CHAPTER 01 - VENUE INTRO & THE GATHERING

It’s rare, very rare, there is not some form of event happening at a destination wedding and even rarer if I am not covering it. Weddings these days (destination weddings anyway) don’t tend to be single days, but multi-day events. And such was the case with Emma & Tom’s wedding at Chateau Destinee.

This was my third wedding at this fabulous venue that sits on the bank of the River Dordogne in South West France, close to the beautiful small historic town of Saint Emilion and less than one hour from Bordeaux.

It’s a beautiful location and a very well run place and comfortably makes my ‘Top 5 Venues’ list for a wedding in South West France.

CHAPTER 02 - A BIT MORE VENUE & A FLORAL INTRODUCTION

So what is it about Chateau Destinee that had me captivated from my very first visit?

It’s one of those things that is difficult to define but ‘just is’, - something that just fits. Perhaps it’s the location, perhaps it’s the orientation or the grounds or the light or the owners feel of service… But most likely, it’s a combination of all of these factors.

Special shout out at this point to Jenny Fairbanks of Our Fabulous Things. I don’t always see her at every wedding, but it’s rare that a wedding in South West France does not feature either her floristry or some of her hire such as tables, chairs, crockery etc and she is the Number One in this regard.

CHAPTER 03 - BRIDE PREP

Something else I love about weddings at Destinee are the two top rooms that are typically used as the bride’s prep room and the groom’s prep room. They are fabulously light and airy whereas especially those older chateaux, can be very small and dark and quite tricky to work in.

Quite a bit of dancing (and flossing, the non-dental kind!) went on in Emma’s room!

Hair & Makeup by the fantastic Olinka.

CHAPTER 04 - GROOM PREP

This took place in the opposing room to Emma’s and is with that room, is another great light & airy space.

The boys all received a gift of a Japanese cooking knife from one of Tom’s recent trips.

CHAPTER 05 - CEREMONY

What an entrance and what a ceremony…

Possibly one of the longest walks from building to covered terrace and quite dramatic with the water feature and chateau in the background.

The ceremony itself was conducted by owner Linda with music from a string duo and a live rendition of ‘Your Love Is my Love’ by bridesmaid Alice, making this one extra personal.

CHAPTER 06 - DRINKS RECEPTION

Confetti, champagne tower, canapés, polaroid camera, a handful of family group pics, - very relaxed and not too hot today, and after the Summer we had, very welcome!

CHAPTER 07 - EMMA & TOM

This kind of thing need not takeover the entire drinks reception or take too long, but 15-20 minutes max (out of a typical 2.5 hours reception) is the norm with me.