Stunning wedding at Chateau de Pennautier, Carcassonne

FRENCH CHATEAU WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Last August I headed to the South of France, the beautiful medieval city of Carcassonne. I planned to spend a few days exploring this ancient city. However, chiefly, to photograph Stella & Jon’s beautiful wedding at Chateau de Pennautier. How privileged I am to create French Chateau Wedding Photography at Chateau de Pennautier. To say nothing of all the special days in such stunning locations around the UK and Europe.

CHATEAU DE PENNAUTIER WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Stella and Jon had chosen to hold their wedding day at the stunningly, magnificent Chateau de Pennautier, just outside of Carcassonne. The Chateau, built under Louis XIII nearly 400 years ago inspired by the style of the Versailles. A vast palace which opens out to a magnificent view. The wedding party was able to use the whole Chateau. Resulting in a lovely relaxed atmosphere despite the grand surroundings.

As you enter the Chateau the hall leads to an elegant staircase which winds around the hall and up to the first floor. The hall, decorated with colonnades leads into a reception room, which, in turn, leads straight out into the huge gardens.

The decor of the Chateau has been thoughtfully designed and every room and corner has wonderful antiquities to find.

Stella and her bridesmaids were getting ready in one of the fabulous Chateau suites. Meanwhile, Jon was preparing for his wedding at a little hotel in the nearby village of Aragon.

BRIDAL PREPARATIONS

Meanwhile, at the Chateau Stella was applying finishing touches to her make-up and preparing to get into her stunning gown by  Halfpenny London. An appliquéd lace corset with a long silk skirt covered with pale pink flowers and overlaid with lace organza, it was divine! Stella completed her look with a large rose headpiece, veil, and the most amazing lace boots by Charlotte Olympia. Likewise, Stella’s bridesmaids looked amazing. To emphasise their individuality wore their own choice of dress in tones of nude and pink.

ARAGON

The Church of Sainte-Marie in Aragon where Stella & Jon instantly knew was the location for their wedding ceremony. Aragon, located on a rock outcrop at the end of a plateau in the heart of the Cabardes vineyards. With it’s 14th Century Church perched at the very top of this serene and sleepy little village. As I walked up to the church in the heat of the day, not a human about, just a dog sleeping in the shade.

SUNFLOWERS

On the road between the church and Chateau de Pennautier, we made a stop at one of the many sunflower fields which lined the roads. A wonderful opportunity for Stella and Jon to capture some stunning portraits.

RECEPTION

Meanwhile, at the Chateau, the guests were enjoying the delicious canapés and champagne. The weather was wonderfully glorious, hot, and sunny. Parasols and fans were on hand to escape the sun’s rays and keep cool.

The tables were all set for the wedding breakfast in the former ballroom of the Chateau. The Louis XIV Gallery. Fresh flowers adorned the tables along with name settings representing the villages of the surrounding area. On each table was a selection of wine from the Chateau vineyard.

After the speeches, the room was set up for the evening. The wedding guests partied into the night with dancing. The musicians provided a wonderful evenings entertainment with a Ceilidh and plenty of fun.