4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Just arrived after your long journey? We've got you covered with delicious grab-and-go options from our local village bakery! Help yourself to classic ham and cheese baguettes, savory quiches (both spinach & goat cheese and ham & cheese varieties), and a simple fresh salad. And don't miss the traditional French eclairs and flaky apple turnovers for a sweet energy boost. Feel free to mix yourself a welcome cocktail from our self-service bar inside the château while you settle in and recover from your travels. The perfect low-key fuel to help you adjust to French time before our wedding week festivities begin! Dress code: Travel comfortable + casual attire
9:15 am - 10:30 am
Rise and shine with our delicious morning spread every day from 9:15-10:30 AM (except for departure day when we'll serve early birds from 7:30-8:45 AM). Fuel up for your day of French adventures with fresh eggs, buttery croissants, assorted jams and spreads, refreshing juices, and eye-opening coffee and tea.
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Kick off our wedding week with a bang! Join us for an epic American cookout to celebrate both the 4th of July and the start of our festivities. Our local BBQ chef is roasting a whole piglet on the spit (ooh la la meets yeehaw!), grilling up classic burgers and hot dogs with all the fixings, plus serving refreshing summer salads and snacks. Grab a plate, dive into this Franco-American feast, and celebrate Independence Day with a French twist as we lounge by the pool. Dress code: Festive red, white & blue casual
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Join us for an unforgettable evening of games and giggles! We'll kick things off with a special round of "Guest Bingo" where you'll uncover amusing secrets and fun facts about who you'll be spending the week with. Discover hidden talents, surprising past adventures, and unexpected connections among our wedding guests! After our ice-breaker round, we'll move on to Aunt Shelia's famous traditional Bingo with exciting prizes up for grabs! Grab a drink, bring your competitive spirit, and prepare for a night of laughter and friendly rivalries as we get to know our fellow wedding guests better. Dress code: Cozy attire
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
We've organized two groups for tomorrow's activities. Everyone will enjoy lunch together at 12:00 PM. GROUP 1 (16 PEOPLE): Schedule: Terroir Eco-Tour & Wine Tasting (10:00 AM) → Lunch (12:00 PM) → Goat Farm (1:45 PM) Return to Château: 3:45 PM Members: Chuck, Ethan, Karen, Patti, Shelia, Jim, Blaine, Cubby, David, Trish, Tom, Terri, Jill, Maya GROUP 2 (24 PEOPLE): Schedule: Lunch (12:00 PM) → Terroir Eco-Tour & Wine Tasting (2:00 PM) → Goat Farm (3:45 PM) Return to Château: 5:00 PM Members: Blake, Anastasia, Eric, Danielle, Josh, Michael V., Monica, Mina, Michael M., John, Lindsay, Kieran, Matt, Ashlee, Diana, MG, Alanna, Lauren, Jamie, Marc, Ryan, Alex, Aly, Joe Dress code: Flowy maxi dresses, romantic florals and pastels paired with comfortable shoes.
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Get ready for a mouthwatering Italian dinner crafted by the fabulous Chef Valentina! We're talking burrata tartlets, classic bruschetta, and a pasta buffet that'll make your nonna jealous - pistachio cream fusilli, authentic carbonara, and garlicky scampi. Wash it all down with our signature Limoncello Sparkler cocktail before diving into chocolate hazelnut tartlets. Buon appetito!
Dress code: Relaxed dinner attire
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
After filling up on Chef Valentina's delicious Italian feast, stick around for a fun-filled evening of trivia hosted by the one and only Aunt Patti! Test your knowledge with categories centered around love (of course!) - from famous marriages throughout history to romantic music and special French-inspired questions. Bring your competitive spirit and team up with fellow guests for bragging rights and prizes.
12:00 pm - 4:30 pm
We've organized the golf groups for Joe's bachelor celebration! Join us for a great day on the course. SCHEDULE: Lunch: On-site at 12:00 PM Tee Time: 2:00 PM Format: 11 holes THE FOURSOMES: Group 1: Jason Pollack Mina Doulabi MG Lichtenberger Group 2: Marc Goodman Michael Moore Michael Vaneray Group 3: Tom Sanchez Chuck Bechtel Blaine Heitkamp Ethan Gardner Group 4: Joe Bechtel Black Froling Eric Strunk Josh Bolin TRANSPORTATION: 15 bikes will be available for those who'd like to cycle to the course Biking time: 17 minutes Driving time: 7 minutes Dress code: Country Club Attire
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Dearest readers, while certain gentlemen attend to matters of sport, we cordially invite all remaining guests to join us for a scandalously delightful Bridgerton-inspired tea party at the château. The afternoon promises to be filled with the most exquisite treats - from delectable savory bites to divine sweet confections - all accompanied by fine teas, mimosas, and Aperol Spritz to ensure conversations flow with ease. This charming affair shall feature our specially curated "Pearls & Prosecco" cookies and various delicacies worthy of the ton's approval. It shall be, without question, the social event of the season! Dress code: Channel your inner Bridgerton - pastels, pearls & pretty frocks
6:45 pm - 10:30 pm
Join us for dinner at the Michelin-rated La Tour restaurant, perched atop Sancerre with breathtaking vineyard views. Our bus departs promptly at 6:45 PM. We'll enjoy a coursed dinner featuring local ingredients paired with exceptional wines, and raise our glasses with special toasts to the couple before their wedding day.
Dress code: Cocktail attire for Toasts & Tasting
Mon, Jul 7, 2025, 3:00 pm - Tue, Jul 8, 2025, 1:30 am
We've got some delightful surprises planned, but here's a peek at our celebration timeline as we say "I do" surrounded by the stunning vines of Sancerre! Get ready for a day of love, laughter, and dancing that will last well into the night. THE CELEBRATION: 3:00 PM: Guests gather at the vineyard (champagne may be involved!) 3:15 PM - 3:30 PM: Ceremony among the vines officiated by Uncle Cubby 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Cocktail reception & photos (strike your best pose!) 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Four-course dinner & toasts (tissues recommended) 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Live band performance (dancing shoes required) 10:00 PM: Late night grilled cheese bar opens (midnight cravings satisfied) 10:30 PM - 1:30 AM: DJ in the wine cave (where the real party happens) 1:30 AM: The celebration winds down (or does it?) Dress Code: "Hamptons Garden Party” Think: Breezy luxe, sophisticated summer attire We kindly encourage guests to wear soft neutrals for our special day
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Survived the wedding celebrations? Chef Miss Valentina has the perfect cure! Join us for a relaxed poolside brunch featuring fresh pastries, avocado and salmon toasts, savory quiches, and sweet pancakes topped with all the fixings. Wash it all down with refreshing mimosas while lounging by the water and soaking up the French sunshine. No schedule, no rush - just good food, great company, and the perfect lazy day to unwind after our festivities! Dress code: PJs & robes welcome!
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The pizza truck is rolling in! Join us for a laid-back evening around the pool featuring wood-fired pizzas made right before your eyes. We'll be serving a variety of mouthwatering options including a creamy goat cheese with honey and arugula, the chef's specialty a creamy chicken curry, classic chorizo, and traditional margherita. A fresh green salad accompanies the meal, and we'll finish with authentic tiramisu for dessert. Grab a slice (or three!), dive in for a swim, and enjoy the casual atmosphere as we continue our wedding week celebrations under the stars! Dress code: Casual dinner attire or a swimsuit + coverup
Wed, Jul 9, 2025, 6:00 pm - Thu, Jul 10, 2025, 8:00 pm
Opa! For our final evening together, we're bringing the Mediterranean to France with an authentic Greek feast. Begin your culinary journey with traditional appetizers including vine leaves, creamy tzatziki, rich tarama, eggplant caviar, and classic Greek salad - all served with freshly made pita bread. For the main course, enjoy a trio of marinated skewers featuring succulent chicken and pork prepared in traditional Greek styles, alongside authentic moussaka (vegetarian option available) and aromatic oven-roasted potatoes with herbs and lemon. Save room for dessert! We'll finish with sweet galaktoboureko bites - delicate phyllo pastry filled with lemony custard - and ravani, a traditional Greek sponge cake soaked in cane sugar syrup. But the night doesn't end there! After dinner, join us for a playful lemon hunt around the villa - a citrus-themed treasure hunt to conclude our wonderful week of celebrations. Dress Code: Yellow, White, or Lemon Print
9:00 am - 11:00 am
As our magical wedding week comes to a close, we want to thank you for sharing these unforgettable moments with us in France. All good things must come to an end, but the memories we've created will last a lifetime!
DEPARTURE DAY DETAILS: Check-out time: 11:00 AM Breakfast will be available from 7:30-8:45 AM on departure day Don't forget to check under the bed and in drawers for any personal belongings! TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS: Train: Take a taxi to either Sancerre or Cosne-sur-Loire train station, then continue to Paris Ride-sharing: Some guests with rental cars may have space - let us know if you need to coordinate Direct service: For groups of up to 6 people, a direct van service to CDG Airport is available for €670 Taxi details will be available that week, and our wedding planner can help arrange transportation. For direct service, please contact the taxi company at taxi.sancerrois@orange.fr. Thank you again for traveling all this way to celebrate with us - we are eternally grateful for your love and support! With all our love, Ashlee & Joe