A Relaxed and elegant Chateau du Grand Val Wedding with Nat and Paul

A bride and groom walk arm in arm outside a building, surrounded by guests throwing flower petals in celebration.
A rustic indoor wedding ceremony setup with wooden chairs, chandeliers, draped white fabric, stone walls, and lanterns lining the aisle.

Nat and Paul were married in September at Chateau du Grand Val in Brittany, surrounded by open countryside and close to the medieval town of Combourg. The setting felt calm and self-contained, perfectly suited to the kind of wedding they wanted – relaxed, joyful, and focused on spending time with the people who mattered most.

Chateau du Grand Val sits overlooking the valley, with historic buildings and open grounds that allow a wedding day to unfold naturally. Having everything in one place gave the day an easy rhythm, with space to slow down and enjoy each moment as it came.

Their wedding was full of emotion, from quiet moments to bursts of laughter and energy. As a Brittany wedding photographer was a real pleasure to witness and to photograph a celebration that felt so natural, thoughtful, and true to them.

A large, old-style house with a dark roof is surrounded by trees and greenery, with a driveway leading to the main entrance and another building nearby.
A beige, three-story French chateau with steep slate roofs, tall windows, and ornate ironwork, set against an overcast sky with trees and grass in the foreground.
A curved wooden staircase with a black metal railing, a crystal chandelier, two wooden chairs, a vase with greenery, and a black-and-white checkered tile floor.

The Couple’s Vision for Their Chateau du Grand Val Wedding

Nat and Paul wanted their wedding to feel elegant and timeless, while staying relaxed and unfussy. They cared most about creating a day that felt welcoming, unforced, and centred around their guests.

Nat wore a sleek, modern wedding dress with a long veil, while Paul chose a brown suit inspired by 1940s tailoring. Together, their outfits felt considered but effortless, sitting naturally within the château setting.

Styling was kept simple and in tune with the surroundings. Wildflower greenery, earthy florals, sage green ribbons, and a fabric welcome sign tied everything together. Each detail reflected the countryside around Chateau du Grand Val without ever feeling styled for the sake of it. What mattered most was time together, a great party, and a day that flowed easily.

A rustic indoor wedding ceremony setup with wooden chairs, white drapes, chandeliers, floral arrangements, and lanterns lining the aisle in a stone-walled room.
Rows of wooden chairs with light-colored ribbons tied on the backs, arranged indoors near stone walls, likely set up for an event or ceremony.
A printed paper with the heading A LORDRE DU JOUR and a list of event details rests on a wooden chair.
Two men in dress shirts and suspenders stand in an elegant room; one adjusts the others tie while they both appear focused on the task.
A man in a brown suit stands in a traditionally decorated living room with wooden paneling, vintage furniture, and a patterned rug.
A man in a suit and glasses stands indoors, looking at his wristwatch.
Three men in suits stand and smile together on a staircase in a warmly lit interior, each wearing a boutonnière on their lapel.
A woman in a white wedding dress is being assisted by another person in a well-lit, elegant room with classic decor and a portrait on the wall.
A woman in an off-shoulder wedding dress stands indoors, smiling as she puts on an earring in front of a mirror.
A woman in a white wedding dress adjusts her veil in a softly lit room with tall curtains and classical decor.
A bride in a white wedding dress and long veil stands indoors holding a bouquet of flowers, with a fireplace and mirror in the background.
A bride in a wedding dress and veil stands by a window holding a bouquet, with light streaming in through the curtains.
A man in a blue suit and a woman in a patterned dress stand indoors by tall windows, both smiling and appearing joyful.
A bride in a white off-shoulder gown and veil stands indoors, holding a bouquet of white and yellow flowers, smiling.
A bride in a wedding dress and veil embraces and kisses an older woman in a patterned dress indoors, with a man standing behind them.
A bride in a white gown and veil descends a wooden staircase, holding a bouquet of flowers.
A bride and several women, some holding a child, stand together in a hallway with large windows and patterned floor tiles.

Nat and Paul’s Wedding Ceremony at ChAteau du Grand Val

The original plan was to hold the ceremony outside, but with the weather feeling uncertain, Nat and Paul chose to move it indoors to the Rose Hall. In the end, it felt like the perfect decision. The space was intimate, characterful, and ideal for such a personal ceremony.

A close friend led the ceremony, shaping something that felt completely unique to them. It reflected their relationship, their humour, and the way they move through life together. There was laughter, moments of singing, and a lot of joy in the room. The atmosphere felt warm and connected from start to finish.

Indoor wedding ceremony with guests seated, a stone wall backdrop, chandeliers above, and an officiant and man standing at the front near flower arrangements.
A bride in a white dress and veil walks down the aisle with an older woman beside her, surrounded by seated and standing guests in a rustic venue decorated with chandeliers and lanterns.
A man in a suit and tie.
A bride in a wedding dress laughs joyfully, holding a bouquet and arm-in-arm with an emotional woman, while a man in a suit stands beside them, smiling.
A bride and groom stand at the altar, smiling and laughing, during a wedding ceremony in a rustic, decorated hall with chandeliers and wooden beams.
A bride in a veil and holding a bouquet smiles at a person in a suit during a wedding ceremony in a stone-walled room.
A groom places a ring on the brides finger during a wedding ceremony in a decorated indoor setting with guests in the background.
A bride and groom kiss at the altar during a wedding ceremony, surrounded by seated guests in a rustic, stone-walled venue with white drapery and floral decorations.
A bride and groom walk down the aisle together in a rustic indoor venue with stone walls, chandeliers, and guests seated on either side, clapping.
A bride and groom walk down the aisle holding hands in a decorated indoor venue, surrounded by guests and lit by a chandelier.

A Relaxed Drinks Reception at ChAteau du Grand Val

After the ceremony, Nat and Paul were greeted with a celebratory confetti moment at the front of the chateau. Congratulations followed, along with hugs, laughter, and time to pause and take everything in.

Guests gathered outside for drinks, enjoying the setting and spending time together without any pressure to move on quickly. During this part of the day, I took a small number of family portraits. Photographically, this moment is always important. Everyone is relaxed, emotions are still close, and it’s a chance to capture families together naturally.

Nat also chose this moment to give a speech. It was heartfelt, emotional, and full of honesty. Before heading inside for dinner, we took a few couple portraits around the grounds – calm, unposed, and easy, just a little time together before the evening began.

A bride and groom walk arm in arm outside a building, surrounded by guests throwing flower petals in celebration.
A bride in a veil talks with a woman and a man holding papers outside a building with large windows and decorative railings.
A bride in a wedding dress and veil hugs a smiling man in a light suit outdoors, with guests and a large building in the background.
A groom in a green suit embraces a bride in a white dress and veil, holding a bouquet of white flowers outdoors.
Five people pose for a photo in front of a large stone building, with the central couple dressed in wedding attire and the others in formal clothing.
Four people stand posing for a photo in front of a large stone building; one woman wears a wedding dress and veil, others wear formal attire.
A group of people gather in front of a large stone chateau with tall windows and a sloped roof on an overcast day.
Stone building facade with white shutters and double doors, a decorative wedding banner hanging in the entrance, and two potted topiary trees in blue pots on either side.
A bride in a white wedding dress and veil stands outdoors holding a microphone and a piece of paper, with pink flowers and greenery in the background.
A bride speaks into a microphone while wedding guests stand outside a stone building, listening attentively.
A woman in a polka dot dress holding a bouquet and a man in a brown suit holding a drink are smiling outdoors among a group of formally dressed people.
A bride and groom kiss outdoors, with the bride holding a piece of paper and a microphone; trees and shrubbery appear in the background.
Four adults dressed in semi-formal attire stand outdoors, smiling and talking, with trees and flowers in the background on a cloudy day.
Three men in suits stand outdoors, holding drinks and laughing together, with trees and greenery in the background.
A group of people gathers outside a large stone manor with steep roofs and tall chimneys, surrounded by green gardens and trees under a partly cloudy sky.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand outside a large, historic building with stone walls and arched windows.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand, smiling at each other, in front of a large historic building with steep roofs.
A bride in a white dress holding a bouquet walks on grass, followed by a man in a suit, with trees and shrubs in the background.
A bride and groom stand smiling in a field of wildflowers with trees in the background.
A bride and groom holding hands and smiling at each other while walking along a gravel path outdoors.
A bride in a white dress and a groom in a brown suit walk hand in hand outdoors, both smiling, with greenery and cloudy sky in the background.

The Evening Reception at ChAteau du Grand Val

As the evening approached, everyone moved into the marquee for dinner. Festoon lights and candlelight filled the space, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Long tables brought everyone together, and the room felt lively but unhurried. Nat and Paul made their entrance dancing, setting the tone straight away. They then enjoyed speeches from some of their favourite people, with plenty of laughter and emotion throughout.

Later in the evening, the celebrations moved back into the Rose Hall. The Party Professors took over and kept the dance floor full well into the night. The energy stayed high, and the party carried on without losing its warmth or ease.

A table displays a floral arrangement, a framed black-and-white wedding photo, a green lantern with a candle, and a seating chart labeled PRENEZ VOS PLACES SUR LA TABLE.
Large tent interior with a central wooden pole, strings of lights, long wooden tables with chairs, and green lanterns on the wooden floor.
A wooden table set for a formal meal with white plates, cutlery, multiple wine glasses, and small vases of white flowers as centerpieces.
A bride and groom dance down the aisle in a tented venue, as guests stand, smile, and wave napkins in celebration.
A group of people, including a bride and groom, are standing and laughing inside a tent at a wedding reception. Tables with glasses and bottles are visible in the foreground.
Guests seated at tables inside a large event tent with string lights and a wooden central pole, listening to a person speaking at the front.
A bride and groom sit together at a table, smiling and laughing, surrounded by flowers, glassware, and wedding decor at a reception.
A man stands giving a speech to a seated audience at an indoor event under a large tent, while guests listen and applaud.
A man in a suit gives a speech with a microphone at a wedding reception while a woman in a white dress smiles and guests sit around the table.
A man in a suit stands and speaks from a note at a table set for a meal; people around him are seated, with one woman laughing and covering her face.
A bride and groom dance together in a rustic indoor venue with stone walls and wooden beams, while guests watch in the background.
A woman in a white dress and a man in a suit laugh and dance together at an indoor event with chandeliers and other guests in the background.
A man and woman hugging.
A woman and a man dance and smile at a party, holding drinks, while a saxophonist plays in the foreground. Other guests are visible in the background.
A woman and man in formal attire dance and laugh at an indoor event, with other guests and a musician visible in the background.
A large, dark mansion with illuminated windows stands under a cloudy night sky, surrounded by shadows and trees.

A Wedding in Brittany Captured Naturally


Nat and Paul’s wedding at Chateau du Grand Val was full of warmth, emotion, and genuine connection. The day moved at an easy pace, with space to enjoy each moment as it unfolded. It was such a joy to photograph a wedding that felt so relaxed and full of feeling.

If you’re planning your own wedding at Château du Grand Val, or elsewhere in Brittany, and want your day captured naturally, I’d love to hear what you’re planning.

VENDORS

Photographer: Frances Mary Sales
Venue: Chateau du Grand Val
Dress: The Dressing Rooms Bridal
Suit: Richard George Tailoring
Florist: La Rose des Sens Combourg
Hairstylist: Nora Andrian
Bridesmaids dresses: Pretty Lavish
Sound: L’AMI Prod
Band: The Party Professors
Marquee: Les Fourmis
Caterer: Les Petits Curieux

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