ATELIER 2B

GETTING MARRIED IN FRANCE DURING COVID-19

BY AMANDINE TARAVELLIER & FLORENCE CROIZER

Today, it is possible to marry religiously and civilly if the new measures of the government are respected. At the town hall, the number of people is limited to 30 (depending on the capacity). Make note that the gathering can only take place until 6 p.m. Also, be mindful that, due to the establishment of their national curfew and restrictions, it is necessary to wear masks and respect social distancing. Nevertheless, we noticed a clear improvement when it comes to compliance with these measures. As for places of worship, weddings are allowed, provided that two seats are left free between each person, as well as every other row remain empty. In recent months, the onset of the coronavirus pandemic has unexpectedly affected wedding and honeymoon plans for many couples.

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WEDDINGS

Since the health rules and regulations are constantly evolving, it is now difficult to plan well in advance. While it is true that a large portion of the weddings planned for 2020/21 had already been postponed, it is not impossible that they may be postponed a second time. The person in charge of the health department in each city in France is a mayor (Le Maire ou madame le Maire for a woman) and has all the power to decide whether or not to celebrate weddings. COVID-19 spreads differently from one region to another, and from one city to another. Nevertheless, a new trend is setting up. Our pretty couples are opting more for intimate weddings and elopement. As this is celebrated in a small group, logistically, it is much easier to manage than a traditional wedding, even though it still has to be prepared in advance.

Often times, the location, itself, can serve as decoration, so simplicity is the keyword. Meet in a lavender field in Provence, or at the foot of the Eiffel Tower in Paris for a photoshoot. Keep in mind that wearing a mask is mandatory in the streets. We must also pay attention to the time, since there is a curfew at 6 p.m. unless you celebrate the evening in a family home, or on your property, and all the guests remain on site after the curfew, until the next day. In France, at a wedding, we usually party until the early hours of the morning, so the night goes by quickly.

HONEYMOON

The honeymoon symbolizes romance for the new couple who can now plan to rest after preparing for their wedding for several months. Honeymoon trips to the end of the world have always been the dream of many couples, but France has always been a trendy destination with foreign tourists. However, with so many having to postpone their visits to our beautiful regions, some may have been forced to visit other countries. At present, bars, restaurants, museums, cinemas, theaters, remain closed—all the places that make up the charm and the culture of our magnificent country. While France may not be easily accessible today, we know that we can't wait to receive our foreign friends again, and to help you celebrate your wedding or your honeymoon.

It is almost impossible to find easily accessible destinations in our vast territory. It is therefore not always possible to plan a wedding during this pandemic, but with hard work, a wonderful professional planner, and patience, you may just find your special place. The period of pause allows you to take the time to find the right providers and to organize this intimate event. Please make certain that you plan your budget for every component of the wedding, down to reception venues, caterer, and DJ. Your priorities must be well-established and properly ordered. Even if you choose to have the reception in a private home, it is nevertheless important to make this place elegant. You should not compromise on your aesthetics.

We have a few tips for wedding professionals in France for whom the current situation has been complicated.

Questions must be asked and answered:

• Where in France are you planning the wedding for your client? • What are the rules of that specific providence? • How many people will be in attendance? • How many vendors will you require?

During these challenging times, we should not be taking risks with our clients' safety or that of our own staff. But we at Wedding District stand ready to create the most amazing experience for all of our clients and their guests.

JW MARRIOTT Parq Vancouver

A DESTINATION WEDDING & HONEYMOON AT HOME

BY SIMONE PAGET

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of spending a weekend at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver. This was my first weekend away from home since the start of the pandemic, and while the hotel is only located approximately 50 miles from my home base of Victoria, BC, stepping into the airy lobby hotel felt like I was being whisked away to another universe.

This is no accident. Located amidst the glass skyscrapers of downtown Vancouver, on the edge of the False Creek waterway, the JW Marriott Parq is designed to evoke the unique energy of Vancouver, within a resort-like setting, reminiscent of a luxe Vegas hotel (the property is attached to a 72,000 square foot world class casino, which is currently closed due to the pandemic). “Some people will come here for the weekend and forget to leave the property,” says Jorin McSween, JW Marriott Parq’s Catering Executive.

It’s easy to see why. Within the sprawling, 5-star Parq resort complex, guests have access to multiple places to eat, drink, and relax, including the Spa by JW and a rooftop aqua lounge with stunning views of the city. While the ability to stay inside is perfect for perpetually rainy Vancouver winters, guests who decide to venture outside are mere steps away from a romantic walk along the seawall and the world-class restaurants and shopping of nearby Gastown and Yaletown.\

JW Marriott Parq Vancouver is also conveniently connected to the DOUGLAS, an Autograph Collection hotel inside of Parq Vancouver’s resort, which offers 188 guest rooms and suites.

It’s for these reasons, the JW Marriott Parq has become a popular choice for couples who are craving an intimate wedding and honeymoon in the time of Covid-19.

As McSween shares, “We’re a destination wedding at home.” Whether you’re looking to tie the knot or simply have a romantic weekend away from home, JW Marriott has everything couples need to safely make the most of their time together in a beautiful setting. PAMPERING. Self-care is made easy at the Spa by JW, which features 10,000 square feet of space dedicated to healing, restoration, and rejuvenation. The on-site spa is perfect for couples who want to book a luxurious treatment (or two) either before the wedding or as part of their honeymoon. For brides, there’s a fully-stocked Glamoury, an onsite luxury professional makeup and hair salon that offers a range of services, from full makeup applications and blow outs, to touch-ups on the go.

During my stay, I indulged in a relaxing aromatherapy massage, followed by some quiet time in the spa’s stunning relaxation area with floor to ceiling windows overlooking False Creek. The next morning, I took advantage of the roof-top aqua lounge, which includes a whirlpool with stunning views of the city.

INTIMATE WEDDINGS. For brides and grooms who’ve had to adapt their wedding plans in 2020, the JW Marriott Parq is currently offering intimate and elegant weddings. At the time of my visit, the JW Marriott Parq was able to accommodate up to 50 guests* (cocktail style or seated) in their outdoor “parq” area and in their event spaces, which include gorgeous terrace options (see below). *As the situation continues to evolve, brides and grooms should check with the venue to get updated guest number allowances based on current restrictions.

The JW Marriott Parq also has several luxury suites available for smaller nuptials. This includes the Parq Villa with Patio, a two-level luxury suite that features a handcrafted staircase to the loft-style bath and bedroom, and a sweeping wall of floorto-ceiling windows.

GORGEOUS GUEST ROOMS. These rooms are quite unique; with artwork inspired by local artists and unusual design elements to include the most memorable bedding and beds that are so comfortable you’ll never want to leave. The real lap of elegant luxury.

INSPIRED LOCAL CUISINE. From the innovative fusion-driven wedding cuisine of Executive Sous Chef, Kunal Dighe, to the innovative local cuisine that’s available at the hotel’s on-site restaurants, guests are never far away from their next favorite meal.

Couples looking to sweeten the honeymoon experience should add brunch at Honey Salt to their bucket list. With dishes like Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancakes (pumpkin spice, almond butter, oat crumble, pumpkin seeds) and Pacific Shrimp and Grits (white hominy grits, oyama andouille sausage, mascarpone, tomatoes, sweet peppers, garlic chives), this adorable, locally-sourced and regionally-inspired restaurant is perfect for a relaxing brunch or intimate dinner.

SAFETY PROTOCOLS. With strict safety protocols in place, guests can expect a relaxing stay that allows them to focus on what’s important: safely enjoying their time together. Following the stringent guidelines set up by the Marriott Global Cleanliness Council, a group of experts dedicated to ensuring the comfort and safety of guests, the JW Marriott Parq has reduced touchpoints, increased cleaning practices, and tailored guest experiences, capacities, and event space layouts to ensure the utmost safety of their guests.

From the bounty of wipes and hand sanitizer readily available near every high-touch surface within the hotel, to the conscientious staff that made every effort possible to make me feel as safe and comfortable as possible during my stay, I really appreciate how the JW Marriott Parq takes the health of their guests seriously.

As Jorin McSween explains, “Love isn’t cancelled. People are ready to celebrate. It’s nice to have a space where you can do that safely and comfortably.”