Château du Pont Bourguet provided the perfect canvas for a styled shoot that reimagined romance with a modern spirit. Its storied architecture met fresh design choices, creating a dialogue between history and trend. Each scene carried elegance yet resisted predictability, offering surprising and alive details. The interaction between the models and their chemistry made it easy to forget this was a shoot rather than a real love story, giving the editorial balance and charm.
Concept & Inspiration
The vision behind this shoot came from a desire to bring fine art sensibilities into a modern, design-driven setting. Anne Laure Weddings led the planning with an eye for contrast: natural greens paired with off-white tones, sculptural florals against classical architecture, and details that felt both grounded and imaginative. The photographer Elise Morgan and Studio80 Cinematography leaned into the concept, translating the vision into images and film that feel alive with texture and energy.
The design explored dualities: classic and contemporary, structured and whimsical. The result is a narrative that feels current yet rooted in the grace of old-world romance.
Location
Château du Pont Bourguet set the stage with its weathered façade, double staircase, and French gardens. The venue carries layers of history: stone walls softened by time, fountains dressed in greenery, and an orangery that, after a fire, lost its roof and now opens directly to the stars. This mix of grandeur and rawness was essential to the shoot.
Every corner of the property offered possibilities: the main fountain became a natural altar under the touch of Gali M, who transformed its tiers into a cascading installation of calla lilies, hydrangeas, and textured greens. The orangery, with its bare stone walls and chandeliers, became the heart of the dinner design. Rather than competing with the château’s character, the styling amplified its natural drama.
Getting Ready
Fashion for the editorial drew on timeless silhouettes with subtle twists. Céline Ménard designed two gowns: a strapless pearl-embroidered dress with a dramatic cape for the ceremony, and a halter-neck gown with a flowing scarf for the evening. The transition felt cinematic, offering both classic bridal refinement and a chic after-party statement.
Accessories played a key role in completing the look. Bella Belle Shoes added a touch of detail beneath the gowns, while jewelry emphasized pearls in layers, echoing the gown’s embellishments. Rings by Gemmyo were understated yet contemporary, aligning with the overall balance of old and new.
Hair and makeup, styled by Sylvain Mazou, leaned into a retro-glam spirit. Loose curls framed the face with ease, while subtle shimmer around the eyes created a soft glow under natural light. The look felt sophisticated without excess, perfectly in step with the editorial’s ethos.
The groom’s styling balanced this energy with tailored elegance, wearing a black suit and bow tie that gave him a statuesque and muscular presence. His sharp lines and classic details complemented the bride’s modern yet timeless looks, creating a striking harmony between the two.
Ceremony
The ceremony unfolded in the château’s garden, where black chairs lined the path leading to the fountain. This focal point not only framed the vows but also served as the symbolic altar of the day, making the fountain the heart of the ceremony. Minimal in setup yet striking in effect, the space allowed the natural beauty of the grounds to guide the scene. The couple, Vivianne and Yannick, read vows framed by water, stone, and flowers, a setting that felt both intimate and cinematic.
The pairing of formal attire with a natural outdoor backdrop underscored the shoot’s modern-romantic identity. There was no excess decoration here, only a sense of presence and intention.
Decor & Overall Design
Decor design tied the story together with bold, confident strokes. Anne Laure curated a reception layout that mixed crisp white linens with lush greenery and contemporary accents. A long table stretched beneath white draping that cascaded from the ceiling, contrasting against an emerald backdrop. The effect was dramatic yet inviting, a visual blend of softness and strength.
Florals by Gali M defined the space with a central runner of layered greens and white blooms, creating a natural flow across the table. Options provided rentals that balanced rustic and refined: woven chairs, glassware, and minimal black candlesticks. Promesse Graphique added a playful edge through stationery, weaving in whimsical elements that spoke to the theme of modern romance.
The cakes by Ange Gimenez were as artistic as they were unconventional. One carried ornate piped details that echoed vintage craftsmanship, while another featured stacked madeleines, each coated in pale icing and tied with a green ribbon.
As night fell, the orangery came alive. Candlelight reflected off stone walls, shadows danced across the checkered floor, and the atmosphere shifted into celebration. The couple toasted with a cascade of martinis, adding a playful finale to a day that balanced elegance with lighthearted flair.
This editorial reminds us that inspiration is often found in contrast: heritage and trend, structure and freedom, restraint and indulgence. Under the guidance of Anne Laure, and with a creative team of passionate vendors, Château du Pont Bourguet became the stage for a modern love story — one that feels timeless yet distinctly of this moment.
PLANNER Anne Laure Weddings | COORDINATOR Amoro Events | PHOTOGRAPHER Elise Morgan | VIDEOGRAPHER Studio80 | SOCIAL CONTENT Moaya | FLORALS Gali M Floral Design | VENUE Château du Pont Bourguet | MUAH Sylvain Mazou | PAPERY Promesse Graphique | CAKES Ange Gimenez | ASSISTANT FLORIST Hanopoe | RINGS Gemmyo | SHOES Bella Belle Shoes | RENTALS Options / Maison Options | ROBES Céline Ménard | COUPLE Vivianne & Yannick
