This enchanting shoot was set against the historical backdrop of Château de Grainville, a 17th-century French chateau near Normandy. Designed as a celebration of spring’s return, the concept brought together lush florals, elegant attire, and a deeply romantic atmosphere. The vision was clear: a fairytale-inspired scene that showcased timeless beauty, evoking a sense of ethereal charm and intimacy.
Concept of the Shoot
The idea behind this styled shoot was to celebrate spring, a season of rebirth, freshness, and beauty. Emily, the photographer from Elle Studios, shared her inspiration, saying, “This was a dream to photograph… every detail came together to create such a beautiful story and vision.” The chateau’s grounds, filled with lush greenery, provided the perfect setting for this romantic and timeless scene, creating an experience that felt intimate and personal. With florals as the central theme, each design element reflected the organic charm of the season.
"It was a day unlike any other in the French countryside. A tangible experience, meant to be experienced with all five senses."
Photographer’s Inspiration
Emily’s expertise and passion brought the concept to life through her lens. She captured each intricate detail, from the soft hues of the florals to the grand architectural elements of the chateau. Elle Studios‘s photography not only documented the day but also encapsulated the emotion and elegance that defined the shoot, preserving each detail in a way that felt both timeless and fresh.
“This day ignited a fire in my work and inspired me to learn and grow in new ways in pursuit of my goals."
Bride’s Look
For the bridal look, the team chose a Monique Lhuillier gown, renowned for its ethereal beauty and romantic design. The gown featured delicate floral patterns, a flowing silhouette, and soft fabric that moved gracefully with every step. It was the embodiment of spring elegance, capturing the essence of a garden party with its feminine details.
The bride’s hair was styled in two ways: for the bridal portraits, her hair cascaded down in soft waves, while for formal portraits, it was swept up into a loose yet polished low bun, adding a touch of sophistication. The natural makeup, done by MUA Reina Kim, highlighted her features subtly, enhancing her innate beauty without overwhelming her delicate look.
Groom's Fashion
The groom’s attire, provided by The Black Tux, was elegant and refined, perfectly matching the chateau’s sophisticated ambiance. His crisp white jacket and black trousers created a classic and upscale ensemble, adding a formal touch that complemented the bride’s dreamy gown. The simplicity and structure of his attire balanced the ethereal quality of the shoot, giving the couple a polished and timeless look.
Decor and Florals
The florals, crafted by Trille Floral and Winsome Floral, were the heart of the decor, adding a whimsical touch with their pastel colors and lush arrangements. Spring blooms in peach tones, soft neutrals, and accents of purple and green created an atmosphere of romance and renewal.
The floral arrangements extended from the tablescape to the ceremony space, framing the chateau’s stunning architecture and enhancing its historical elegance. Candlelight adorned the tables, casting a warm glow over the intimate setup that evoked the feel of a private, romantic dinner.
One of the highlights of the shoot was the champagne tower, a symbol of celebration and luxury. Encircled by spring blooms, it became a focal point, adding a festive and joyous touch to the scene.
The tablescape itself was a vision of elegance, with delicate silk ribbons from Native Ribbon adding a soft, romantic flair. The fine china and crystal glassware contributed to the luxurious feel, while the pastel hues and candlelight emphasized the shoot’s intimate ambiance.
"Florals were whimsical and modern, in stunning spring blooms featuring peach tones, neutrals, pops of purple and lush greens."
Bringing All Together
The shoot was a beautiful symphony of elements coming together under the historic roof of the French château. From the intricate architecture of the chateau to the soft, romantic florals and refined attire, each detail was thoughtfully chosen to create a timeless, spring-inspired narrative.
"The most challenging aspect of the day was working around some scattered rain showers and having to move inside a few times throughout the process."
"The couple had great chemistry and every detail came together to create such a beautiful story and vision."
This collaboration between artists and creators, from Grace and Ardor hosting the workshop and the photographer Elle Studios to the careful styling by production assistants Splendor of Eden and Jenny Dit, brought to life a vision that will inspire couples dreaming of a fairytale wedding.
"The world is so rich and full of life if you're willing to chase it. Explore it. And feel it with every fiber of your being. Embrace it with open arms. Dare to dream. C'est la vie."
PHOTOGRAPHER Elle Studios | HOST PHOTOGRAPHER Grace and Ardor | FLORALS & HOSTS Trille Floral, Winsome Floral | COORDINATOR Oui Mon Coeur Weddings | PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS Splendor of Eden, Jenny Dit | HAIR Mane Bridal PHL | MAKEUP MUA Reina Kim | GOWN Monique Lhuillier | SHOES Bella Belle | TUX The Black Tux | RENTALS Maison Options | STATIONERY Blanche Heirloom | RIBBONS Native Ribbon | BRIDE Cat Goncharova | GROOM Kevin Pcht
