Timeless Elegance and Intimacy in the Heart of Burgundy

Captured by CHRISTOPHE SERRANO, Vivian and Terrence’s wedding at CHÂTEAU DE VARENNES was the culmination of a love story that began more than a decade earlier, quietly and unexpectedly, during their final years of high school. Though they attended the same school for years without crossing paths, their connection began when Terrence—seeking help with his studies—approached Vivian, the top-ranked student in their grade, for maths tutoring. What started as shared notes and long study sessions soon evolved into something deeper, and on a walk home from school on Vivian’s birthday, Terrence asked her to be his girlfriend. From that moment on, they were inseparable.

Their relationship unfolded across life’s milestones—university years, long-distance chapters, international study, and career moves—building a foundation rooted in patience, devotion, and mutual respect. By the time Terrence planned his proposal, it felt like a natural next chapter rather than a question.

Disguised as a Valentine’s weekend escape to Queensland’s Gold Coast, Terrence’s proposal was anything but ordinary. Set within the grandeur of the Palazzo Versace (now the Imperial Hotel), the evening unfolded as a carefully orchestrated experience filled with personal touches. After a day spent indulging in seafood, art museums, and poolside cocktails, Vivian was led—blindfolded—into a private poolside setting at sunset. Surrounded by flowers, candlelight, live violin music, and a glowing “Marry Me” sign, Terrence asked her to become his wife. Tears, cheers, champagne, and music followed, marking the beginning of their next chapter together.

For Vivian, a wedding in a French château had long lived in her imagination. For Terrence, France represented culture, history, fine food, and wine—all elements they both cherished. After extensive research, CHÂTEAU DE VARENNES stood out not only for its beauty but for its warmth, flexibility, and legacy. Still owned and lovingly restored by the Truchis de Varennes family for over 400 years, the château offered antique-filled salons, grand fireplaces, and sunlit interiors that felt both stately and welcoming.

Planned with care by PEONY MOMENTS, the setting allowed Vivian and Terrence to create a celebration that felt intimate yet elevated—one that honoured French tradition while reflecting their own cultural heritage and personal story.

From the beginning, stationery was envisioned as a keepsake rather than a formality. Designed by IVORY & FINE, their invitations featured a custom watercolour illustration of CHÂTEAU DE VARENNES alongside a visual map of its Burgundy location, presented in pastel blue velvet boxes with gold foil detailing. Wedding-day paper goods by PROMESSE GRAPHIQUE continued the theme, incorporating classic blue toile de Jouy patterns, tassels, and textured finishes that echoed the refined elegance of the tablescape.

Fashion played a deeply personal role in the celebration, blending Vivian and Terrence’s Southeast Asian heritage with their Western upbringing. Both ceremony and reception outfits were custom-made in Vietnam, while accessories were sourced in Australia. Vivian wore a lace ceremony gown by LINH NGA COUTURE and a sculptural Mikado reception dress by HACCHIC COUTURE, each reflecting a different expression of timeless femininity. Terrence’s ceremony suit by ANTONIO DE TORRES BESPOKE and reception tuxedo by MON AMIE VESTON offered a balance of Neapolitan tailoring and classic formality. Together, their looks felt intentional, elegant, and entirely their own.

Though the couple initially dreamed of eloping, family ultimately played a meaningful role in shaping the ceremony. With immediate loved ones gathered, Vivian was walked down the aisle by her father as a string duo played music marking different eras of their relationship. Soft vows were exchanged, tears were shed, and the ceremony unfolded with quiet emotion—private, heartfelt, and deeply moving.

Florals by LILAS WOOD FLORAL DESIGN carried profound meaning. Flowers had long been part of Terrence’s way of expressing love, with monthly anniversary bouquets marking their relationship for years. For the wedding, abundant arrangements featured hydrangeas, peonies, roses, dahlias, and phalaenopsis in periwinkle blues and lavender purples—chosen both for symbolism and personal significance, from “something blue” to nods toward their upcoming honeymoon in Provence.

Following the ceremony, Vivian and Terrence changed into their evening attire and joined guests for a relaxed cocktail hour in front of the château, complete with a crémant tower and a vanilla bean and white chocolate cake by K_N_KAKES. As evening fell, the reception unfolded outdoors beneath the stars, with long tables lining the château pathway. Wrapped in blankets, guests enjoyed steak frites, flowing chablis and crémant, heartfelt conversations, and a quiet sway beneath the moonlight rather than a choreographed first dance.

The celebration continued with a three-week honeymoon through France, spanning Paris, Champagne, Provence, and the Côte d’Azur—filled with Michelin-starred dining, vineyard tours, lavender fields, coastal drives, and even the Monaco Grand Prix. It was the perfect continuation of a wedding rooted in love, intention, and unforgettable experience.