Location: Dio-et-Valquières, France
Setting: Castle
Wedding theme/style: Romantic, rustic
When Marie arrived in Montpellier six years ago, her immediate challenge was moving into her new apartment. With little local knowledge and needing “strong arms,” she reached out to friends from her elder brother’s dance school. Among the volunteers was Pierre, a gesture that marked the beginning of something special. Six months later, roles reversed as Marie helped Pierre move into her apartment—a twist of fate that set the stage for their future together.
Their relationship blossomed over the next two years, culminating in a picturesque marriage proposal on Marie’s birthday morning. The proposal was intimate and heartfelt, perfectly aligning with their shared vision of simplicity and warmth for their wedding. They wanted a celebration focused on close family and friends, which meant keeping the guest list small. Despite family pressures, they stood firm on this decision, emphasizing its importance.
The search for the perfect wedding venue led them to the southwest of France, reflecting their roots. They sought a place not just of beauty, but of character and charm. Their discovery of Château de Dio in Dio-at-Valquières, a stunning private medieval castle, was serendipitous. This historic monument, dating back to the 12th century, offered a grand hall for dining and dancing, ideal for their celebration. They booked the castle for the entire weekend, planning a brunch for the following day to extend the festivities.
Marie’s quest for the perfect wedding dress took her on a journey of styles and fittings in Montpellier, accompanied by her mother and bridesmaids. After several trials and growing desperation, she found “the one”—a retro-inspired, simple yet stylish dress by Stephanie Wolff named Byzance. It was love at first sight, and the dress was a hit on the wedding day.
Pierre selected an elegant three-piece suit for his wedding attire, making a statement with a bright, fine-flowered tie that served as a vibrant focal point of his ensemble. His friends also incorporated vivid accents into their outfits, harmoniously complementing the groom’s look.
Marie and Pierre chose an adorable gothic church for the ceremony and arranged a delightful lunch near the church to accommodate the travel between venues. This was all part of their desire to create an out-of-the-ordinary experience for their guests.
The religious ceremony was a heartwarming spectacle filled with beautiful surprises for Marie and Pierre. Guests participated actively, singing folk songs and delivering touching speeches celebrating the couple. The local priest conducted a lovely ceremony, during which Marie and Pierre exchanged vows, officially becoming husband and wife. This moment was particularly moving, leaving a lasting impression on everyone attending.
Elena Fleutiaux, the photographer for Marie and Pierre’s wedding, created masterpieces that captured the magic of their special day. Her photos did more than document the couple’s love; they encapsulated the entire wedding atmosphere, paying close attention to every little detail. Elena’s artistic approach and vision were instrumental in producing stunning photographs that were visually appealing and rich with warmth and the historic beauty of the setting.
After the ceremony, the guests gathered for a reception thoughtfully prepared by the newlyweds. This was a wonderful time dedicated to mingling and enjoying each other’s company. The air was filled with friendly laughter and pleasant conversations, creating a delightful culmination of the first day of the wedding.
Marie and Pierre took a moment to leave the celebration, carving out some time to be alone and relish the beautiful moments they had just experienced during their wedding ceremony. Elena Fleutiaux‘s lens elegantly captured this stroll amidst the picturesque nature. Elena’s photography skillfully conveyed the moment’s pleasant, cozy, and tender atmosphere.
The second day of Marie and Pierre’s wedding began with a beautiful photoshoot orchestrated by Elena Fleutiaux, set against the ancient backdrop of the old château. The light stone walls of the château provided a perfect, cozy background that enhanced the warmth of the setting. Elena skillfully used her lens to capture the intimate and serene atmosphere, creating stunning portraits of the couple.
The couple opted for a natural theme for their reception, avoiding artificial decorations and letting the ancient stone walls of the venue speak for themselves. The most labor-intensive part was creating unique gifts for the guests, steering clear of traditional sugared almonds. Although time-consuming, the effort was well worth it, earning heartfelt appreciation from everyone.
The evening was a resounding success, ending with the newlyweds leaving their celebration at sunrise, thanks to their DJ, who kept the party alive until the early morning.
PHOTOGRAPHER Elena Fleutiaux | CASTLE Chateau de Dio | DRESS Stéphanie Wolff Paris | CATERING By morgan&Co | WEDDING COUPLE TRANSPORTATION Happy Combi
