For the reception, Dara opted for a lace dress by Pnina Tornai followed by an Oscar de la Renta beaded metallic gown, fulfilling her dream of wearing something timeless yet daring. “Every dress I wore that day told a story,” Dara reflects. “Each one was a reflection of me, my journey, and the love and care that went into making the day extraordinary.”
The ceremony, held on the manicured grounds of the château, was led by Dara’s work mentor, who meticulously crafted a heartfelt and deeply personal officiation. “True to form, my officiant didn’t play around—he practically deposed us and our families beforehand to get every detail just right,” Dara laughs. The couple’s vows brought everyone to tears, including Alex, who swore he wouldn’t cry. The ceremony ended with the couple jumping the broom, an African-American tradition symbolizing their new beginnings.
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour by the pool, where truffle risotto stole the culinary spotlight. The evening transitioned seamlessly into dinner and dancing, with the château’s grand interiors providing the perfect backdrop. “One highlight was Alex’s surprise firework display, which left everyone in awe. It was such a magical moment that capped off the celebration beautifully,” Dara says.
The bridal party was dressed in a harmonious palette of peach, sage, and toffee, and Dara’s thoughtfulness extended to every detail, from toile-patterned silk pajamas for her bridesmaids to pearl earrings gifted as tokens of gratitude. Meanwhile, the groomsmen spent the morning playing golf at Le Golf National, where the golf tournaments of the 2024 Olympic Games were held.
Reflecting on the day, Dara described it as a coming together of love, effort, and shared history. “During the ceremony, we were utterly in awe—of the moment, of each other, and of the love surrounding us,” she says. “It felt surreal, like time had paused just for us.”
As they embark on a new chapter together, Dara and Alex keep returning to the memories of their wedding day. “After nearly a decade together, our wedding has deepened our sense of unity and commitment to each other,” Dara said. During the reception, guests raised glasses to toast cocktails named after the couple’s beloved dogs, Baldwin and Romulus—a playful nod to their growing family and the love that surrounds them.
