An elegant French wedding at Chateau La Tour Vaucros with Kelli & Ger

A bride and groom kiss on a tree-lined pathway, with greenery and large trees surrounding them. An elegant french wedding.
Outdoor dining area with round tables covered in white tablecloths, wooden chairs, and string lights, set amid trees and greenery near stone steps. An elegant french wedding.

Kelli and Gerard’s wedding was a beautiful example of an elegant French wedding, and I loved photographing it! They celebrated at Chateau La Tour Vaucros in the south of France in May, bringing together around fifty guests for a relaxed, multi-day wedding experience.

After getting engaged in Paris and spending plenty of time travelling through France together, they knew France was the right place for their wedding. From the very beginning, they focused on creating something joyful, meaningful, and genuinely fun. The day unfolded at an easy pace, giving everyone the space to enjoy the setting and spend real time together.

As a wedding photographer based in France, documenting a day like this felt like a real privilege. Kelli and Gerard wanted a natural, unobtrusive approach, so they could stay fully present with their guests. I never take that trust for granted!

Aerial view of a large estate with tiled-roof buildings, a swimming pool, and surrounding vineyards and farmland under a cloudy sky. An elegant french wedding.
An outdoor wedding ceremony setup with rows of chairs, floral arrangements, and tall trees lining a gravel aisle in a garden setting. An elegant french wedding.
Chairs and chairs lined up in a row. An elegant french wedding.

the couples vision for their Elegant French wedding

Kelli and Gerard envisioned a wedding that felt timeless, romantic, and classic, with a refined edge. It needed to feel chic and elegant, but never too formal. Above all, it had to be fun! Creating a great experience for their guests was always at the heart of their planning.

The styling was designed to complement the chateau and its surroundings. Green and white florals were paired with soft touches of powder blue, echoing the shutters of the chateau and tying everything together beautifully. The overall look felt considered and elevated, without ever feeling overdone.

Food and drink were especially important to them. They wanted their guests to feel well looked after and to enjoy moments that felt memorable and unexpected. Live food stations and carefully planned drinks played a big part in that and really added to the atmosphere of the day.

A bride in a white wedding dress stands while another woman in a light blue dress helps adjust the back of her gown in a bedroom. An elegant french wedding.
A bride in a white dress and lace veil stands indoors, lit by natural light from a nearby window.
A bride in a long-sleeved white wedding dress and veil holds a bouquet of white flowers, standing indoors near large windows with light curtains. An elegant french wedding.
An older man in a tuxedo stands indoors, smiling with his hands behind his back. The setting appears to be a well-lit room with elegant decor.
A bride in a white gown holding a bouquet stands at the bottom of a staircase, while a man in a suit faces her and a woman looks down from the stairs above.

Chateau la Tour Vaucros Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony took place along the tree-lined driveway of the chateau and was such a beautiful moment. Framed by tall pines, decorated with modern florals and completed with wooden bistro chairs, it created a stunning setting for guests as they gathered together.

Led by a local celebrant, the ceremony was symbolic, joyful, and centred entirely around Kelli and Gerard. It felt personal and relaxed, with the focus firmly on the two of them and the commitment they were making.

Live string music played throughout the ceremony, adding to the atmosphere and setting a soft, elegant tone. It was heartfelt, emotional, and a real highlight of the day.

A bride in a white gown and a man in a tuxedo walk down an outdoor aisle, surrounded by seated and standing guests, under tall trees.
A man in a tuxedo, smiling, stands outdoors next to a woman in a patterned shawl. Trees and greenery are visible in the background. The image is in black and white.
A bride and groom stand at the altar during an outdoor wedding ceremony surrounded by tall trees and seated guests. An elegant french wedding.
A bride and groom sit close together at an outdoor wedding ceremony, facing guests seated in rows, surrounded by greenery. An elegant french wedding.
A bride and groom stand outdoors surrounded by flowers, sharing a kiss on their wedding day.
A bride and groom walk down an outdoor aisle as guests seated on either side applaud and take photos, surrounded by tall trees. An elegant french wedding.
A newlywed couple walks down an outdoor aisle lined with wooden chairs, surrounded by guests in formal attire and tall trees. An elegant french wedding.

Drinks Reception in the courtyard at Chateau la Tour Vaucros

After the ceremony, guests gathered in the courtyard of the chateau for drinks. This part of the day felt lively and social, with guests enjoying cocktails from the bar, listening to the string quartet, and spending time chatting together.

Live food stations added another layer to the experience, with food prepared in front of guests throughout the afternoon. Family portraits were taken nearby at the gates, with the tree-lined entrance as a beautiful backdrop. Keeping everything close meant the flow of the day stayed easy and relaxed, without pulling anyone away for too long.

The atmosphere during this part of the day was full of energy and excitement, setting the tone perfectly for the evening ahead!

A bride in a long gown and veil hugs a woman outdoors, surrounded by guests in formal attire, while a man stands nearby. An elegant french wedding.
A bride in a white dress with a veil talks to guests in formal attire at an outdoor event, with trees and an iron fence in the background. An elegant french wedding.
A man in a tuxedo laughs while holding a drink, standing outside with a bride and another guest at what appears to be a wedding reception.
A group of people gather outdoors near a large house, surrounded by trees and greenery, with tables and string lights set up for an event.
A group of people socializes outdoors at a formal event, while a small string ensemble performs in the foreground.
Aerial view of a rustic estate with tiled roofs, a courtyard with people seated at tables, a swimming pool, tennis court, gardens, and adjacent vineyard.
A group of people gather around tables set up outdoors in a courtyard, shaded by trees, with a large building and trees in the background.
Two men in suits stand at an outdoor bar with a bartender behind the counter, floral arrangements, and a sign listing signature drinks.
A chef prepares food in a large cheese wheel at an outdoor event, with well-dressed guests watching and food and drinks arranged on the table.
A bride and groom stand outside a building as the groom pours champagne into a pyramid of glasses, with the bride looking surprised. Floral arrangements decorate the scene. An elegant french wedding.
Six people dressed formally stand in a row outdoors between open iron gates, with trees and greenery in the background. Three women hold white bouquets. An elegant french wedding.
Three women in light-colored dresses hold bouquets of white roses, with the center person wearing a white wedding gown. An elegant french wedding.
A bride and groom stand under a floral archway in a garden, holding a bouquet of white flowers and sharing an intimate moment on their wedding day. An elegant french wedding.
A bride in a white dress holding a bouquet of white roses stands beside a groom in a black tuxedo; they are smiling at each other outdoors.

Dinner and Dancing at Chateau la Tour Vaucros

Dinner was held outside on the vine terrace, with round tables set for guests to enjoy a long, relaxed evening together. As everyone sat down, the mood felt celebratory and full of anticipation.

Speeches followed and were very emotional, with so many heartfelt moments shared between friends and family. After mains, the roaming band began moving through the tables, and dancing started during dinner. The energy shifted instantly, and the terrace quickly filled with movement, laughter, and music.

It was such a fun part of the day to witness and photograph, and it really captured the spirit of Kelli and Gerard’s celebration!

Outdoor dining area with round tables covered in white tablecloths, wooden chairs, and string lights, set amid trees and greenery near stone steps. An elegant french wedding.
A white table set with plates, cutlery, wine glasses, a floral centerpiece of white flowers and greenery, and menus tied with a green ribbon. Round tables and wooden chairs in the background. An elegant french wedding.
A bride sits and smiles while a groom holds her hand and lifts her arm; they are outdoors near a staircase, with another person in the foreground.
An outdoor wedding reception with guests seated at tables listening to a man giving a speech near stairs, surrounded by greenery and string lights.
A bride and groom sit at an outdoor table, smiling and dressed in wedding attire, with stone steps and greenery in the background.
A bride in a white dress and veil sits at a table during an outdoor wedding reception, surrounded by formally dressed guests.
A close-up of a couple holding hands at a table, with the woman wearing a wedding dress and a ring set on her finger.
A bride in a white gown and a groom in a black suit walk together on a gravel path in a garden surrounded by tall trees and greenery.
A bride and groom stand close together outdoors under tall trees, surrounded by greenery, on a gravel surface.
A bride in a white gown and a groom in a suit embrace outside a light-colored building with greenery and string lights in the background. An elegant french wedding.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand down a tree-lined path, dressed in formal wedding attire.
A bride and groom kiss on a tree-lined pathway, with greenery and large trees surrounding them.
A bride and groom embrace in front of outdoor stairs beside a tall, decorated croquembouche wedding cake with a lit sparkler on top.
A bride and groom dance closely at their wedding reception while guests watch and a musician plays guitar in the background.
Four people raise martini glasses filled with a dark beverage in a toast at an outdoor event with string lights in the background. An elegant french wedding.
Aerial view of a rural estate with several buildings surrounded by vineyards and farmland at dusk, with landscape stretching into the distance. An elegant french wedding.
A black and white photo of a band in suits performing with guitar, snare drum, electric guitar, and double bass at a festive event, while seated guests clap and watch. An elegant french wedding.
A string quartet in tuxedos performs outdoors at night for seated dinner guests under string lights, surrounded by trees.
A man seated at a formal dinner passionately sings along while a musician plays a double bass nearby under string lights.
A black and white photo of an outdoor evening event with seated guests at round tables and a live band performing under string lights. An elegant french wedding.
A bride and groom share their first dance in a warmly lit banquet hall, surrounded by guests dressed in formal attire.
A bride and groom share their first dance in a decorated hall, surrounded by formally dressed guests watching and taking photos.

An Elegant French Wedding, Captured Naturally


Kelli and Gerard’s wedding was a joyful and thoughtful celebration that balanced elegance and fun so beautifully. Their day was relaxed, beautiful and full of heart (and good food!).

As a France-based wedding photographer with experience photographing chateau weddings, I loved capturing their wedding in a natural and unobtrusive way. If you’re planning an elegant French wedding and want your day documented honestly and with care, I’d love to hear what you’re planning!

provence wedding photographer feature

Kelli and Gerard’s wedding was also featured on Together Journal.

VENDORS

Photographer: Frances Mary Sales
Planner: Dorulete Events
Venue: Chateau La Tour Vaucros
Florist: The Flower Shop Designs
Celebrant: Muriel Bell – Marry Us In France
String Quartet: Sunny Stars VIP
Roaming Band: The Beau Ties
DJ: DJ Glen John
HIRE: Options Aix en Provence,
Catering: La Vallergue Traiteur
Mixologist: BIBERE
Stationery: Olive & Millicent
Rings: Loyes Diamonds,
Bride’s Dress: Suzanne Neville
Bride’s Shoes: Silvia Lago
Veil: Pronovias
Earrings: One Dame Lane
Bracelet: Loulerie
Makeup: Breifne Keogh
Hair: Lou Merryweather
Groom’s Suit: Cavaliere from Patrick Sheary
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Dresscode

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