A soft pastel and dusty blue color palette, extravagant florals, flowy dresses and a perfect blend of old-world countryside with modern romance. This French destination wedding is sure to inspire!

Chateau de Courtomer

The location of the shoot was the beautiful Chateau de Courtomer, located just a few short hours from the Paris city center. The Chateau de Courtomer, as described by the owner, Elisabeth, “was inspired by the Palace of  Versailles and was completed in 1789, on the eve of the French revolution.” The chateau sits on 360 acres of land, and is surrounded by beautiful fields and farmland all the way around. In the mornings at the chateau you wake to the singing of birds, and in the evening you can watch the sun go down as it lights up the front courtyard in a hundred different tones of golden. The perfect place for an intimate – or extravagant – french destination wedding!

Fine Art Invitation Suite

The fine art invitation suite was printed with a vintage letterpress on handmade paper. The paper, in varying shades of blue had a beautiful texture to it which added delicate detail. The deckled edges, and the soft print perfectly complemented the countryside setting of the chateau as well as the understated extravagance of the entire shoot.

Couture Dusty Blue Dress

The dress fit Clara perfectly, tailored to fit every curve of her body. As she walked in front of the Chateau before the ceremony, the warm autumn sun illuminated her silhouette and the fabric of the dress seemed to be aglow. Although the setting was far from the ocean, I still couldn’t help but feel that there was something about the movement of the dress that reminded me of the waves of the ocean. It moved so fluidly with Clara’s every step, and gently billowed in the wind.

Cascading Florals

Down the side of the chateau there is an alleyway lined by trees on either side. The alley leads to the orangery, and this is where the dining table was set up. A cascade of blue and white floral arrangements filled the table, adding an element of opulence to the otherwise rustic setting of the orangery. Walking in to the orangery the tablesetting felt grand and extravagant, yet balanced out by delicate details. The tables were set with vintage silver cutlery and lace-detailed china. Dusty blue menus and calligraphed place setting cards sat at every plate.

Intimate Ceremony

Clara and Max step out of the front door of the chateau. They walk hand in hand towards the floral arch, where they in a few short moments will say their I do’s. As they walk, they smile at each other, and for a moment time seems to stand still. The setting sun sparkles as it dips down low on the horizon. A bird sings in the distance. The breeze rustles the few fallen autumn leaves on the ground. It is as if they are the only two people in the world who exist at that moment. Max pulls Clara closer, and she lets out a soft laugh, and her laugh seems to once again start time.

Photographer: Jeanette Merstrand Photography

Workshop Host: D’Arcy Benincosa

Design + Planning: Oui, Mon Coeur

Florals: Florésie

Hair + Make-up: Modern Bride Paris

Papeterie: Inquisited

Videographer: Nathan Freitas

Venue: Château de Courtomer

Cake: Monika Kos

White / ivory Gown – Otilia Brailoiu

Blue/grey gown: Joanne Fleming Design

Veil + Accessories: Sibo Design

Lace Kimono – Elise Martimort

Suit: Jean-Jacques Cérémonie

Rings: Djoline Joalliers 

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik

Rentals: Joli Bazaar

Linens: Madame de la Maison 

Styling Surfaces: Locust Collection

Production Assistant: Le Coeur Sauvage

Models – Clara + Max 

Catering: The Event Kitchen