Elegant chateau wedding in South West France, by top destination wedding photographer in France

Hollie and Matt, a couple from the UK, had the perfect fairytale wedding in South West France last June. From the venue to the dress, it was just perfect. We relive their day captured by photographer Mark Ward from www.awardweddings.fr

The chateau

The couple settled in South West France for the wedding of their dreams, where the choice of venue is wide and varied, and they fell in love with one of the most historic châteaux in Gascony,Chateau de Lisse. Set amongst forest, sweeping grounds, fenced in deer park and three lawned terraces, Hollie & Matt relaxed and partied, in equal measure, with their nearest and dearest.

Their styling

The preparations took place in the chateau and the bride and her bridesmaids had a lovely morning getting ready. Hollie is lucky to count a make-up artist and hairdresser amongst her friends who made her feel completely at ease. They created a beautiful and naturallook, just what she wanted. Perfect. No stress!

Hollie wore an absolutely dreamy dress from Allure Bridals. She complemented it with sparkly silver shoes from Jenny Packham. Herjewellery came from Tiffany and a personalized boutique capped it all off. Her bridesmaids wore long light pink dresses from TFNC London.

Matt wore an elegant tweed suit from Marc Darcy and had all his groomsmen decked out in matching attire. Everyone got ready in rooms along the same grand corridor, so with a little ‘don’t look, now!!!’, the whole morning truly was a friends and family affair with laughs and giggles throughout; it set the tone for the rest of the day.

The decorations

With such an amazing place, you only need a few touches!

The gorgeous flower arrangements, from the bouquet to the table decorations were made by Le Coeur Sauvage, who used white and powdery pink stems, mixed with green foliage. The chapel was mainly decorated with candles. On the dinner tables, the couple put some icebreakers and a few treats.

The day

The chateau has its own chapel and the couple had a family member to celebrate their union. Escaping the midday sun, everyone took their seats and watched Hollie walk up the aisle on her Dad’s arm bathed in candle light. As the ceremony proceeded, the couple’s friends and family offered poignant readings and poem. It truly was an intimate and romantic union…

The couple then had an outdoor cocktail and dinner on one of the chateau’s terraced lawns. The sound of laughter from all as the speeches followed could be heard across the valley and the setting sun washed the scene in golden light. Thevenue’s onsite caterer treated the couple and their guests with a gorgeous French meal, each plate utter perfection. Matt may have wished to stick to the delightful wines, served throughout, when ordered to down shots during his Best Men’s speech - little did everyone know that after the first, the boys had, kindly, substituted the Tequilla for water!

The day was topped off with an awesome party in the chateau’s cave/cellar. Hollie danced with her father before turning to Matt for their first dance and both brought tears to the eye. It’s easy to understand how this infectious couple have been influenced and nurtured by their friends and family; the whole day and especially the evening was celebration of every moment. With hit-the-dance-floor-and-sing-your-hearts-out live musicand stars shining down above the festoon lights atop the garden and mobile bar on the lawn just outside, Matt & Hollie finished the day as we’re sure they’ll live everyday of their married life, having a great time!