Chris & Cam

nce upon a time there was a beautiful princess called Princess Camille who lived in a magical fairy tale kingdom . . . well, actually it was France but you can use your imagination!

This petite princess was banished to the dark heart of Europe for six short months (seven years and counting so far) where her heart was captured by a dashingly handsome young-ish, muscular, debonair and intelligent Prince with a wonderful luxurious full head of hair.

Then one day while kyaking on the mystic river Lesse this burgeoning love was rudely interrupted by a vicious gang of ruthless nine year old children who mercilessly splashed and harassed the helpless Princess.

In rode . . kayaked . . the valiant Prince and swiftly dispatched the scallywags and rescued her!

With the day won they celebrated until the early morn at the festival of Gent and watched the fireworks in the night sky before tired but happy they went back to their (very separate) beds.

From that day onwards each morning the young Prince arrived to rendezvous with the virtuous maiden at Ye Olde Shell station on his shining steed(a baby Yaris) to accompany her to work and make sure that she safely got back each evening.

Life passed with ease and joy in sunny (poetic license) Belgium where the two lovers moved in together and enjoyed the fruits that the world offered.

This idyllic lifestyle continued for five years in their little world before slowly they started looking more and more outside it and wondering what was there, what was it like and could they really get a years holiday subsidised by the Belgian taxpayer?

They started to plan and in November 2009 they left Belgium far behind to explore this big world . .

For one year they travelled facing many adversities (bloody "best ever" travellers) , adventures (toilet snakes - no not what you're thinking) and awesome spectacles (Manta rays! Manta rays!) but then you all read that in their blog that you were following intently anyway didn't you?

Eventually while dodging a coup in Ecuador the couple landed in the Galapagos islands where framed by a scintillating sunset Chris proposed on one knee while a specially trained turtle with a bow around it's shell delivered the ring as dolphins somersaulted in the distance . . . or something along those lines . . .

And now please join us on the 14th July 2012 for the next chapter in our story . . .

ou can find in this section some more practical details about our wedding, the reception and traditions in France that may be different to weddings in England including the famous and revered tradition that the brothers of the groom have to do a duet of Sonny and Cher - I've got you babe during the starter . . .

You have to do it, it's tradition . . .

Overview of the Wedding Places

The church and the reception are about 30 - 35 minutes drive away from each other and the church is a 10 - 15 minute bus/metro ride from the center as shown in the map below.

Large Version of Map

The Wedding Ceremony

Where:

St. Antoine Church

Place Saint-Antoine,

1040 Etterbeek, Brussels

When:

14:00 CET 14th July 2012

The wedding is a traditional Catholic ceromony. The priest (Father Christian) will mostly speak in French though he has promised to try to alternate into English as much as possible.

The readings and songs are a mix of French and English but everything will be translated into both languages in the wedding booklet.

After the ceremony there will be a coach to take people to the reception (please let us know if you will be taking the coach).

The Wedding Reception

Reception:

Chateau Ruisbroek

Karel Gilsonstraat 15

1601 Ruisbroek, Belgium

Dress:

Formal with a splash of flamboyance!

The reception will begin with an aperitif at 16:30 CET with a sit down meal which will start at about 19:30 - 20:00CET with music and dancing afterwards. There is no fixed end time that we have to vacate the venue.

Unlike English weddings there is no strict protocol in the case of speeches where anyone can speak/make a presentation etc and these happen throughout the meal between courses. The organisation of the speakers will be done by Clarisse and Laurent (see next chapter) and you should contact them direct or on the day.

For young children there is a nice big room (next to the main dining room) which we will fill with Fatboys (bean bags), DVD's, Games etc and for babies there is a quieter room upstairs for carry cots.

If you have any additional questions regarding the venue/facilities etc please don't hesitate to contact us.

ou may have heard the names but who are the faces and what are the stories behind them? Here we bring light into their shady pasts . . .

Chris & Cam

In the following sections we will give a brief introduction to each of them and also our Dubois and Jones family members . . .

The Best Men

Laurent Lefebvre

This intrepid Belgian deserted his home shores to invade the wine regions of Bordeaux and impart the wisdom of the hops and the yeast to the stubborn French sommeliers.

Now two years after quitting his job and converting his garage into a Belgian Beer microbrewery and going it alone the boy's finally coming good and is now branching out into cask ale!!

I first met him in Belgium via Cam and his (extremely understanding) wife Gaelle and we immediately hit it off by getting totally wasted and debating everything and anything to put the world to rights.

We have kept up the tradition and can regularly be found underneath the Bordeax night sky happily merry and debating such gems as whether a person's character is gained via genetics or experience and which cheese can float the longest in his swimming pool

Enjoy his beer at the wedding and visit his website at Alienor if you would like to know more about it or give him a contract.

Alex Williams

Yes, I've known him since I was five, yes, we have been together in every class at primary and secondary school, yes we played together for Syston RFC until I left to make my fortune on the continent and yes he is awesome . . ladies and gentlemen Mr Alex Williams.

So many of my memories feature Alex and I always know that I will have a smile on my face, a beer in my hand and a good night ahead of us when we go out.

Many a wild,crazy and impromptu night has arisen with Alex and the rugby boys that haven't always looked that intelligent in the light of day (smoke tent anyone?) but were guaranteed to be fun (during)!

Will be found later on in the night (after the open bar) complaining about how I blew out the candles on his birthday cake when we were six . .it happened, get over it !!

Do not try and match this man for drinks!

Ivan Seminerio

What can be said of a man from Italian parentage who speaks/writes fluent Italian, visits Italy for every holiday and then studies Italian studies at university to get a free Erasmus year in Italy? Genius or lazy g*t? You can make up your mind when you meet him but I know what I suspect . . .

I was cast by fates' die to be in the room next to this Italian Stallion (well less stallion . . more pit pony) during my first year at the halls of residence and I immediately took a disliking to him as he incessantly played Stone Roses - "I am the resurrection" at an ear bleeding volume for the first two weeks I was there. Yes, we're in Manchester, yes, I agree it is a good song but being forced to live next door to a university student cliche approaches the patience limit quite fast.

After a month of ignoring him I actually spoke to him and found that firstly he was a student cliche but secondly that he was actually a lot of fun and very easy to talk to and a superb friend was found. We travelled together during and after university where we went to St Ettiene in France because it sounded cool and chic and we had heard of the football team . . . it was neither cool nor chic but it inspired an excellent impromptu trip where we just wandered from place to place (anywhere but St Ettiene) by train to explore the east of France.

I also spent quite a few memorable summers and New Year eves in Italy/Sicily travelling by ferry, train and vespa being spoilt rotten by his overly generous relations and celebrating New Year on the beach in Naples where I made lots of friends though I'm not sure they were as happy meeting me. These experiences have now become one of my benchmarks to what constitutes a magical holiday.

He's still a lazy g*t though . . .

The Bridesmaids

Marie-Anne Rouvery

I met Marie-Anne 15 years ago (or when I was 15, it’s the same).

After one year chatting and gossiping in her room at boarding shool, we were unfortunately separated. We yet did not stop visiting each other. In Caen, Paris, Brussels (because she worships Chris’ fry up), and even at the Bier Fest, Marie-Anne is the same, always (although a little different at the Beer fest) ;-).

Genuine and generous, always with the same smile, she is my pretty Marie-Anne. She is and will be. That’s why she’s my bridemaid.

She did not play wisely though…she might give birth the day of the wedding…let’s be ready !

Anne Dooh-Priso

I met Anne Do at my business school in Lille.

She was my unofficial flatmate as, as usual, I always came to her place in Lille. Even though she is not very very tea neither chewing gium (privtae joke, don’t try to understand) she is a kick ass consulant.

More seriously, and despite the fact that I promised not to be too cheesy on the website, Anne Do (in reality she is called Anne-Emmanuelle) is also a real friend, generous, curious, funny and careful. She always agreed, without compplaining (or almost) to come with me to eat a Menu number 65. And that is what I call friendship ;-)

Anne will always ask lots of questions, but this is normal

But… how silly am I ? Of course Jean-Paul you know Anne !

Eloise Dougere

I met Eloise at the EDHEC Business School

I invaded her house also, during a whole year.

Eloise is a kind of wonderwoman. Real humanist, she spent couple of months in the Philippines and in Pakistan, trying to help those people who are in it, really in it. She the same all the time, wherever, superb listener, a generous Wonderwoman !

Fresh, funny and dynamic, she is now the mum of a beautiful Arthaud

Clarisse Dubois

Clarisse, well, she is my sister.

She is a bit the humanization of perfection. And she is even not annoying. That’s annoying ! Expat’ in Senegal with her two little cutties Jojo and Basilou and my brother in law Laurent, she is in love with Africa. She is also a writer (you can buy her book – co-written with Laurent – Rafiki – on Amazon ;-) and a famous family trip organizer (Chris loooves her excel sheets !)

One of these pillars that makes you moving forward, she always has the right words, words that remain.

Anyway, my sister

The Family Jones

Cath and Bill Jones

Chris' parents so these are the people that you have to blame for the end result. Cath hails from Liverpool while Bill comes from Belfast as witnessed by all my friends who never understood a word he was saying when he gave us lifts to rugby/swimming practice.

David Jones

Not descended from Smurfs as the photo implies but my middle brother who is into all sports (especially football) and lame jokes. It is immediately obvious that he is my brother when you see his six pack and toned figure though luckily I got all the looks.

Daniel Jones

The bathroom baby (ask him the story) likes flower arranging, musicals and David Cassidy. Has recently left the navy where he was chasing Somalian pirates to ask them to politely stop being such a nuisance and is now thrust into the real world once again.

The Family Dubois

FX and Beatrice Dubois

Great nurse and wood lover, my parents Betty and FX fortunately accepted the arrival of an English person in the family. They will be happy to share their joy (because finally they are happy about it) with you on 14th July !

Matthieu Dubois

A Formula 1 superstar who tirelessy works in the back to make the drivers look good. More Air Miles than I have hair (so that at least five then) if you manage to catch him while he's not jetting around you'll find him either in London or Paris living the life of a high roller.

Clarisse Dubois

Clarisse has her own page as she's one of the bridesmaids so we are not going to spend valuable space going over the same details so in summary - Senegal,Laurent,Two Kids,Awesome. Et Voila!

o, you have your new hat, your dancing shows and have finally remembered who we are again but how do you get here? Here are our recommendations . . .

By Train

By far the easiest way for people from Leicester and the Southern regions to get to Brussels is via the Eurostar which leaves from St Pancras Station (London) direct to Brussels (Gare de Midi)frequently during the day.

From Leicester to London:

East Midland Trains (can only book 3 months in advance)

Leicester Station -> St Pancras Station

From London to Brussels

Eurostar (Can only book 4 months in advance)

St Pancras Station -> Brussels Gare Midi (centre of Brussels)

By Car (and Ferry)

This could be good if you have a full car as you only pay per vehicle. You need to catch either the ferry or the Eurotunnel from Dover to Calais and then it is about another 1 1/2 - 2 hour drive to Brussels

Dover to Calais: Eurotunnel

Faster than the ferry (but more expensive) you can load your car on the Eurotunnel

Dover to Calais: Ferry

Adds an extra hour and half on your journey but P&O Ferries is often a lot cheaper than the Eurotunnel.

By Airplane

There are many airlines that fly direct to Brussels but be aware that flights advertised as flying to Brussels South or Charleroi airport (i.e Ryanair) are infact about 60km (40 mins)drive from Brussels centre though there is paid bus service to go into the center (to Gare Midi).

Two reasonably priced airlines (London and Manchester) are:

• Brussels Airlines
• BMI

but there are many more.

Flights from East Midlands Airport are prohibitively expensive as they are geared almost exclusively towards business travellers between Brussels and the Midlands.

The main airport is in Zaventum and is about ten to twenty minutes from the centre by train or taxi. There are also buses (Number 2) which take a little longer.

If you need any advice or help please feel free to drop us a line.

russels runs contrary to many places as hotels are cheaper at the weekend than during the week due to the number of European institutions and head quarters that are based here.

This is especially true around the European Quarter (Schumann, Merode etc).

The best prices for hotels can be found on websites like Booking.com and there are hundreds in Brussels to choose from.

We have created a guide list of hotels in a few areas but if you find a better deal in another hotel or area by all means go for it (most areas in Brussels are well linked by public transport).

russels is quite large and sprawling with many different pockets of areas with things to see and do. As most of you will probably have half or a full day in Brussels here are some places that could be of interest

Guides

Here are two PDF guides to Belgium and Brussels that may come in helpful (thanks Manu!)

Getting Around Brussels

Public transport in Brussels consists of the Metro, Tram and Bus. If you buy a ticket it is valid for about an hour and can be used on any number of metro's, tram, bus during that time period. It is always better to buy tickets outside of the bus/tram/metro if there is a machine available as they are cheaper. The Stib site holds of the details and is available in English

Brussels Centre

The centre of Brussels is quite compact and is full of period architecture, restaurants, bars and hidden twists and turns. Here is a taste of what is here but we recommended aimlessly wandering and exploring the streets.

Grande Place

Impressive and definitely worth a visit you can find this at the heart of Brussels. Have a look at the Panaromic Grande Place to wet your appetite. Obligatory robot man and the creative genius' pretending to be statues . . .

Manneken Pis

It's a tiny statue of a little boy peeing . . . not what I would've chosen to be an icon of my city but the tourists seem to like it . . Follow one of the numerous tours and shake you head in disbelief and incredulity or buy an amusingly shaped corkscrew . .

Royal Palace

Ok, not as impressive as Buckingham Palace but the buildings and area around the Royal Palace is nice to explore. If you can get a table, go to the top floor of the music museum for an exorbitant coke and spectacular view of Brussels.

Place St Catherine

This area harbours the old fish market, many restaurants and bars and the old St Catherine church. The nearby Place St Gery (just opposite the Bourse) has even more restaurants and bars. A particular favourite of Cam's is the all you can eat BBQ ribs!

Delirium Cafe

Ok, not the sight or Brussels but this bar has over 3,000 beers from all over the world (the menu is about three inches thick) and you have to pass the touristy street of hell to get there without being dragged into an overpriced restaurant.

Place Flagey Area

Place Flagey

The massive open square of Place Flagey next to Flagey lake has many bars and restaurants including the large Cafe Belga where you can hang out for a beer or coffee with the bright, young things of Brussels. If more sophisticated fare is required then there is Develara's across the road which is an Irish pub with awesome burgers.

Flagey is also near Rue de Trone a shopping street but with also many hidden gems around including the bars/restos at Place St Boniface.

Avenue Louise

Avenue Louise Area

Avenue Louise is known mainly for shopping and this is where you will find all of the designer shops willing to take your hard earned money for that latest Prada handbag.

At the bottom (after a long, long walk) you will find the Bois de Cambre which is a massive park that goes on for miles and turns into a forest. If the sun is out you will find the whole of Brussels there playing, sunbathing and having improptu BBQ's.

Half way down Avenue Louise you have Rue Bailli and Place Chatelain which has more funky shops and bars.

Etterbeek

Parc du Cinquantenaire

This is a large park at Merode is fun to hang out and chill on a Sunday. In the centre is a large U shaped monument which is in celebration of Belgian independence (apparently) and is quite striking. Also, round the corner is Capou that sells the best ice cream in the whole of Belgium (allegedly).

Schumann and Place Luxembourg

If you would like to see where your tax money gets turned into reams of paper and to complain how no-one but the English follow any of the Health and Safety regulations (you know who you are) then go to Schumann and shake an angry fist at the European Commission and Parliament.

After all that gesticulating head to Place Luxembourg and relax with a beer in one of the bars around there (note: most of the restaurants/shops will probably be closed as all the MEP's go home for the weekend).

Elsewhere in Belgium

Gent

Gent is home to the legendary Gent festival which is where Cam and I first kissed so is worth a visit for that alone. If not, it also has many sights to see including the keep and the cathedral and plenty of delightful bars and restaurants dotted around the river and canals running through the center.

Bruges

In West Flanders Bruges is an idyllic collection of medieval and flemish architecture set on an interconnecting set of canals. It is also a UNESCO Heritage site(thanks Wikipedia). If you have a car and a spare day (not the Saturday!!) then it is definitely recommended to visit here and maybe stopping by Gent on the way.

The most important thing to us is that you can make it to join us for the day. We know that many of you are travelling long distances to join us so please don't feel obliged to buy us a gift.

However, we are going to steal an idea we heard of where the couple asked guests to "arrange" an event for both us with you. This can be a meal, a show, a concert whatever (no Dan, the pub and a kebab doesn't count). It's a novel idea that we both really liked as we don't get to see all of you that often. Don't worry we do travel as well ;)

And for those who would like do go the traditional route we have a wedding list at Ameliste if you would like to contribute towards one of our "dream" items (naked lady shot glasses!!).