CHATEAU DESTINEE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO — DESTINATION WEDDING FILMS & PHOTOGRAPHY

Hi Simon!

We love the video and the photos and we cried and laughed watching it, they are truly special.

Thank you so much!!

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This one was a bit special… Most of them are, but sometimes, everything aligns, either by accident or design, more so than on some other occasions. Your best bet is still in the planning (the design) and then everything else on top can be considered a bonus. Let’s get this one started…

THE VENUE

The first time I visited this venue was in September 2016 and it was actually the first wedding I covered as a resident of France. I had previously travelled over 30 times from the UK for weddings in France, but this was the first that did not require a flight!

Back then, it was called something else and under different ownership. The new owners have extensively updated and in some areas, transformed the place. Below is a series of pictures that highlight this fabulous place that sits quite literally, on the bank of the Dordogne river. Chateau Destinee is without question, one of my favourite venues for a wedding in France…and I do not say that about every place I visit!

Special mention to my guide and associate for some of this shoot, Cooper the dog!

THE WELCOME PARTY

After a brief ceremony rehearsal (skip at your peril), it was a ‘night market’ style food & drink, meet & greet welcome party for all.

The forecast was a little shaky as it has been for so much of the first half of the 2024 wedding season in France, but as has also been the case on most occasions, keeping fingers crossed seemed to do the trick.

Special mention here to Tom Smith performing several live sets during the evening. Incidentally, Tom was one of the very first ‘Wedding People’ I met in France, prior to moving here full-time.

STRAW HATS & BOW TIES

(Groom Prep)

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BRIDE PREP

As per almost every wedding (and post I make), still and probably always will be, my favourite part of a wedding day to capture.

I don’t know why, (because I am a bloke), but I like the details, the moments, the face painting etc…possibly because (as a bloke), I don’t do any of these things on a daily basis so there is still some magic in it for me…

Special mention to Laura Cawte on hair and makeup today.

FIRST LOOK

It’s not often the first look between a father and daughter is as special as this and at some weddings, neither party seems that bothered about it even happening at all, but for those that do appreciate this kind of thing, this one earned it’s own special chapter in this wedding.

CEREMONY

We scouted 3 potential areas the day prior and chose the one featured below.

Intimate, shaded and with a great entry point for a final touch of theatre.

All florals today by Jenny Fairbanks; bridal bouquets, ceremony arch, table deco later…

CHAMPAGNE & CANAPES

A champagne tower is always a bit of fun and live music is not necessarily a must, but really does add something a bit special.

The location, timescale and ambience took care of the rest…

HANNAH & RAPHAEL

(Session 01)

TABLESCAPES & SPEECHES, PLUS MARSHMALLOW EATING CONTEST

Yes, you read that correctly. The speeches were genuine, interesting and just the right length, but all who were there, would agree that the marshmallow eating contest between Hannah & Raphael was the highlight of this part of the day. The win went to the bride!

Special mention to the Chateau Destinee in house catering team who provided superb food and service.

And yay, nothing taller than a wine bottle on the top table which was also single-sided and straight and absolutely zero large parasols. Quadruple yays if you are a fellow videographer, you will know EXACTLY where I am coming from 🫡