Nestled in the heart of the French countryside, Château Challain offers a fairytale setting where history, elegance, and natural beauty meet. With its soaring spires, lush grounds, and the quiet charm of rural France, it was the perfect backdrop for a destination wedding that felt both timeless and transportive.

We’re so excited to share that this editorial is featured on the Front Page of Style Me Pretty! It’s such an honor to see this vision come to life on such a renowned platform. You can view the full feature here.

Tucked away in the quiet countryside of the Loire Valley, Château Challain is the epitome of classic French châteaus. Surrounded by 72 acres of private parkland, this neo-Gothic estate offers an intimate, storybook setting for destination weddings. With beautifully decorated guest suites on site, couples can host their closest friends and family under one roof , turning a single day into a full weekend of celebration. The château’s manicured gardens and peaceful lake lend a quiet elegance to the grounds, creating a naturally beautiful setting for each part of the celebration.

I want to note that while this is an editorial shoot, Rose and Eric are a real couple whose genuine connection brought authentic warmth and emotion to every moment. The incredible vendor team, led by AMV Weddings, came together seamlessly, combining their talents and creativity to craft a truly beautiful and cohesive look that brought this vision to life.

Sunset over Château Challain, a romantic French château in the Loire Valley

The Evening Before

Golden Hour

For her rehearsal dinner, Rose wore a couture gown by House of Savin, recently showcased at London Fashion Week. The design was striking in its architectural precision, clean lines, and sculptural details gave the dress a modern, structured elegance that complemented the evening’s understated sophistication.

The Wisteria + Gardens

Early May marks the height of wisteria season in France, and at Château Challain, the blooms did not disappoint. Cascading down one of the castle’s turrets, the wisteria was in full, fragrant bloom, a breathtaking sweep of soft purple that felt almost dreamlike in the evening light.

The Rehearsal Dinner

The rehearsal dinner took place in one of Château Challain’s stately dining rooms, where the natural patina of the wood-paneled walls set a warm, grounded tone. A long table was arranged with candelabras and understated candlelight, creating a quiet ambiance that echoed the château’s old-world charm. The flicker of flame reflected softly off polished surfaces, casting a gentle glow across the room.

Elegant pre-wedding dinner at Château Challain for a destination wedding in France

The Wedding Day

Sunrise at the Château

I was up bright and early to catch the sunrise at Château Challain! It was a breathtaking start to the day. Soft pink hues painted the sky, casting a gentle glow over the estate as the first light filtered through the trees. The pond lay perfectly still, mirroring the pastel sky and the silhouette of the château. It was a quiet, magical moment.

Sunrise over Château Challain, a romantic French château in the Loire Valley

Getting Ready

The bridal suite inside Château Challain was truly something out of a fairytale. Perched above the ceremony space, it offered a breathtaking view of the grounds below. The room was wrapped in silvery blue wallpaper with intricate detailing, and at the center hung a chandelier unlike anything I’d ever seen. To reach the suite, we climbed a grand spiral staircase winding up and up. Rose got ready in a beautiful Luna Rose robe, the soft morning light catching the delicate fabric as she prepared for the day ahead.

Bride seated by the window in her robe, bathed in soft morning light at a French château

Getting ready in a luxurious bridal suite at Château Challain during a destination wedding in France

The Ceremony

The ceremony at Château Challain was a stunning blend of elegance and vibrant color. Set on the lawn overlooking the still, reflective pond, the aisle was lined with intricate color blocking, clusters of pinks and purples arranged to guide the eye forward. Lush, colorful florals surrounded each side, creating a striking, painterly path to the altar. At the front stood a pagoda-like structure, completely wrapped in blooms from top to bottom, with flowers cascading around its frame in every shade of pink and purple imaginable.

Colorful floral ceremony arch of blush roses and greenery at a destination wedding in France

Bride and groom standing beneath a floral arch at their château wedding in France

The Couple

Rose and Eric have been together for five years, and their connection is as strong as ever. They first met at a boxing gym. Eric was actually her boss (a little risqué, they admit with a laugh) and they’ve been inseparable ever since. Throughout the day, Eric’s sharp sense of humor kept everyone smiling, especially Rose, who couldn’t stop laughing at his playful remarks. Their dynamic is effortless: full of warmth, fun, and a deep, steady love that was so easy to feel in every moment they shared.

Bride and groom walking hand in hand in front of the grand façade of Château Challain

About the Fashion

Fashion played a central role in the overall design. Each of the three gowns came directly from House of Savin’s new bridal line, which was just featured in London Fashion Week. From sculptural silhouettes to floral textures, the looks felt editorial yet timeless.

Bride’s veil blowing in the wind with the château behind her during golden hour portraits

The Reception

The reception took place just in front of the château, where a single long table seated all of their guests. A pink patterned tablecloth added a fun touch, paired with florals in rich shades of pink and purple that ran down the center of the table. The arrangements were full and textured, drawing in a few curious bees who hovered around the blooms. It was a beautiful, stunning setup that fit so naturally in the space.

Reception table styled with vibrant spring florals and a floral-patterned tablecloth at Château Challain

Bride and groom sharing a joyful moment at their Château Challain reception, surrounded by colorful florals and the romantic ambiance of a French destination wedding

The Venue

Just a short 2-hour train ride from Paris to Angers, followed by a 40-minute drive, the château feels like a world away. Guests can stay on-site in one of the 23 elegantly appointed suites, accommodating up to 50 people, making it easy to keep the entire celebration in one place. Catering is handled in-house with menus tailored to each couple, focusing on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Ceremonies can take place in a small on-site chapel or outside under the floral-draped gazebo overlooking the lake, while the château’s expansive grounds—72 acres of gardens, forests, and water—offer endless opportunities for stunning portraits and peaceful moments. With exclusive use of the property, Château Challain combines historic French elegance with thoughtful modern touches to create an unforgettable wedding experience.

The cake was a true work of art, taking over 50 hours to create. Its delicate hand-painted watercolor design wrapped around the sides with stunning detail, complemented by expertly crafted sugar flowers that added texture and elegance. We placed the cake next to the draping wisteria, whose cascading blooms provided a breathtaking natural backdrop, making the whole setup feel both refined and beautifully organic.

The Second Look

For the reception, Rose changed into a more tailored second look that perfectly balanced elegance and ease. The dress featured beautiful lace detailing that added a delicate, romantic touch while offering a more comfortable silhouette.

Photographing at Château Challain was a truly rewarding experience. The French countryside surrounding the château is incredibly beautiful, with its rolling gardens and peaceful atmosphere.

Travel is essential to my work. It helps me keep my perspective fresh and constantly fuels my creativity with new sources of inspiration. I always look forward to the opportunity to travel for photography, as it brings new challenges and perspectives that keep my approach evolving. Photographing at Château Challain, surrounded by the stunning French countryside, was a perfect example of how a beautiful setting can inspire and elevate my work. I’m excited to see where future journeys will take me next.