Escape to the chateau…
As an Escape to the Chateau wedding photographer, we’re no strangers to the gorgeous, romantic buildings that lie in wait. Remember that a chateau is essentially a castle, but in true French romantic style, they are ornate and refined and every bit suited to couples today.
So, when we arrived at Chateau de la Baismaignee for Lauren and Josh’s wedding, we knew we were in for a treat. But what we didn’t expect were the totally enchanting grounds. Think sun-dappled woodland, meandering pathways and the most evocative old stone walls. Gwendoline has created something super special here – a paradise for couples who are head over heels in love.
Tucked in the Loire Valley, it’s also easily accessible for guests coming from all corners. Plus, there’s a host of hidden gem vineyards in the region – great inspiration for your drinks reception, and a unique activity for your wedding weekend.
Lauren and Josh’s Escape to the Chateau wedding really does have it all, and we’re delighted to share a behind the scenes peek with you today.
Alfresco aisle style
After spending a magical morning within the chateau walls preparing for the big moment, Lauren and Josh reunited at the end of a woodland aisle to make their vows forever.
This super Escape to the Chateau wedding venue has everything covered. There are beautiful wide pathways for your guests to spill out into and wander towards your ceremony – a great way for guests to mingle and break the ice before the event begins.
And for the excited couple, there’s a golf cart to ensure you get from chateau to ceremony without a hitch. Let your father help you in, feel the breeze brush over your shoulders and give in to the butterflies. For bride Lauren, only a reveal curtain lay between her and her best girls and the big moment itself!
Into the woods
In a twist to many Escape to the Chateau weddings, the gorgeous Chateau de la Basmaignee offers more than historic interiors for your venue. You’re also invited to enjoy the fairy-tale grounds, and it was a woodland ceremony that stole Lauren and Josh’s hearts.
With a green canopy all around and a white floral archway creating an abundant backdrop, the effect was truly enchanting. More refined than rustic, the statement blooms sat effortlessly within the woodland setting. It was a beautiful marriage of elegance and nature – a timeless and irresistibly romantic location for Lauren and Josh’s vows.
“No wedding here is the same, because we adapt to each couple’s vision and expectations,” smiles venue owner and wedding planner Gwendoline. “We work with local partners and suppliers to organise a bespoke wedding day for the couples who choose our chateau for their big day.”
Let me entertain you
Literally! While most of you will know us better as an Escape to the Chateau wedding photographer, or even as a Cyprus, Ibiza and award-winning destination wedding photographer too, there’s an entertainer in our midst!
Photographer Aimie swapped the camera for the microphone, wowing guests with an open-air performance. The atmosphere was incredible, with the newlyweds and their family and friends rocking it on the dance floor.
The couple also opted for a live-cooked and totally delicious barbecue to celebrate.
“Lauren had her own vision of what she wanted straight from the beginning and we did our best to turn this into reality,” explains Gwendoline, “from the romantic ceremony in the woods to the relaxed barbecue wedding breakfast in a marquee on the grounds.”
Escape to the Chateau wedding photographer
We always love to discover new venues in our work as destination wedding photographers, and exploring Chateau de la Basmaignee was no different. Romantic and picturesque vignettes wait at every turn, from romantic old stone walls to sun-bathed countryside, fairy-tale woodland and grand, sweeping staircases with chandeliers sparkling overhead.
Working with Lauren and Josh to capture their wedding as an Escape to the Chateau wedding photographer was nothing short of epic. We can’t wait to return to this jaw-dropping venue soon! If you’d like to become one of our next wedding couples here, or anywhere in the world that you like – get in touch. We can’t wait to hear from you.
