Surprise proposal in the Champagne region:
Veuve Cliquot
Are you considering a proposal in the Champagne region? Get inspired by this surprise proposal at Veuve Cliquot’s Manoir de Verzy in the Champagne region! Formally home to Cliquot’s vineyard managers in the 19th Century, now an exclusive venue providing the most stunning backdrop for a picturesque, private proposal.
In order to orchestrate the perfect proposal (and decoy backstory!), Stephen booked a private tour with Veuve Cliquot. This tour is brilliant because you begin at Veuve Cliquot’s HQ in Reims, where you’re taken down to their UNESCO-listed cellars + learn all about Cliquot’s champagne process.
Next, you’re driven (SUPER helpful since organising transport in Champagne isn’t easy, and also very important as you’ll be consuming alcohol!) to the Verzy vineyards, a historic Grand Cru terroir where it all began for Cliquot. Finally, you’re taken to the Manoir de Verzy where you’ll enjoy a champagne tasting in the gardens served with a cheese platter.
THIS, in my opinion, is the perfect moment to get down on one knee, in the privacy and tranquility of the gardens, overlooking the rolling vineyards and champagne readily available on ice!
For Stephen’s proposal, we agreed I would wait for them to arrive at the Manoir, where I hid behind a bush (and dressed in the Veuve Cliquot uniform just in case!). It was quite misty and foggy when Stephen + his girlfriend Amanda arrived, but thankfully during the course of our photoshoot the fog lifted and we were able to get a mixture of shots in the various weathers and lights.
Lisa, our tour guide (and my Cliquot contact with whom I’d been exchanging emails leading up to the proposal moment), had spotted me from a distance and had instructed me to wait until she went to fetch the first glasses of Champagne for the tasting portion of the tour. I waited nervously with my camera, and as soon as Lisa walked past the bush where I was hiding and gave a nod, I popped out JUST as Stephen was getting on one knee and the reality of what was happening immediately struck Amanda! It was a beautiful moment and the look of surprise and delight on her face was priceless.
Stephen had thought so carefully about his Champagne proposal, even down to the smallest detail. He had even packed with him an additional (white) outfit change for Amanda because she had once referred to as ‘the perfect engagement shoot outfit!’.
This proposal and engagement session couldn’t have been more of a success and the Manoir de Verzy truly provided the most perfect, private and stunning location for this special moment. I cant wait to be back in 2025 for more!
If you’re looking for all the above and someone who is dedicated to making your dream proposal reality – reach out.
HI, IM RACHEL!
Champagne based wedding photographer
I’m originally from the UK but I’ve been living, working and raising a family in the Champagne area of France since 2020. I specialize in photographing UK/US destination weddings all over France. I’m ready to connect you to all the vendors you’ll need to pull off your French wedding elopement, no matter where you’re from.
Just reach out!
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