A joyful Destination Wedding at Chateau la Durantie with Brooke and Dom

A bride and groom kiss outdoors amid flower petals, surrounded by cheering guests in formal attire on a sunny day. Chateau la Durantie Wedding Photographer.
Women in formal dresses and a woman in a pink outfit with a large hat ascend an ornate staircase, holding bouquets. The setting includes vintage decor, patterned floor tiles, and a large mirror. Chateau la Durantie Wedding Photographer.

Being Brooke and Dom’s Chateau la Durantie wedding photographer was such a joy. Taking place in August, it was a beautifully easy-going yet elegant celebration, set over three days and shared with all of their closest people. With everyone travelling from the UK, it truly felt like a destination wedding in the best sense – unhurried, joyful, and full of connection.

From the very beginning, the focus was on having a good time and enjoying the experience together. Brooke and Dom know how to throw a party, and they created a celebration that felt completely their own. Photographing a wedding like this, where everyone is settled in and present, is always something special.

As a Chateau la Durantie wedding photographer based in France and working regularly at French chateaus, it was such a pleasure to document a day that balanced style and fun so effortlessly.

Aerial view of a large, historic building surrounded by dense trees and expansive farmland under a cloudy sky. Chateau la Durantie Wedding Photographer.
A grand staircase with ornate railings and portraits on the walls, featuring large windows and a chandelier above.
Outdoor wedding setup featuring a stone gazebo, wooden chairs lined in rows, and a petal-strewn aisle surrounded by tall cypress trees under a partly cloudy sky.

The Couple’s Vision for Their Chateau la Durantie Wedding

Brooke and Dom always knew they wanted a summer destination wedding. They chose Chateau la Durantie because it offered a beautiful setting where they could bring everyone together for several days and truly enjoy the experience. August felt like the perfect time, with long days, warm weather, and plenty of space to celebrate.

Their vision was clear – elegant, joyful, and never too formal. They wanted their wedding to feel relaxed and stylish, without taking itself too seriously. That approach shaped every part of the day, from the atmosphere to the way the celebrations unfolded.

Styling was classic and refined, with green and white florals throughout. The bridesmaids wore deep green dresses, which worked beautifully with the setting and added a timeless feel to the day.

Two men dressed in formal attire stand in a elegantly decorated room with a chandelier. They appear to be adjusting or checking something on one mans wrist.
A group of men in beige suits stand in an elegantly decorated room with classical paintings and ornate furniture. One man is adjusting his vest while conversing with another.
Man in a light gray suit adjusts his boutonniere in front of an open door in a dimly lit room with wooden accents.
A group of men in suits, with boutonnieres, walk confidently outside a large, elegant building. The setting is formal and appears to be a wedding or event. Chateau la Durantie Wedding Photographer.
A vintage armchair with a bouquet of white flowers is placed in front of a window with beige curtains, overlooking a view of trees.
A pair of elegant, pointed-toe high heels with studded straps on a soft white surface, next to sheer white fabric.
Bride in a strapless white gown holding a bouquet, standing in a room with a fireplace, ornate mirror, and patterned rug.
Bride in a strapless gown holds a bouquet, smiling in a room with elegant decor and large windows. Black and white photo.
A bride stands facing a group of bridesmaids in dark green dresses and one in pink, with a young girl in a white dress holding flowers on a checkered floor in a bright room. Chateau la Durantie Wedding Photographer.
Bride in a lace gown covers her mouth, standing with bridesmaids in dark dresses holding bouquets. They are indoors in a room with large windows and decorative trim.
Women in formal dresses and a woman in a pink outfit with a large hat ascend an ornate staircase, holding bouquets. The setting includes vintage decor, patterned floor tiles, and a large mirror.
A bride in a lace gown descends a staircase holding a bouquet. A person in a suit watches from the bottom. The staircase is adorned with paintings and a large mirror.
A bride and an emotional man stand indoors. The bride wears a veil, and the man in a suit wipes his eye. A large painting hangs on the wall behind them.

the Wedding Ceremony in the Gardens at Chateau la Durantie

The ceremony took place in the gardens of Chateau la Durantie and was a real highlight of the day. The setting was stunning, with classic green and white florals created by Jenny from Fairy Fleur, and the whole space brought together so beautifully by Perfect Day by Karen.

The ceremony was led by a celebrant who created a heartfelt and personal service for Brooke and Dom. It was joyful and emotional, with so many meaningful moments shared in front of their friends and family.

One particularly special detail was the seat saved at the front of the ceremony. It was a touching way to honour and remember a loved one who was deeply missed, and it added such depth and meaning to the moment.

A bride and groom walk down an outdoor aisle lined with trees and seated guests. The bride holds a bouquet, and both are dressed in formal wedding attire.
A group of men in suits stand outdoors, led by a bearded man in a light-colored suit. Trees are in the background. Black and white image. Captured by Chateau la Durantie wedding photographer.
An outdoor wedding ceremony with a couple standing at a gazebo, surrounded by trees. Guests are seated on wooden chairs, some holding parasols. Flower arrangements line the aisle. Captured by Chateau la Durantie wedding photographer.
A newlywed couple walks down the aisle under a gazebo, holding hands and celebrating. Guests in formal attire applaud and cheer them on. Chateau la Durantie Wedding Photographer.
A bride and groom kiss outdoors during their wedding ceremony, surrounded by guests. The bride holds a bouquet of white flowers. Tall trees and a dome structure are in the background. Captured by Chateau la Durantie wedding photographer.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand down an outdoor aisle, surrounded by guests. The bride holds a bouquet, and petals are scattered on the grass. A building is visible in the background.
A bride and groom walk down an outdoor aisle, smiling, surrounded by guests. The groom wears a light suit, and the bride holds a bouquet. A large building and trees are in the background. Captured by Chateau la Durantie wedding photographer.
A bride and groom kiss outdoors amid flower petals, surrounded by cheering guests in formal attire on a sunny day. Captured by Chateau la Durantie wedding photographer.

Drinks Reception and Portraits at Chateau la Durantie

After the ceremony, guests gathered on the terrace at the back of the chateau for drinks. This part of the day felt very relaxed, with live music playing as people enjoyed a drink, explored the gardens, and spent time chatting together.

Family portraits were taken on the back steps of the chateau, which worked perfectly as a backdrop and meant guests didn’t have to go far. We also took some relaxed couple portraits in the same area, keeping things easy and natural. Brooke and Dom really enjoyed this time together, focusing on being present and soaking it all in. The whole afternoon flowed effortlessly, with no pressure to rush anywhere, which really suited the feel of the day.

A bride and an older woman embrace outdoors. The bride holds a bouquet and wears a veil. The older woman wears a patterned dress.
Elegant chateau with classic architecture, surrounded by manicured gardens. A group of people gather near the entrance on a sunny day. Captured by Chateau la Durantie wedding photographer.
A group of people socialize and enjoy refreshments outdoors at an elegant venue with parasols, trees, and a grand building. Captured by Chateau la Durantie wedding photographer.
Bride and bridesmaids in elegant gowns ascending stone steps in front of ornate arched doors. Captured by Chateau la Durantie wedding photographer.
A bride in a white dress stands with her bridesmaids in green dresses, holding bouquets, on the steps of a large building with arched windows. Chateau la Durantie Wedding Photographer.

Dinner, Dancing, and Fireworks at Chateau la Durantie

Dinner was held outside in the gardens, with round tables styled with large floral centrepieces. With around 50 guests, the atmosphere felt intimate and lively at the same time. Speeches followed and were incredibly emotional. There truly wasn’t a dry eye in the place, as friends and family shared such meaningful words about Brooke and Dom.

After dinner, the celebrations moved into the marquee for the first dance and an hour of dancing. Later in the evening, everyone made their way back to the back of the chateau for the cake cutting, followed by fireworks. It was such a fun moment, and the perfect way to bring the day to a close!

Outdoor wedding reception setup with round tables, white tablecloths, wooden chairs, and tall floral centerpieces, arranged on a grassy area surrounded by tall hedges. Captured by Chateau la Durantie wedding photographer.
Elegant outdoor table setting with white tablecloths, wooden chairs, glassware, and a tall green centerpiece on a grassy area.
Black and white image of an elegantly set table with white linen, menu card, cutlery, and glasses arranged neatly. Captured by Chateau la Durantie wedding photographer.
A bride and groom walk down stone steps in a garden, holding hands. They are surrounded by trees, with a large building in the background under a bright sun. Chateau la Durantie Wedding Photographer.
Bride and groom stand together in a garden, both dressed in formal attire. She holds a bouquet and wears a long train gown. Tall trees and a large building are in the background. Captured by Chateau la Durantie wedding photographer.
Guests seated at round tables with white parasols during an outdoor event on a grassy area, surrounded by trees under a partly cloudy sky. Captured by Chateau la Durantie wedding photographer.
A bride and groom walk on grass, the bride holding a bouquet aloft. Guests on the right take photos. Tall hedges are in the background.
A group of people dressed in summer attire wave napkins joyfully at an outdoor event, with tables set up under a white tent and trees in the background.
A bride joyfully raises her arms at an outdoor event while guests embrace and celebrate nearby. Captured by Chateau la Durantie wedding photographer.
A man in a suit stands holding a microphone near seated guests at an outdoor wedding reception by a white tent. A bouquet lies on the grass.
A woman in a large white hat and a light-colored dress smiles and claps her hands at a table. A man in a suit sits beside her looking down. They are outdoors with a green hedge in the background. Captured by Chateau la Durantie wedding photographer.
Outdoor garden event with seated guests at tables, surrounded by tall hedges. A person at the front appears to be speaking. Sunny weather and clear skies. Chateau la Durantie Wedding Photographer.
A man in a suit gives a speech with a microphone at an outdoor event. A woman in a dress wipes her eyes, seated at a table with others. Captured by Chateau la Durantie wedding photographer.
People raising glasses in a toast at an outdoor event with tables and chairs, trees in the background, and a partly cloudy sky.
Aerial view of people seated at round tables on grass, near a large white tent. Chateau la Durantie Wedding Photographer.
Bride and groom embrace in front of a large, elegant stone building with white shutters and doors on a clear day. Chateau la Durantie Wedding Photographer.
A couple in wedding attire walks hand in hand in front of a large, elegant building with tall windows and a grand entrance. Captured by Chateau la Durantie wedding photographer.
A bride and groom stand on stone steps in front of an ornate door, sharing a kiss outside a tan building with large windows and decorative potted plants. Captured by Chateau la Durantie wedding photographer.
A couple dances closely on a checkered floor in a formal setting, surrounded by people. The bride wears a lace gown; the groom is in a suit. Captured by Chateau la Durantie wedding photographer.
A bride and groom dance joyfully on a checkered floor under a draped ceiling, surrounded by standing guests.
A black and white image of an outdoor event at night. People are gathered under a large tent illuminated from within. Shadows and outlines of trees and bushes are visible in the background.
A couple dressed in white, holding hands, walks away from the camera on a dark, grassy path flanked by tall hedges.
A couple embraces romantically on a path next to a table with a cake, as fireworks light up the night sky above. Chateau la Durantie Wedding Photographer.
A couple embraces as they watch colorful fireworks burst in the night sky, surrounded by trees.
A large, illuminated mansion at night with a dark blue sky, surrounded by trees and a neatly manicured garden.

A Chateau la Durantie Wedding captured naturally

Brooke and Dom’s Chateau la Durantie wedding was a joyful, elegant celebration that felt completely true to them. Photographing their three-day destination wedding was an absolute pleasure.

As a wedding photographer based in France, with experience working at chateaus across the region, I loved capturing their day in a natural and relaxed way. If you’re planning a wedding at Chateau la Durantie and are looking for someone to document it as it truly unfolds, I’d love to hear what you’re planning.

KInd words from the couple

“Frances, I am CRYING looking at these photos! They are so absolutely stunning! We have been reliving the stunning memories whilst having a look through. You captured absolutely everything and all the precious moments that were so special to us! Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into making this beautiful album for us. I am so unbelievably glad that you managed to capture all the emotions and most of all, the amazing candids of everyone having such a gorgeous time!”

VENDORS

Photographer: Frances Mary Sales
Venue: Chateau la Durantie
Planner: Perfect Day By Karen
Florist & Hire: Our Fabulous Things
Hairstylist: Eleonora Hairstyliste
MUA: Skin23
Celebrant: Your Dordogne Celebrant
Catering: Les Pradines Traiteur
Music: Lights n’ Coffee
Cake: Invitation au Delice
DJ: Mixology Sax DJ

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