental agencies. Note: We would probably recommend purchasing insurance with your rental if you choose to rent a car. Catherine's had personal experience with a European car rental company inaccurately claiming damage, and if she hadn't opted for the insurance she would have had a &gt;800 Euro bill.

Accommodations

We are excited to share the experience of staying in a Chateau with everyone! We've visited the chateau over Thanksgiving this past year, and it's absolutely gorgeous. We're confident all our friends and family will be comfortable and enjoy the stay. Note: there is an elevator to ensure maximal comfort and accessibility. Should you choose to stay at the chateau, please note the following: Rooms will be assignedCouples will be together, of course, and we're doing our best to have everyone comfy and happy. There are studio suites, 1-bed suites, 2-bed suites, and 3-bed suites. The rate is 225€ per personWe're asking our guests to cover the cost of their lodging at the Chateau, similar to a hotel room block for US weddings.For simplicity's sake, we have decided the chateau will organize a per-head rate of 225€ (or 450€ for a couple) for the weekend. This covers the 2 nights of lodging in the Chateau. Note: this is the only cost incurred over the weekend. We provide the welcome dinner, breakfast, lunch and wedding dinner, and brunch on Sunday. We will be staying a third night to take advantage of the locale, and you are welcome to join! The Chateau generously offers our guests the option to extend another night, with a discounted rate of 195€ per room. We will be staying Sunday night to enjoy the pool, and decompress from the weekend. We'll be BBQ'ing that evening.There are many activity options for the extra day: Chateau tours, Cave (wine) tours &amp; tastings, biking around the area, kayaking on the Loire, hot air balloon rides, etc. If you would like to take advantage of this additional night, please make a note in the RSVP. The Chateau will invoice you directlyPlease make sure to enter your email when RSVP'ing. Once we have everyone's RSVP, we'll provide the guest list to the Chateau and they will invoice you via email directly. This is the most efficient / preferred method. If you have any issues please let us know and we can help coordinate! You are always welcome to find your own accommodations near the chateau, and join in on our festivities.

Please find the Chateau's <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Tl6BCHphV6Bx6nP5H0RAfeAlQik7BlGI/view?usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Travel Recommendations here.</a>

Travel & Accommodations

Friday September 1, 2023

2PM | Check-in beginsEntrance/Stairwell 6PM | Welcome DrinksFront Terrace 7PM | Welcome DinnerFront Terrace Cocktail Attire

Saturday September 2, 2023

Wedding Day!

Sunday September 3, 2023

10 AM | BreakfastDining Area 12 PM | Check OutEntrance/Stairwell (if you have chosen to extend your stay) 12 PM | ActivitiesSome activities include: Pool, Golf, Kayaking, Biking, Wine TastingWe'll schedule more as we get closer 4 PM | BBQTBDa BBQ dinner 8 PM | PizzaTerraceWe're getting more food.

Monday September 4, 2023

9:30 AM | BreakfastDining Area 12 PM | Check OutEntrance/StairwellAu Revoir

Wedding Weekend

Do you lookup the menu to a restaurant before you go, so that you know what to expect and what to order? WE DO TOO! So use this page for that.

So what's on the menu?

Friday

Welcome Dinner We're serving Fouees and Crepes via Food Trucks for the welcome dinner! Fouees are French sandwiches on a light airy bread, from western France.And crepes! We'll have both savoury and sweet options, and everything will be delicious. We will also have a buffet of salad, fresh fruit, and cakes!There'll be plenty of vegetarian options.

Saturday

Breakfast Cereals, yoghurts, cheese, cold cuts, pastries, baguettes, fresh fruit, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, juice, jams and butter Light Lunch Cheese and charcuterie boards, fresh baguettes and fresh fruits Banquet We're keeping the meal details a surprise but expect: A curated selection of hot and cold canapes A sumptuous starterA majestic main courseA cheese platterA delicious dessertA Croquembouche - a traditional wedding cake presented in all its flaming glory And some late night snacks

Sunday

Brunch Quiches, cakes, salads, egg station, bacon, sausages, potato rostis, cereals, yoghurts, cheese, cold cuts, pastries, baguettes, fresh fruit, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, juice, jams and butter

For those staying an additional night

Dinner Nick &amp; Catherine will be BBQ'ing for you on the terrace overlooking the grounds Second Dinner Pizza! Breakfast Light continental breakfast

A note from the Château

Your guests will experience the gastronomy of the AnjouTouraine region at its best. Our Chefs create the most wonderful French cuisine to the highest possible standards using natural local ingredients. Each course is served as if you were in an exclusive restaurant, not at a function. We have absolutely no doubt that we offer the best catered receptions in the Loire Valley. The Château carefully selects the finest and most suitable wines of the region to accompany your meals.

Foodies

General Questions

What should I pack? Your wedding attire (black tie &amp; cocktail)! Comfy clothes, bathing suit if you wish to swim in the pool. Sunglasses. Note we'll be on grass so beware if you're planning on heels! There will be irons/steamers in each room. There are also adapters in case you forget yours (we'd still recommend you pack one!) Your presence is the most cherished gift of all.If you choose to give a gift from our registry, kindly have it shipped to our address before the wedding day. Please refrain from bringing gifts larger than a card to the wedding venue. What's the dress code? The welcome dinner is cocktail attire.Cocktail attire is a semi-formal dress code, with men typically wearing tailored suits and women opting for knee-length or midi dresses. The look should be polished, stylish, and tasteful, with a balance between casual and formal. The wedding day (from 4PM onwards) is black tie.Black tie dress code for a wedding is a formal and elegant attire. For men, it entails wearing a black tuxedo, a black bow tie (or neck tie), and a crisp, white formal shirt. Black leather dress shoes are a must. Women should wear floor-length gowns or elegant cocktail dresses, with the option to accessorize with glamorous jewelry and formal heels. The overall look exudes timeless and refined style, reflecting the grandeur of the special occasion. Although remember! It's still summer so light fabrics will be your friend :) What should we do in the free time? Anything you want! You can explore the surrounding area, go to the pool (remember sunscreen), lounge about. Just be on time for the ceremony (starting promptly at 4!)

Do we need to find our own meals.Absolutely not! Your comfort and enjoyment are of utmost importance to us. From the moment you arrive on Friday until our delightful brunch on Sunday, we have all your meals lovingly taken care of. In addition, we've thoughtfully stocked your rooms with some of our favorite snacks to keep you refreshed throughout your stay. Rest assured, you won't need to worry about a thing – we've got you covered! However, should you wish to explore the charming town, feel free to do so, though we're confident you'll find everything you need right here with us. We can't wait to share this wonderful weekend with you!

Logistical Questions

How do we get to the Chateau? Rent a car from Paris (3.5h), Tours (1h) or Avignon (1h). There's parking on site! Google maps should lead you correctly to the entrance. The entrance is a green metal gate, which will automatically open when you approach in your vehicle. If the gate does not open, you are in the wrong place. Where do we park? Parking is on the far side of the chateau, image below.

FAQs

Jules and Catherine met when living in the same Freshman Year dorm at Northeastern. They had many of the same classes, and at the end they spent a year in France together! They share a love of all things French and dog related, and Catherine is excited to have Jules with her in this experience!

Julianna Bologa

The Wedding Party

Château de Jalesnes

Built in 1610 in the Loire Valley, the Château de Jalesnes is rich with history, playing host to knights, royals, merchants, and more.&nbsp;

History

1189

On July 3, 1189 in the foothills of Hattin, near the Sea of Galilee, Saladin the Great won a victory over the Frankish armies aided in part by the incompetence of the King of Jerusalem, Guy de Lusignan, the betrayal of the Grand Master of the Templars, Gerard de Ridefort and the brutality of Renaud de Chatillon. During the action, his horse shot from under him, one of the Knights Templar, Jacquelin Jalesnes, struggled to his feet, spear in hand, and bravely continued to rebuff the enemy. Alone on the field of battle, he was given an opportunity to escape with his life but he chose to stand and fight, losing so much blood in the process that he eventually succumbed to his wounds and died. The Turks, in awe of his courage, shredded his clothes and kept them as souvenirs. The Jalesnes continued to serve as knights of the Order of St John of Jerusalem for several hundred years.

1610

Chateau de Jalesnes was built in the 17th Century, in 1610. There is nothing left of the original old feudal castle today.

1634 – 1663

Charles de Jalesnes, first Marquis de Jalesnes, was elevated to the ranks of the Maquisat by Letters Patent issued by King Louis XIII in recognition of the loyalty of the lords of the manor of Beunesche. In 1642 with the death of the Marquis de Jalesnes and his wife, Eléonore de Maillée Brézé, and there being no male heir, the castle was passed down to the eldest daughter’s c. It is believed that until the latter half of the 19th Century, their tombs were interred in the crypt at the chateau however their remains were removed to the local Mairie-Eglise in Vernantes. In 1663 the son of Charles de Maillée de la Tour-Landry married Bonne Marie Madeleine du Landry and produced seven children including the heir, Georges-Henri.

Want to read more?

Check out the full history on the Website<a href="https://chateaudejalesnes.com/history/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://chateaudejalesnes.com/history/</a>

On Site Activities

Stay on the Chateau grounds and explore!You can go to the pool, walk the grounds, explore the surrounding forest, borrow a bike. We're still in planning, but on site activities (such as a wine tasting) are possible as well!

Chateau de Jalesnes

Things to do nearby (<1h drive)

Visit the town of Angers. 1-hour drive away from the chateau, and plenty of history &amp; culture to offer! Angers offers a thriving Cafe culture! There's nothing better than a filling lunch with a glass of wine, followed by a walk around town.

Cathédrale Saint-Maurice d'Angers

Visit Tours! In a perfect location, Tours is the great capital of the Loire Valley, a Unesco world heritage site, but it is far more than just a gateway to the Loire Chateaux. Indeed, Tours delights in being charming and doesn’t think twice about playing a double game in order to do so. First of all, there is its historical heritage.&nbsp;The birthplace of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.touraineloirevalley.co.uk/balzac-honoured-in-tours/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Balzac</a>&nbsp;(more than fifty books to read) is proud of&nbsp;its old quarters, which take visitors on a wonderful journey back in time in France. Explore the narrow cobbled streets, half-timbered french houses&nbsp;and the stone façade of the monumental&nbsp;<a href="https://www.touraineloirevalley.co.uk/cultural-heritage/saint-gatien-cathedral-tours/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Saint-Gatien Cathedral</a>, which give the city a charming medieval air.The architecture&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.touraineloirevalley.co.uk/cultural-heritage/museum-of-fine-arts-and-its-garden-tours/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fine Arts Museum</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.touraineloirevalley.co.uk/cultural-heritage/hotel-gouin-tours/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hotel Gouïn</a>&nbsp;(Renaissance architecture),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.touraineloirevalley.co.uk/cultural-heritage/chateau-de-tours-tours/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tours castle</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.touraineloirevalley.co.uk/cultural-heritage/la-psalette-cloister-tours/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">‘la Psalette’ cloister</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.touraineloirevalley.co.uk/cultural-heritage/saint-martin-basilica-tours/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Saint Martin Basilica</a>&nbsp;(near the “tour Charlemagne” and the “tour de l’horloge”) is of great interest! You will enjoy those monuments through a new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.touraineloirevalley.co.uk/tours-illuminated-walking-experience/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">illuminated walking experience</a>, and of course with&nbsp;a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.touraineloirevalley.co.uk/cultural-heritage/guided-tour-of-tours-tours/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">guided tour</a>&nbsp;proposed by the tourist office.

Cathédrale Saint-Gatien

The Clos Lucé castle and its three hectare grounds were purchased by Louise de Savoie, King François I's mother, around the turn of the 16th century. But François didn't live there for very long and didn't really do anything notable himself while in residence. Instead, Clos Lucé is a must-see because of a well-known house guest he had. When François went to Italy at the height of the Italian Renaissance, he met an aging artist and inventor by the name of Leonardo da Vinci, whom he brought back to live at Clos Lucé. Da Vinci was there for only three years before he died, but he developed many of his most visionary inventions at Clos Lucé. Clos Lucé houses a museum and park filled with prototypes of some of da Vinci's most imaginative creations, including the machine gun, helicopter and paddle boat. The museum's basement also features a display explaining on how tech giant IBM brought some of his inventions to life. Food for thought. Open February-June, September-October 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; July-August 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; November-January 9 a.m.-5 p.m.Admission: Adults $15.50 (€15.50), Children $11 (€11).

Château du Clos Lucé

The current Chenonceau castle was built during the 15th century after the original castle was destroyed during the Hundred Years' War. When principal architect Thomas Bohier was called off to war while the castle was being constructed, his wife, Katherine Briçonnet, took over. After the state uncovered suspicious financial dealings, Chenonceau was confiscated in 1535, and Henri II gave it to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers, much to the chagrin of his wife, Catherine de Médicis. Nevertheless, the latter reclaimed the castle upon her husband's death and spousal justice was served. Of note to architecture fans is that the competing styles of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis are evident throughout the castle. Later, when the government threatened to seize the castle during the French Revolution, Louise Dupin thwarted officials by using historical documents to prove the castle was privately owned, thus saving it from destruction. Château de Chenonceau, or the "Women's Castle," is the only castle built, decorated, inhabited and saved by women, making it a great place to understand the role of women during the Renaissance. Admission: Adults $13 (€13), children $11 (€10); audio guide $3.50 (€3.50).

Château de Chenonceau

Keep reading on additional Chateaux of the Loire here! <a href="https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/loire-valley-castles/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/loire-valley-castles/index.html</a>

Things to do if you have a few days

You could bookend this celebration weekend with time in Paris! There is NO END of things to do, places to see, and food to eat. We absolutely love Paris, and think it would be a wonderful time to visit. Recommendations would take a full page, but to name a few-Musee de l'Orangerie-Shopping in Le Merais-Ice cream at Berthillon on Ile St Louis-Picnic on the seine (or Canal St Martin)- +all the generic Must Sees!

Paris (the City of Love)

If you've rented a car in Tours, why not hop back on the train and visit the City of Wine.We had an absolutely amazing time in Bordeaux, top highlights include:-Lunch at LouLou (seriously the best food I had my whole year in France)-Cite du Vin, the wine museum, essentially a wine amusement park for adults-try a Cannelle, a dessert specific to the region-walk along the river

Bordeaux (the City of Wine)

If you're itching for a summer on the French Riviera, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE! Why not come to France a little early, in August, and enjoy all that Nice has to offer. I absolutely love Nice &amp; the surrounding areas.Highlights include-Opera Plage (rent a chair for 20€, the beach is rocky).-The flower market-Get some perfume! It's made with the flowers of the region-Take the train to Monaco for a day, stop in Eze and walk to Plage de la Mala (it's a short walk and trust me, it's worth it)-Head over to the Matisse Museum (beautiful art &amp; free AC)-Walk the Promenade des Anglais (named because the French observed how much we English/ American/ Canadian love to walk)-Vieux Nice - walk the old city, it's absolutely beautiful