Shelby & Benji
09 | 10 | 2024
Château de la Valouze · Bordeaux, France
Bonjour! We can’t wait for you to join Shelby & Benji at the stunning Chateau de la Valouze from Sept. 9–12, 2024 as we celebrate our wedding.
Colorado Post-Wedding Reception: We will be hosting a local reception in Colorado Springs, CO the evening of Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024 for anyone not able to make it to our wedding in France. If you did attend the wedding, you’re also more than welcome to join us for more fun! The event will be hosted at a private residence, so please reach out to us if you’re interested and we can send you the details.
How We Met
On the leap day of one of the most chaotic years in history, a city boy from Chicago met an (indoor) mountain girl from Colorado Springs. We both had mutual friends and knew of one another, and thanks to Benji’s friend, Vince, Shelby knew that Benji had a crush on her. When Benji’s name and photo popped up on Hinge, Shelby verified his identity with Emily and then swiped right! Being chronically online led Shelby to prepare for the looming pandemic about a month earlier than everyone else. But with this recent Hinge match, she had a choice to make: hunker down solo and be completely safe, or risk it all to give this guy a chance. We had our first date at Cork & Cask, Benji played hard to get, and it worked. We had a few more dates out in the real world before the lock-down. Once that came, we were forced to be exclusive, in both our relationship, and any/all human relations. It worked out for the best, as we’ve been together for over 4 years and have loved every adventure together since that first date on Feb. 29, 2020.
Our Engagement
On June 11, 2023, we landed on São Miguel island in the Azores for our dream vacation and first international trip together. Although the island is one of the most beautiful places in the world, there’s often heavy fog that can obstruct the views. On the morning of our arrival, the weather was perfect and sunny. We immediately headed to the most spectacular lookout on the island, Miradouro da Boca do Inferno of Sete Cidades. We knew this might be our only chance to see it (and it was!) With some strong convincing from Benji, we climbed over the protective barrier you’re not supposed to cross to take a quick unobstructed photo by the caldera’s cliff edge. Benji completely surprised Shelby, got down on one knee and proposed! She said, “Yes,” of course, but was eager to go back on the other side of the fence. There were about 25+ people cheering and taking photos, and one even air-dropped us the video. Shelby looks really awkward and scared in all of them due to the heights situation, but was willing to conquer her fears for a lifetime with Benji!
Destination Wedding
Why a destination wedding? Why France? Why a three-day weekday affair? We realize that this is a big ask for our friends and relatives in the United States. However, we wanted to have the type of wedding that would best represent us as a couple. We both share a passion for travel. We loved the idea of having our favorite people all in one place for the experience of a lifetime, rather than just a one-day event. How often do you get to stay on the grounds of a French Chateau?! Our wish is for everyone attending to plan a wonderful vacation around our wedding and share photos with us, so that we can take part in your beautiful adventures. For several people, this will be your first vacation abroad, and for others, this is what you live for. We hope this trip encourages you to renew your passport and travel more! Travel is often more accessible than most Americans expect, and can truly shift your perspective and outlook on life for the better. As a bonus, Bordeaux is one of the world’s finest wine (and food) regions in the world.
Event Itinerary
Monday
September 9, 2024
Back Patio and Jazz Bar
Château de la Valouze,
24490 La Roche-Chalais,
France (Map)
Attire: Garden Party (Colorful Cocktail)
We will be renting the entirety of the chateau and grounds for 3 nights. The chateau has enough accommodations within its grounds’ 84-acres to host all expected guests, should you chose to stay on site.
3:30 PM: Shuttle Pickup from Bordeaux
We will be chartering a complimentary shuttle for guests that are not renting cars from the Bordeaux St. Jean train station to Chateau de la Valouze. The drive time is about 60 minutes.
After 4:00 PM: Guest Check-In
Guests can arrive and check in at the Orangerie on the grounds of Chateau de La Valouze, where you will be directed to your room.
7:00 PM to 12:00 AM: Wedding Welcome Party
We will be starting the evening with an aperitif buffet and wine tasting adventure led by a local sommelier, followed by a seated dinner and dessert. The attire will be Garden Party cocktail, which includes dresses, rompers or sets, floral prints, fun patterns encouraged, and suits in lighter hues and unique colors, ties optional. Have fun with it!
Tuesday
September 10, 2024
Front Lawn, Back Patio, and Grand Hall
Château de la Valouze,
24490 La Roche-Chalais,
France (Map)
Attire: Black Tie Optional,
but preferred (learn more)
The big day! We will plan to host our wedding and reception on the chateau grounds starting in the late afternoon. The ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner will take place outside on different parts of the chateau grounds. We have indoor spaces for any inclement weather. The reception with live music and dancing will take place in the Grand Hall. Guests can relax on the chateau grounds until the event begins.
Morning: Breakfast
Light continental breakfast will be provided within the chateau
4:00 PM: Ceremony
Wedding Ceremony on the Front Lawn
Formal Attire, Black Tie preferred but optional
5:00 PM: Cocktails & Canapés
Cocktail hour will be hosted on the Back Patio
7:30 PM to 2:00 AM: Reception
Traditional French 4-course dinner, speeches, reception, live music, and dancing outside and inside of the Grand Reception Hall.
Wednesday
September 11, 2024
Front Lawn & Pool
Château de la Valouze,
24490 La Roche-Chalais,
France (Map)
Attire: Casual
French weddings usually go deep into the night, so we will be having a late start on this day to relax, reflect, and recover. We’ll host brunch and allow plenty of time to relax at the pool. Later in the day, we will be hosting an optional excursion to Saint-Émilion, where guests can venture off on their own for shopping and dinner. If you’re interested in one of the several Michelin star restaurants, we recommend making reservations well in advance. Saint-Émilion is a medieval town 45 minutes away with roots stretching back 35,000 years. The town is said to be one of the finest wine and food capitals of the world, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
11:00 AM: Post-Wedding Brunch
We will be hosting a local food truck on site that will craft cider cocktails, appetizers, made-to-order savory galettes, and an unlimited buffet of sweet crêpes. Vegetarian and gluten-free options will be available.
3:00 PM: Shuttle Depart for Saint Émilion
A shuttle will take all guests to the town for a day trip, if you choose to join. The ride is about 40 minutes. We encourage everyone to ride with us together on the shuttle :)
4:00 PM to 9:00 PM: Free time to explore Saint Émilion
Free time in the town to explore, shop and dine. Shops typically close around 6:00 PM, so we recommend doing exploring/shopping first, then going to dinner. There are several Michelin star restaurants, so if you’re interested, be sure to make a reservation!
9:00 PM: Shuttle Depart for Chateau de la Valouze
A shuttle will take all guests back to the chateau, arriving around 10:00 PM.
Thursday
September 12, 2024
Château de la Valouze,
24490 La Roche-Chalais,
France (Map)
Unfortunately, we have to say au dieu to the chateau bright and early. All guests will need to check out prior to 10:00 AM. We’ll host a continental breakfast in the chateau starting earlier in the morning so that everyone can fuel up before their travel day ahead. We plan to spend Sept. 12-15 in Paris via train for a buddymoon and would love for you to join us! We will be staying near the Opéra metro station in the 9th arrondissement.
7:00 AM: Breakfast
Light breakfast will be provided within the chateau
8:00 AM: Shuttle Depart for Bordeaux
We will be chartering a complimentary shuttle for guests that are not renting cars from Chateau de la Valouze to Bordeaux St. Jean train station. The drive time is about 60 minutes. If you are not renting a car and need to leave at an earlier time, unfortunately, you will need to make your own arrangements.
10:00 AM: Departure
Guest deadline for checkout - we will say au revoir for now, or maybe à bientôt.