A Colourful Summer Wedding in Cognac with Verity and Simon

A bride and groom in white attire walk hand-in-hand outside a large, elegant building with white shutters and a clock above the entrance.
A bride and groom kiss at an outdoor wedding ceremony under a large tree, surrounded by guests seated on chairs.

It was a joy to be Verity and Simon’s Cognac wedding photographer! These two were married in August at Château de Brives in Cognac, in the south-west of France. Set within the French countryside, it felt like the perfect destination location for a relaxed and intimate summer wedding. Everything happened in one place, which gave the day an easy rhythm from start to finish.

Having all of their guests staying on site meant the celebration never felt rushed. Beautifully designed rooms, open outdoor spaces, and plenty of variety allowed the day to unfold naturally. Each part of the wedding felt considered, without ever feeling over-structured or formal.

From a personal point of view, this was a really special day to photograph. Verity and Simon invited me into their wedding wholeheartedly, and I genuinely came away with two new friends. Even in the middle of a heatwave, their attitude stayed calm and positive, which set the tone for the entire celebration.

A large, symmetrical stone building with white shutters, a central clock, tall windows, and manicured landscaping in front, set under a clear sky. Captured by Cognac wedding photographer.

The Couple’s Vision for Their COGNAC Wedding


Verity and Simon wanted their wedding to feel relaxed, fun, and intimate, while still feeling elegant and thoughtful. They focused on creating a day that felt warm and welcoming, with only their closest loved ones present.

Their outfits reflected that balance perfectly. Verity wore a modern, sleek wedding dress that felt effortless and summery. Simon chose a relaxed beige suit that suited both the destination feel and the surrounding countryside.

Styling was full of colour without being over the top. Oranges, lilacs, reds, and pinks sat alongside greenery, creating something that felt joyful but still refined. Working with a local florist, the arrangements stayed natural and down to earth, complementing the easy-going feel of the venue rather than competing with it. What mattered most to them was atmosphere, pace, and time together.

A man in a white suit adjusts his collar and smiles at his reflection in a mirror, with framed artwork visible on the wall behind him.
Two men in light-colored suits walk down a wooden spiral staircase inside a house; one man holds a bottle and a glass.
A man in a white suit stands smiling in an ornately decorated room with classic wall moldings, art, flowers, and antique furniture.
A woman in a lace dress fastens the buttons on the back of a brides white gown in a room with a large mirror and wooden floor.
A woman in a white dress sits on a chair adjusting her shoe in a room with a large mirror, paintings, and wooden floors.
A woman in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet descends a curved wooden staircase with black railings.
A woman in a white sleeveless wedding dress holds a colorful bouquet in an ornately decorated room, looking to the side. Captured by Cognac wedding photographer.

Verity and Simon’s Wedding Ceremony at ChAteau de Brives


The ceremony took place outdoors, beneath an ancient tree in the parkland. It was beautifully shaded and thoughtfully decorated with florals and soft drapery. The spot felt calm and intimate, and worked perfectly on such a warm summer day.

A local celebrant led the ceremony, creating something deeply personal and full of feeling. Readings from Verity and Simon’s parents added another layer of meaning, and the whole ceremony felt joyful and emotional in equal measure.

One moment that stood out for everyone was when their rescue dog, Hazel, ran down the aisle with the rings. It was such a natural reflection of them as a couple, and brought laughter and warmth to an already special moment.

Rows of wooden chairs face a simple outdoor wedding altar with white drapery and flower arrangements under a large tree in a grassy area.
A man in a light-colored suit stands outdoors, smiling, with hands clasped. He wears a boutonniere and trees and flowers are visible in the background.
A bride in a white dress walks down the aisle outdoors, holding a bouquet and escorted by an older man in a beige suit, while guests look on.
A bride and groom stand together outdoors, smiling at each other in front of a flower arrangement, with a building in the background. Captured by Cognac wedding photographer.
A bride and groom stand together smiling during an outdoor wedding ceremony, while an officiant holds a book in the foreground. Captured by Cognac wedding photographer.
A golden retriever wearing a flower garland walks down an aisle outdoors, surrounded by seated people at what appears to be a wedding ceremony.
A bride and groom kneel outdoors, smiling and petting a golden retriever wearing a white floral collar.
A bride and groom in formal attire stand under a floral wedding arch outdoors, smiling as a brown dog approaches them.
A bride and groom kiss at an outdoor wedding ceremony under a large tree, surrounded by guests seated on chairs.
A bride and groom walk down the aisle outdoors, smiling and holding hands, as guests stand and clap.
A man and woman walking in a field with a dog.
A group of people stands outside and enters a large, two-story beige building with many windows, surrounded by grass and trees on a clear day.

Drinks Reception at ChAteau de Brives


After the ceremony, guests gathered on the steps of the château for a beautiful confetti moment which was so much fun to photograph. From there, the celebration eased into drinks and canapés, with custom cocktails served by the brilliant Mister Sully. It set a relaxed tone straight away.

Drinks were enjoyed under the shaded trees next to the château, overlooking the grounds. The atmosphere felt calm and unhurried, with everyone settling into the afternoon and enjoying being together.

This part of the day also allowed space for quieter moments. Time was taken for a few couple portraits, keeping things natural and easy, before moving gently towards the evening celebrations.

A newlywed couple walks down outdoor steps as guests throw confetti, celebrating outside a building with white shutters. Captured by Cognac wedding photographer.
A bride and groom walk outdoors, smiling and holding hands, surrounded by guests tossing confetti at their wedding. Captured by Cognac wedding photographer.
A group of people in formal attire gather outside a large, light-colored, historic building with tall windows and a clock on the roof. Captured by Cognac wedding photographer.
Three women in formal dresses, holding bouquets, stand in front of a stone building with white shutters and steps. Captured by Cognac wedding photographer. Captured by Cognac wedding photographer.
Three women in floral dresses and a white dress hold colorful bouquets of flowers, standing side by side outdoors.
A bartender in vintage attire prepares drinks at an outdoor bar, surrounded by jars of garnishes, fresh fruit, and cocktail glasses. Captured by Cognac wedding photographer.
A person wearing black gloves pours a yellow cocktail from a shaker into two martini glasses on a wooden counter.
A person in a white shirt holds a round wooden tray with assorted bite-sized appetizers, including canapés and pastries, displayed outdoors.
A bride and groom in cream-colored attire walk with a large brown dog in front of a white stone building with shuttered windows. Captured by Cognac wedding photographer.
A dog and a woman holding flowers.

Dinner at Verity and Simon’s cognac wedding


As the afternoon softened into evening, guests gathered by the pool for dinner. Two long tables were set with florals, vintage details, gorgeous stationary and a beautifully considered seating plan. Verity and Simon wanted the setting to feel intimate and relaxed, so they didn’t feel the need for a formal entrance. Speeches followed, and they were full of emotion. Kind words from family and friends had everyone laughing and wiping away tears in equal measure!

A table with vases of pink and white flowers is set outdoors in front of a historic building, with string lights and baskets of flowers nearby. Captured by Cognac wedding photographer.
Outdoor dining setup with wooden tables, folding chairs, white umbrellas, floral arrangements, and a rustic building in the background. Captured by Cognac wedding photographer.
A wooden table set for an event with plates, glasses, flower arrangements in glass vases, and a framed sign reading Table 1 in the center.
Large country house with rustic yellow and red exteriors, surrounded by a lawn and trees; people sit at tables with umbrellas in front of the building. Captured by Cognac wedding photographer.
Two women in floral dresses stand outdoors; one holds a microphone, the other holds papers, speaking to seated guests at an event.
A woman in a blue dress reads from a microphone to a seated couple, who are holding hands and laughing, during an outdoor gathering with others present.
A group of people sits at an outdoor table, with two women hugging and others smiling and interacting in a garden setting.
A man in a beige suit stands behind a wooden barrel, speaking into a microphone outdoors near a stone pillar and iron fence, with a rustic building in the background.
A group of people seated at a long outdoor table raise their glasses in a toast, with string lights and a rustic building in the background.
A couple embraces and kisses at an outdoor gathering while guests seated nearby clap and smile.
Aerial view of a rustic estate with red-roofed buildings, a central pool, and an outdoor dining area set with tables and umbrellas, surrounded by trees and fields.
A bride and groom in white attire walk hand-in-hand outside a large, elegant building with white shutters and a clock above the entrance. Captured by Cognac wedding photographer.
A bride and groom stand smiling and holding hands in front of a large, light-colored building with shuttered windows. The bride holds a colorful bouquet.
A bride and groom in formal attire walk hand in hand outside a large building with trees and gravel surroundings. Captured by Cognac wedding photographer.
A man and woman kissing in front of a building. Captured by Cognac wedding photographer.
A bride and groom in white attire stand close together, smiling at each other, with the bride holding a bouquet and the sun setting behind them.
A bride and groom in formal wedding attire stand on stone steps in front of a large building with white shutters. Captured by Cognac wedding photographer.
A bride and groom in formal wedding attire stand closely together outdoors on a grassy field at sunset, with trees and a low fence in the background.
A couple in formal attire stands closely together outdoors on grass, facing each other with eyes closed, with trees and the sun in the background.

The Evening Reception at Verity and Simon’s cognac wedding


After the last of the couple portraits during a beautifully hazy, golden and warm sunset, the bar for the evening reopened by the pool. Verity then changed into her evening outfit, a short party dress perfect to dance in. Verity and Simon then kick started the evening celebrations by cutting their beautiful cake!

Later, the celebrations moved inside to the club space, where a DJ kept the music and dancing going late into the night. The energy stayed joyful and unforced, carrying the same easy feel that had been present all day.

A small group of people stand by the entrance of a rustic house with string lights, next to a swimming pool and surrounded by greenery.
A man and woman holding drinks. Captured by Cognac wedding photographer.
A couple in formal attire cuts a heart-shaped wedding cake together in front of a backdrop with string lights. Captured by Cognac wedding photographer.
A couple in formal attire feed each other cake at night in front of string lights and a rustic wall; a heart-shaped cake sits on a table nearby.
A couple cuts a heart-shaped wedding cake with Just Married written on it; only their torsos and hands are visible.
A bride and groom dance together at their wedding reception while guests watch and smile in the background.
A bride and groom dance together at their wedding reception in a dimly lit venue with disco balls and guests watching in the background.
A couple embraces and dances in the center of a room while guests stand around them, watching and clapping. The scene appears to be a celebration or party in a stone-walled venue.
A man and a woman dance and sing with their arms raised at an indoor event, surrounded by other people. The photo is in black and white. Captured by Cognac wedding photographer.

COGNAC WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER


Verity and Simon’s wedding was a wholesome, colourful, and relaxed summer celebration in a beautiful part of France. Photographing the day meant capturing it as it truly was, without staging moments or pulling focus away from what mattered.

If you’re planning a wedding in the Cognac area and are looking for a Cognac wedding photographer who captures days naturally as they unfold, I’d love to hear what you’re planning!

VENDORS

Photographer: Frances Mary Sales
Venue: Chateau de Brives
Planner: Goldenhour Planner
HMUA: Lauren Walsh Makeup
Florist: Tatiana’s Florals
Hazel (the dog!) rescued from: The Big 3 Rescue
Dress & Veil: MWL Bridal
Shoes: Rainbow Club
Suit: Reiss
Videographer: Flume Videos
Celebrant: Helen from Celebrants in France
Cake: Cerise Verte Patisserie
Cocktails: Mister Sully
Rentals: Souchon Reception
Catering: The Forks Traiteur
Evening Dress: Rosie Etienne Bridal
DJ: British DJ in France

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