A French Destination Wedding at Chateau Allure Du Lac

Bridal prep at Chateau Allure Du Lac

I got to the venue early so I could have a good wander round the gardens and take in the beauty of the place, along with scoping out the best spots for pictures. I then headed up to Emma and her lovely bridesmaids, who were all getting ready together in the bridal suite. After spending some time capturing Emma’s details – including the sweetest gift from Arran, a box with all the reasons he loves her in – I headed over to see what the men were up to. Obviously, chilling out and getting the beers in. That and admiring Emma’s gifts for the groomsmen, matching boxers and socks with Emma’s face all over them.

Then back to the girls where all the kids had joined them to get ready. Emma looked incredible in her sleek dress by Ava Rose Hamilton, paired with a stunning up do by her sister!

Ceremony at Chateau Allure Du Lac

The ceremony took place under the trees, in front of the beautiful lake. Emma had her mum walk her up the aisle, to the wonderful harpist, Francois Pernel, to a very emotional Arran. The ceremony was lead by the brilliant celebrant Roy Kitchener. He really created a ceremony all about the couple, talking about what each of them loved about each other, how they met, and the life they’ve created with their two little ones. They even included a French tradition of the couple cutting a ribbon held by the children, to symbolise the obstacles that the couple will overcome. And they wrapped it up by heading over to the jetty out on the lake for the register signing.

Pictures around Chateau Allure Du Lac

We headed to the front of Château Allure Du Lac for a full wedding shot, with the guests on the front steps, and Emma and arran on the balcony above! The front steps made the perfect backdrop for all the family formals. As for the couple pictures we were completely spoilt for choice! The whole chateau and grounds are so beautiful and I could have spent hours photographing them there – the spiral steps up to the stone balcony were a favourite of mine.

Outdoor wedding breakfast and speeches at Chateau Allure Du Lac

The absolute best thing about destination weddings is getting to have the meal and speeches outside. The evening lighting is so perfect for pictures. Emma’s mum gave a heartfelt speech welcoming Arran to the family and telling everyone how proud she was of Emma. The groomsmen absolutely stole the show however with their speeches. They passed out paddles and played a hilarious game of true or false, all about the groom! The best man then went on to read a brilliant poem about him too, which had everyone laughing and cheering.

The French Destination Party

Then onto the dancing – the couple had a dance floor and DJ set up outside, under the fairy lights, so everyone could enjoy the French evening and party the night away. After the cake cut Emma let her down and changed into her second dress! A gorgeous, tight, midi dress that she could really party in, paired with the best trend of 2023, heart shaped sunglasses. My day finished with the couple doing a Prosecco spray, which, hilariously, soaked me – honestly anything for a good shot.

A huge thank you to you both for asking me to be a part of your gorgeous French destination wedding. Here are your previews!

If you’re planning a wedding at Chateau Allure Du Lac or a french destination wedding , get in touch!