An Intimate Wedding At A French Chateau

Sofia Weddings & Events meticulously planned this intimate, stylish wedding editorial from the UK, and it was directed & captured on the day by Victoria Amrose Photography. Together they wanted to create a shoot that combined the talents of vendors from different countries whilst remaining sympathetic to the French wedding style.

French blue was used as the primary colour, alongside subtle accents of apricot and gold, for a touch of warmth. It was really important to have romantic authenticity, so a beautiful real-life couple were our models for the day.

To fully embrace the grandeur of the chateau, the bride wore a dreamy princess-style Badgley Mischka ballgown for the ‘day look’. The dress from The Bridal Rooms in the UK featured a sparkling v-neck bodice with a flowing tulle skirt extending to a semi-cathedral train, the epitome of bridal beauty!

The beauty team created a soft, glowy bridal look using apricot & beige on the top eyelids, with warm blush and highlighter, and peach for the lips. Her hair was left down and flowing into an understated Hollywood wave hairstyle, with an off-side parting on one side. This was styled with crystal hair pins from Cassie M Bridal Accessories and satin sling-back Jimmy Choo heels.

For the evening look, the bride wore a Claire Mischevani ivory fitted suit dress with ivory lace Oscar de la Renta heels. Our bridal team went for a darker eye and lip, and hair was styled up and back with a stunning gold flower crown fit for a princess.

“Not only is the chateau breathtakingly beautiful, but it also benefits from floods of natural light owing to its enviable position, large windows and light, airy décor, making it a dream venue to photograph. The imposing grand staircase was a particular favourite for me as there were so many different angles from which to capture, meaning you can get capture all sides of the wedding dress with ease. It’s the perfect location for those wanting to show off a long train!

I also loved the reflections created by the moat outside of the chateau, and there is a beautiful woodland walkway from the front door which would look fantastic in any season.” In keeping with a low-key, intimate wedding, our wedding breakfast set up was a simple table for two situated outside of the front entrance and with views over the countryside. The crockery & silverware were the Chateau’s own and styled with fresh flowers, blue tapered candles and silks by Lancaster & Cornish.

The 2 tier iced cake, by Hunkington House Kitchen, was styled using a small selection of blue hydrangea flowers by florist Reflets Fleurs. An elegant invitation suite was designed by Evelyn & Elliott featuring an invite, menu card & place setting on blue & ivory fine art paper with torn edges. This was styled as a flat lay on a blue canvas background with hand-dyed silks. We loved working on this elegant-styled shoot. Even though the Chateau is large and grand, it still felt completely intimate, unique and like the very best of fairy tales.

A little about the Chateau: Chateau de Courtomer, based in the beautiful French countryside in Normandy, is a stunning wedding and events venue. The 18th-century chateau is an imposing structure with a striking architectural aesthetic owing to its perfect symmetry is abundant with historical references.

Descendants of the Courtomer family initially owned it, and after that, their distant relatives, the les Ruinarts, who was also a part of the Champagne family. And is now under the proud ownership of Mr & Mrs Bonner, who have lovingly & sympathetically restored the property, complete with many modern amenities synonymous with 21st-century life. Situated just a 2-hour drive from Paris, its private and exclusive nature makes it perfect for those wishing to have a French fairytale wedding. It was also the ideal location for our romantic French chateau-styled wedding shoot.

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