Portes des Iris, Auteur à Portes des Iris

Have you thought about an animation during your wedding?

Publié le 19 November 2020 à 10 h 08 min.

Have you thought about an animation during your wedding? Whether it’s a dart game, a candy bar, or a cigar bar, there is no shortage of ideas for animations!

Table football / Darts / Billiards

A bit of competition in the air, nothing better to have fun with friends, laughter guaranteed!

Photobooth

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. The photobooth is a great way for everyone to have fun and allows both guests and bride and groom to leave with a souvenir of the Big Day!

You can either rent a “photo box” like the one from Sharingbox which prints directly the photos with a customised design for your wedding, or you can simply rent or buy polaroids with instant printing.

Candy bar

Nothing better than creating a “candy bar” area to remind guests of their birthday snacks and other parties where they used to stuff themselves with sweets. If you are more salty than sweet, create a “salty bar” where pretzels, chips and peanuts will delight your taste buds.

Guestbook

The guestbook is the animation not to be missed! Each guest will leave a little note for your attention so that once the party is over, the anecdotes and memories noted down will put a smile back on your face. It can be made in different forms: guests stick the photos directly from the photobooth and accompany it with a little note, it can be a tree with prints as below (don’t forget the towels to wipe your hands), or small cards with holes that your guests can use for you to wish you nice things or to offer you attentions during the next few months.

Cigar Bar

How about smoking a good cigar from Havana or the Dominican Republic with friends? We recommend Tabashop in Montreux who will share their passion and knowledge with you and help you discover authentic products with a unique flavour.

Special wedding Pinata

A fun activity that will allow you to go back to your childhood but also to let off steam to relieve the stress of the preparations.

The Shoe Game

This is THE essential and popular wedding game!

The rules of the game :

Ask the bride and groom to sit back to back in the middle of the room. Give the groom the “Him” and “Her” signs. The goal of the game is to ask the bride and groom questions about their lives to see how well they know each other and, above all, to see if they agree! For each question they will each have to hold up the sign they think is most appropriate.

Fireworks

There’s nothing like finishing off your wedding in style by going out on the Terrace to listen and contemplate the beauty of a firework display. You will enjoy taking in the air and sealing your love in the sky!

Giant games for young and old

What is certain is that they will be a success with everyone. Something to keep your guests busy during the aperitif, which can become long when the bride and groom go on a photo shoot. Why not organise a small competition?

Our advice for the timing of the Big Day!

Publié le 19 November 2020 à 9 h 46 min.

Ecrit par Portes des Iris

At Portes des Iris where every year for the past 20 years many weddings are celebrated, it is one of the questions that the future bride and groom ask us most often!
What are the schedules? How long for each step?

How can we best manage so that it is not a rush and the wait is not long for the guests?
Even if the bride and groom want this day to be endless, it is important that it doesn’t become a marathon, neither for them nor for their guests!

Here are a few ideas to help you best plan for D-Day.

Makeup & Hair: 1h30 to 2h00 in total depending on complexity
Dressing: 15-30 minutes
Ceremony: 45 – 60 minutes
Congratulations at the end of a ceremony: 30 minutes
Aperitif: 1h30 – 2h00 (depending on the season)
Couple photos: 0h45 – 1h00
Family and group photos: 0h30-01h00
Sitting at the tables and finding your place: 0h30 (for 100 people)

These schedules do not include travel if everything is not done at the same place!

At Portes des Iris, it is possible to experience all the different stages we describe above, on site, which lightens the timing and reduces stress. If this is your choice, here is what we recommend, to plan by starting with the meal schedule and working backwards through time.

13h00

Arrival of the bride, her witnesses, her relatives, preparations

Préparatifs de la mariée. Le timing de votre mariage aux Portes des Iris.

Photo : Christelle Naville Photograhie

14h00

Snack & drinks. Provide staff or extra time if the bridesmaids are doing their hair and make-up on site.

Photo : TLook

14h30

Groom’s preparation

Préparatifs du marié. Le timing de votre mariage aux Portes des Iris.

Photo : Christelle Naville Photographie

15h00

Arrival of the photographer, 30 minutes before the bride is ready.

16h00

Ceremony

: Photo : Christelle Naville Photographie

: Photo : Christelle Naville Photographie

17h00 – 19h00

Aperitif, group photos, couple photos

: Photo : Lisa Lemee

: Photo : Christelle Naville Photographie

19h30

Transition to the dinner tables

Plan de table dans la salle Dorianna aux Portes des Iris.

Photo: Diana Baccini

19h50

Entry of the bride and groom

Entrée des mariés. Le timing de votre mariage aux Portes des Iris.

Photo : Diana Baccini

20h00

Beginning of the dinner or first speech

Discours des mariés. Le timing de votre mariage aux Portes des Iris.

Photo : Christelle Naville Photographie

23h00

First dance!

Première danse des mariés. Le timing de votre mariage aux Portes des Iris.

Photo : Samuel Monot

02h00

Snack

: Photo : Jean-Baptiste Premat

: Photo : TLook

Good planning is important, but allow time for the unexpected and extensions. It’s hot and beautiful, extend the aperitif by 30 minutes! The light is beautiful and you want to enjoy taking pictures, start your meal a little later! Last little tip: take advantage of the aperitif to take your pictures, avoid doing it at the exit of the church so the guests can enjoy the cocktail reception while admiring you!

Le timing de votre mariage aux Portes des Iris.

Photo : TLook

The great plus of Portes des Iris :

We gladly manage the timing of the different service providers (setting up the caterer, delivery of the florist or decorator, installation of the DJ, …) and we make sure that yours is respected at best!

Which ceremony to choose for your wedding?

Publié le 12 November 2020 à 10 h 13 min.

Ecrit par Portes des Iris

He did it!! Your beloved has made her/his demand…. both of you are on a little cloud of love and now you spend most of your time talking, thinking and dreaming about this beautiful project, your wedding!

The more you will progress in your preparations, the more questions will be asked about the organization, the decoration, the dress (see our article on this subject here), the music, the venue, the caterer, in short, it is the whole concept that you will scrutinize so that this wedding is unique and that it resembles only the two of you in every detail!

If the choice of the ceremony is obvious for some people, others need more reflection. So don’t hesitate, discuss it together, just the two of you, because this is your choice, the first step of a long life journey that has to be lived in your own way.

Indeed, there are many ways to say I DO, and actually, they are all possible at Portes des Iris 🙂 In a small committee, gathering a large audience, in a traditional, more formal way, in the heart of nature or entirely personalized… the ideal ceremony is yours!

The civil ceremony: Wedding of exception

You would like to celebrate your union in front of all your loved ones, during an official ceremony, while having the possibility to personalize it, to add your own touch, to include speeches and exchange of wishes, to decorate your central aisle with care, and to flower the room dedicated to you? The wedding of exception is for you 🙂

Indeed, it is also possible to have a civil wedding in an idyllic setting, bringing together family, witnesses and friends in one place! From the preparation of the bride and groom to the meal, including the official part of the wedding, enjoy the comfort of living this memorable day, without having to rush all day long.

A unique civil ceremony, prepared with the registrar and with your personal touch… All your guests by your side, up to 270 people… Prepare on site before saying I DO… it’s no exception at the Portes des Iris!

Pic by Felix 13

Did you know?

Portes des Iris is recognized by the Canton de Vaud as a place to celebrate civil unions every 2nd, 3rd and 4th Saturday of the month. Discover our complete article on this subject here

The religious ceremony: Wedding of tradition

Whatever the religion, the sacred union confers to the wedding a divine dimension that can also be experienced surrounded by a luxuriant nature on our terraces, with your religious officiant. An open air ceremony (or in one of our two rooms depending on the weather conditions), at your image and entirely personalized, decorated by you and according to your tastes, punctuated by musical interludes that you will have chosen, as well as by the various speeches that your loved ones will have concocted for you. When the tradition starts moving, the religious ceremony will take place under the sun!

Pic by Tlook Photography

Because the place must be divine to you, but you want to prepare yourself on the spot and not to move your guests, the charming little church of Vullierens is the ideal place for you! Only a few minutes walk from Portes des Iris, passing by the spectacular gardens of the Château de Vullierens, your procession is assured to be a success… on foot, originality is a must!

Pic by Thomas Masotti

The secular ceremony: Carte blanche to both of you

You both come from different religions, you are non-believers, the civil ceremony is to your opinion too short and too formal for D-Day, or maybe you want to handle yourself every detail of your union? Because you want to dissociate the spiritual commitment from your rights and duties towards each other? The secular ceremony can be your ideal compromise! Flexible, customizable without any limits and in the smallest details, it is the most open way to get married!

pic by ju&ju photographie

Nothing will be imposed to you, so you will be able to plan every minute! Speeches, speakers, music, entrances, celebrant(s), exchanges of wishes, rituals and interludes.

pic by ju&ju photographie

But no worries, we care about guiding you and we can also refer you to the choice of your celebrant(s) here.

The secular ceremony can of course take place on our Terrace of Iris or our Terrace of Collonges.

Pic by Véronique Gabrielle

In our dedicated rooms, either the beautiful and spacious Athena room (below) or the small Apollo room, with a kind of Chapel spirit.

pic by Christelle Naville

But also at the foot of our century-old trees, in the heart of the Gardens! More information about this possibility here.

pic by Marie Montibert

Or even in our Barn! Well, as you can see almost everything is possible 🙂

pic by Marie Montibert

November 2020, Aurore de Comarmond

A&C’s “Belle Epoque” wedding at Portes des Iris

Publié le 11 November 2020 à 19 h 41 min.

Ecrit par Portes des Iris

The great summer wedding season is now coming to an end and we are busy creating unforgettable days for our 2021 bride and groom. Our thoughts go out to all the beautiful weddings that have taken place at Portes des Iris over the past 21 years.

We have recontacted some couples who celebrated their union at the old farm of the Château and they have entrusted us with memories of their Big Day.

Discover their experience!

Photo : Igor & Maria Photographie

It was Corinne who had the chance to attend the preparations and the celebration of this very special wedding day. It is with a big smile and bright memories in her eyes that she tells us about this beautiful experience:

“Oh, what a wonderful day it was on May 26, 2018!

Portes des Iris was transformed! As often during our events, you will tell us, yes, but this was a special day…

The theme of Celine and Adrian’s wedding was ‘Belle Epoque’. Celine came to talk to us about her project, at length and passionately; she wanted to go on a trip on old steamboats. The decoration would be in the fashion of the beginning of the 20th century, the names of the tables would recall the names of the most beautiful boats of the CGN and the guests would have the mission to dress up in their most beautiful attire. She was really full of ideas and had managed to transcribe them down to the last detail; from the decoration of the rooms rented for the civil ceremony to the reception afterwards. Umbrellas, old posters related to navigation, old radio, lifebuoys in the ‘Titanic’ style, bottles of Champagne Perrier Jouet, delicate and fragrant flowers, in short, all the atmosphere of the great ballrooms of the magnificent transatlantic liners was present!

The moment Celine arrived, so beautiful as a bride from another time, we really became aware of this different wedding, a themed wedding, chosen by the bride and groom and where all the guests played the game. From their two children to their grandparents, everyone arrived transformed! Tops, long dresses, laces and boots were intermingled… The tone was set, the ceremony could begin. The lovebirds said yes, and a surprise awaited the participants who were transported to the Rolle pier by bus, where the boat Le Vevey was waiting for them for an aperitif cruise on the waves of Lake Geneva!

Upon their return, dinner was held in the Iris room. Cinq Sens had concocted a very special dinner for them, with yet another nice surprise for all at the end of the evening: the wedding cake served on the Iris Terrace, at the glow of the bengal lights held by all their guests!

Thank you to them for having made us dream for a moment and for having, perhaps, given the desire to others to imagine weddings with different themes! »

Corinne Salvisberg Perrone, Event Manager

Photo : Igor & Maria Photographie

First of all, what is the first thing that comes to mind when you think back to Portes des Iris?

“The charm of a magnificent location in line with our “Belle Epoque” theme, the splendor of the fields of Irises… and our amazed guests!”

Photo : Igor & Maria Photographie

Do you remember how you discovered us?

“By a very good friend who had already been invited there for a wedding…”

On your first visit to Portes des Iris, what struck you?

“We visited it in late fall but even without flowers, we admired the beautiful setting, both the buildings and the surrounding nature. Our wedding was then celebrated at the end of May when the Irises were in full bloom and offered a colorful and sumptuous show (perfect setting for the wedding photos)”.

Photo : Igor & Maria Photographie

What are the reasons that made you decide to choose Portes des Iris to celebrate your Grand Day?

“The setting was a perfect match for our “Belle Epoque” theme and the welcome we received on this first visit also counted for a lot! As Portes des Iris are one of the rare “places of exception” in which a wedding can be celebrated outside of the town hall, we were able to combine our official union and the festivities in the same place”.

Ascent to the ceremony room, with the family!
Photos : Corinne Salvisberg Perrone

Did you call upon the help of one of Portes des Iris coordinators during the preparation of your wedding? If so, what was your experience with her and what influence did this assistance have on your preparations?

“We benefited from the excellent advice of one of the coordinators during the preparation of the wedding. As I was organizing it myself, I was happy to be able to count on her experience and her expert eye. On the big day, she was at our side, discreet but present to make sure that everything went smoothly. Serene, I was able to take full advantage of this unique day!”

And what was the most significant moment of your D-Day?

“There have been several of course, but here are the main ones:

– entering the ceremony room holding in our hands the little handcuffs of our 2 and 4 year old children and discovering all the guests who had dressed in the Belle Epoque style for the occasion…
– our exchanges of poignant vows…
– the cruise on the CGN Belle Epoque Boat departing from Rolle for the wine of honor…
– the hedge of honor leading to the room set up, at night on the terrace, illuminated by the Bengal lights held by our guests…

Photo : Igor & Maria Photographie

What imprint did the place have on this beautiful day?

“We were as if suspended in time… the places, the costumes, the vintage motorcycles that Portes des Iris accepted to present on the Terrace (it was a surprise from our friends, we weren’t aware of it)… but also, the beauty of the Irises in bloom that all the guests appreciated… it was a splendid day for us but also marked our guests!”.

Sneaks peeks of decoration!
Photos : Corinne

An anecdote to share?

“So that our guests wouldn’t see us before the ceremony began, our coordinator helped us and our children hide in the kitchens! A good game of hide-and-seek that our little ones really enjoyed!!”

What would be your recommendation to future brides and grooms?

“For my part, the whole organization of the wedding was built and facilitated once the place was chosen, so I will advise them to define the place first. And beyond the memories, what remains are the photos… and of course, an exceptional environment is also part of successful photos…”.

Photo : Igor & Maria Photographie

A huge thank you to you, Celine and Adrian, for your words and for sharing your memories!

Thank you for your trust!

We reiterate our best wishes of happiness 🙂

More information about the photographers : www.igor-maria.com

Léa Margot, October 2019

A wedding at Portes des Iris by Alexandre Bourguet

Publié le 11 November 2020 à 19 h 03 min.

Ecrit par Portes des Iris

M&M Wedding at Portes des Iris

The Gros-de-Vaud, between the villages of Cottens and Vullierens, is home to a jewel. No wonder that many couples choose Portes des Iris to celebrate the most beautiful day of their lives! This hamlet located between Lausanne and Geneva, not far from Lake Geneva, is home to some of the most spectacular gardens in Switzerland.

Morgane and Maxime had done just that, since they had not forgotten to order the sun. A beautiful day in this superb setting that is Portes des Iris. The ceremony first took place in the Athena room, before discovering the gardens. A couple’s session followed, well served both by the beautiful light and by the elegance of the bride and groom.

The guests had thought of me, as the bengal fires that celebrated the arrival of the cake allowed me to take beautiful pictures. The evening continued with outdoor dances, with a still extremely pleasant temperature.

Text and photos by Alexandre Bourguet.

An eco-responsible wedding? What are the best practices?

Publié le 10 November 2020 à 9 h 38 min.

Ecrit par Portes des Iris

You are sensitive to the responsible, ecological and local nature of your wedding? We have put together for you some ideas found on the web to fulfill this responsibility! Indeed, the wedding is a major source of expenses, so you might as well limit the costs by avoiding buying some small things that will never be reused afterwards and choose to invest your money for a sustainable cause.