We tend to stop everything and stare when words like “French Chateau Wedding” pop through our inbox. But can you blame us? They’re often the most fairytale-esque weddings we ever come across, and this destination affair from M & J Photography is exactly that. Filled with charming details from start to finish, the gallery is a wedding work-of-art you simply can’t miss!
From M & J Photography… English couple Kevin & Jemma just couldn’t resist the charm and romance in the idea of spending a long weekend in a French Chateau to celebrate their marriage. So it didn’t take long to decide upon a destination wedding at the stunning Grand Chateau. The beautiful limestone building with it’s 5 hectares of grounds is set high in the hills overlooking the incredible Dordogne valley, so was the perfect choice to inspire both them and their guests on their big day! Being able to accommodate over half of the guests at the Chateau itself for the entire weekend was another huge bonus and made for a great, fun and relaxed atmostphere on the day.
As the bridal party prepared for the day in their rooms (the ladies hair & make-up courtesy of the wedding planners, Marry Me In France. The guy’s hair styling courtesy of the groom’s good friend Matt Stark, owner of Stark Salon) planner Lou and her team prepared the vast lawn terrace for a magical outdoor ceremony. The simple green and white theme of the flowers, chairs and aisle carpet made for a immaculately natural setting that blended perfectly with the environment. The soft purple of the lavender in the background setting it all off beautifully. Paper fans on each chair and custom designed bags of confetti made for a lovely touch. A string quartet played at various points during the ceremony which left only a few dry eyes.
Once the vows had been spoken and the register signed, all that was left was to cut the symbolic white ribbon and make the joyous journey back down the aisle.
Exquisite canapé’s were served alongside champagne Kir Royales in the lower garden beyond the topiary maze and the string quartet continued to play. There was certainly a feeling of an English garden party about it.
After photos around the grounds, Jemma tossed the bouquet then invited guests to find their seats for dinner on the upper lawn terrace by picking out a heart shaped cookie wrapped with their name on. Garden candles let the setting as the sun started to set and the hilarious speeches took place. And when a whole host of hot air balloons rose up out of the valley, it was almost as if someone had planned it especially!
Later on in the grand Salle de Reception, cake cutting was swiftly followed by the DJ and cocktails and everyone partied hard on into the night.
Photography: M & J Photography | Wedding Planner: Marry Me In France | Cake: Cup Cakes | Bride's Shoes: Kurt Geiger | Bridesmaids Dresses: Warehouse | Catering: Bergerac Traiteur | DJ: Marry Me In France | Groom's Suit: Thom Sweeney | All Live Music: Marry Me In France | Bride's dress: The Bespoke Wardrobe | Bridemaid's Shoes: Next | Groom's shoes: Russell & Bromley | Hair & Make-up: Marry Me In France | Men's hair: Stark Salon | The Grand Chateau: Marry Me In France