An Intimate Château Wedding with Romantic Vows Under a Gentle Rain

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Heather and Peter’s wedding at Domaine des Halles was a breathtaking celebration of love, elegance, and intimate moments. Set in the lush landscapes of the Monts du Lyonnais, this historic château provided the perfect backdrop for their all-white themed wedding, inspired by the romance of iconic Italian films like ‘Malena’ and ‘The Godfather.’

Location: Lyon, France
Style: Classic, romantic, timeless
Time of planning: 9 months
Number of guests: 28
Setting: Chateau
Season: Spring

Heather and Peter’s love story began in high school choir back in 2014. What started as a friendship quickly blossomed into something more when Peter invited Heather to be his date for a school dance. Over the years, they shared dreams, adventures, and countless memories, building a strong foundation for their relationship. After nearly a decade together, their journey culminated in a beautiful wedding in the heart of France.

Bridal Morning

Heather chose a stunning gown from Amsale Bridal that embodied sophistication with its chic cat ear neckline and luxurious Magnolia Satin fabric. She paired it with elegant lace gloves from Vera Wang and a delicate Pronovias veil.

For the ceremony, she wore classic shoes from Manolo Blahnik and switched to comfortable Loeffler Randall heels for the reception. Her look was completed with exquisite Australia South Sea Pearls earrings, which perfectly matched her minimalist bouquet of white hyacinths.

Groom's Fashion

Peter’s look was coordinated to match Heather’s elegance. He wore a custom-tailored suit from Brunello Cucinelli, enhanced by a paisley patterned tie. His shoes, classic oxfords from Grenson, added a touch of timeless style. His boutonniere, featuring white hyacinths, roses, and baby’s breath, matched Heather’s bouquet, completing their cohesive look.

The Ceremony

The ceremony took place against the backdrop of the magnificent château. The aisle was adorned with lush white florals, leading to a beautifully decorated altar where the couple exchanged their vows.

Their day was beautifully captured by Natalie Hamilton Photography, whose work perfectly captured the essence of the celebration. The colors in her photos matched the wedding’s palette seamlessly, and the depth of her images created a cinematic quality that made each moment feel like a scene from a romantic movie. Her ability to capture both the grandeur of the venue and the intimacy of the couple’s emotions transformed their wedding day into a timeless visual story.

Heather made her entrance down the grand staircase of the château, a breathtaking moment as she walked towards Peter, who awaited her at the end of the aisle.

As they exchanged their heartfelt vows, a gentle rain began to fall, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Despite the rain, the couple remained focused on each other, their love shining through the weather. Guests held up programs and small umbrellas to shield themselves from the drizzle, but the moment was filled with warmth and joy.

After the vows, the couple shared their first kiss as husband and wife under a shower of white rose petals, tossed by their joyful guests. The rain had stopped, and the sun peeked through the clouds, making the moment even more magical.

Decor & Setting

The reception was held in the grand dining hall of the château, where classic elegance met a refined, romantic atmosphere. The room was decorated with a monochromatic palette of white florals, creating a timeless setting that was both sophisticated and intimate. Long tables were elegantly set with ivory linens and surrounded by chic upholstered chairs. The tablescapes featured tall vases filled with white roses and hydrangeas, paired with lower arrangements of the same blooms, creating a harmonious and luxurious look.

Candles in crystal holders were strategically placed along the tables, casting a warm, inviting glow that enhanced the ambiance of the room. The fireplace was adorned with a lush garland of white roses and greenery, creating a focal point that drew guests’ attention.

Reception

The festivities began with a seated dinner featuring a selection of fine French cuisine, perfectly paired with Veuve Clicquot Champagne. As guests enjoyed their meal, they were treated to heartfelt speeches from Heather’s father and Peter’s mother, sharing stories and blessings for the couple’s future together. The room was filled with laughter and joyful tears as friends and family shared in the couple’s happiness.

The newlyweds’ first dance was a highlight of the evening. They chose a romantic waltz to “Merry Go Round of Life,” creating a beautiful moment as they moved gracefully across the dance floor.

Following the first dance, the energy in the room shifted to a lively celebration. The couple surprised their guests with a special performance of “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, with Heather herself joining in on the fun.

The newlyweds made a grand entrance, greeted by loved ones holding sparklers that illuminated the night with a warm, celebratory glow. The champagne tower, captured mid-pour, added an elegant touch to the evening, marking the start of an unforgettable celebration filled with joy and festivity. Later, the wedding cake—a simple yet beautiful three-tiered creation adorned with white florals—was presented to the couple for the traditional cake-cutting ceremony.

As the evening continued, guests enjoyed a live band that kept the dance floor packed throughout the night. The reception concluded with a stunning display of fireworks that lit up the night sky, providing a spectacular ending to an unforgettable celebration. Captured beautifully by Natalie Hamilton Photography, the vibrant colors and candid moments of the night were preserved with a cinematic quality, making each photo feel like a scene from a romantic film.