Conversations with our brides
Lucile’s story
Manoir Les Cèdres · May 2024
From the magic of their first meeting to the search for the perfect gown, we are delighted to share a new story from our journal. Discover the words of Lucile, a radiant bride who chose a bespoke Maite Bailleul gown for her big day. Step into her world and her precious advice for a wedding that truly feels like you.
Season
Spring (May 18, 2024)
Venue
Manoir Les Cèdres (northern France)
Mood
Art deco, vintage
Guests
90
01 · How they met
Your love story
We met through a dating app in May 2016 in Paris. I was a student in Lille, visiting my parents, while he lived near Paris. Although I was initially looking for a summer fling, I fell in love with Mathieu right away! I could never picture a passing romance with him: I knew from the start that he was the man of my life.
How did the proposal happen?
The proposal was very simple. We had dreamed of this wedding for years, but the budget wasn’t there. After an inheritance in 2023, I took advantage of a cosy Valentine’s evening, just the two of us, to ask him if he wanted to make it official. He said yes right away!
02 · The gown
The search for your gown
How did you picture your gown at first?
I wanted it simple and very elegant. I was drawn to beautiful fabrics and a perfect drape. Sleeves were my one non negotiable: they felt right for a spring wedding while offering delicate coverage. I added the wish for a stunning open back.
What were your wishes and inspirations?
My first idea was quite open. I explored the Instagram accounts of different designers to understand which styles appealed to me. Precisely because I had no fixed vision, my main wish was to be guided with care towards the cut that would flatter my figure.
How was your fitting at Maite Bailleul?
“The fitting went perfectly. I immediately felt at ease, and above all very well advised and supported, which was crucial. I felt listened to, and the advice was given with great sincerity. Maïté’s craftsmanship is obvious, and her vision allowed me to embrace this bespoke project with confidence.”
How did you hear about Maite Bailleul?
Through Instagram
How did you feel at your first fitting?
It was a mix of complete trust, relief at having found a rare gem, and real excitement at the idea of seeing the project come to life over the next appointments.
Why did you choose this design?
I fell in love with Calais lace, whose transparency brought the modern touch I was looking for while remaining elegant and covering enough. Maïté was essential in guiding my choices for the open back and the sleeves. She also advised me on the train and the skirt, which I was unsure about at first.
What did you think of the bespoke process?
I especially loved the bespoke process, because it was such a relief to know that the gown would fit my figure perfectly.
How did you feel when you saw your finished gown?
So much joy, and also pride at wearing such a beautiful creation on my wedding day.
03 · A moment to remember
“We chose to hold our secular ceremony at our wedding venue. Every speech from our loved ones was deeply moving. My sister, who officiated, played her part beautifully. We laughed and we cried. Our guests and we still treasure the memory; that ceremony was us in every way.”
04 · Her advice
Lucile’s advice to future brides
On your wedding choices
My main advice: listen to yourself and make choices that are completely true to what you want. A wedding that feels like you is the only way to fully enjoy it! Above all, cherish every second of the day, because it goes by incredibly fast.
The one vendor you can’t do without
We had high expectations for the caterer, but our non negotiable was the wedding planner. She truly is the one vendor you need to plan a wedding and, above all, to live it with peace of mind!
The wedding day team
Gown: Maite Bailleul
Shoes: Pieds de biche
Makeup & hair: Laurène Dandois
Photographer: Sébastien Gras
Florist: Mio Flora
Venue: Manoir Les Cèdres
Caterer: Jérome Degrave
Ceremony: Audrey Torris Oui do It
DJ / Music: Franck Moerman (DJ M.Paul)
Stationery: Atelier Rosemood
Decoration: Lutecia
Wedding planner: Coline Sarrazin
Imagine your bespoke gown
The Maite Bailleul atelier welcomes you by appointment to bring your one of a kind creation to life.