The wedding of Ritsuko Hashimoto and Matthew Behr took place at Chateau du Grand-Luce’.  The groom's parents, Diane & David Heller, are good friends of mine, and are big philanthropists in Chicago. The bride, in her mid 30's is from Japan and works for the Japanese trade council. Her mother is a professional pianist in Japan. The groom, in his late 30's, is a commodities broker in Chicago. The couple met in Chicago, and this is a first wedding for both of them. Guests came from all over, including Japan, Chicago, California and New York.

Three days prior to the wedding, guests had the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities including hot-air balloon rides, private cooking classes, driving fast carts at the Le Mans Grand Prix Race Track, tour chateaux in the area or simply enjoy the beauty of Timothy Corrigan's Chateau du Grand-Luce' and it's spectacular gardens.

The rehearsal dinner was held in the Orangery. Guests were treated to a sumptuous feast.

A traditional sake ceremony took place in the Chateau's chapel, then everyone walked to the local church for the ceremony.

As night fell, guests were led to the dinner tent by chandeliers hung from the trees.

Dinner was held in a glass tent built over the green-rooms allowing guests to dance amongst the stars.

Fireworks ended a spectacular evening.