Journal

Lauren & Josh's Whimsical White Escape to the Chateau Wedding

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 Basmaignee for Lauren and Josh's wedding, we knew we were in for a treat. The grounds were totally enchanting — sun-dappled woodland, meandering pathways and the most evocative old stone walls. Gwendoline has created something super special here.

Lauren and Josh sharing a dip kiss on a woodland path at Château de la Basmaignée, France

Escape to the chateau

Tucked in the Loire Valley, it is also easily accessible for guests coming from all corners. There is 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 small in the distance on a tall pine forest path at Château de la Basmaignée

Aerial view of Château de la Basmaignée with its tree-lined drive and surrounding French countryside

Château de la Basmaignée turrets seen through roses and trees on a sunny day

Forest ceremony aisle with white chairs and a draped arch seen through parted white curtains

Small stone Gothic chapel among tall trees in the château grounds

Bride's embellished gold heels resting on lace and tulle

Lauren in a strapless gown and veil reflected in a tall mirror at Château de la Basmaignée

Wedding dress hanging at the end of a wood-panelled château corridor

Bridesmaids in blush dresses reflected in an oval mirror while getting ready

Groom buttoning his beige waistcoat as an older man adjusts his collar

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.

The venue has everything covered. Beautiful wide pathways let your guests spill out and wander towards the ceremony — a great way for guests to mingle and break the ice. For the couple, there is a golf cart to ensure you get from chateau to ceremony without a hitch. For bride Lauren, only a reveal curtain lay between her, her best girls and the big moment itself.

Close-up of the bride having her eye make-up applied

Into the woods

In a twist to many chateau weddings, Chateau de la Basmaignee offers more than historic interiors — you are 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.

"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."

Bridesmaids in white robes lined up on a château staircase beneath a crystal chandelier

White wooden pallet seating plan propped against a tree in the woodland

Groom in a beige suit with groomsmen in navy suits standing among forest trees

Bride arriving by golf buggy beside the stone walls of the château

Let me entertain you

There is 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, 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."

Woodland ceremony set-up with white floral arrangements and a draped arch at Château de la Basmaignée

Guests filling the forest aisle as the ceremony begins among tall pines

Bride walking down a petal-strewn aisle between guests in the forest

Lauren and Josh at the draped floral arch during their woodland ceremony

Lauren and Josh walking back up the aisle through falling confetti in the forest

Lauren and Josh kissing amid cheering guests after their woodland ceremony

Female guest in a black hat and off-shoulder dress speaking beside the château wall

Marquee reception with round tables, white chairs and tall floral centrepieces

Platters of tomato and mozzarella canapés on skewers at the drinks reception

Aerial group photo of all the guests on the lawn in front of Château de la Basmaignée

Working as their chateau wedding photographer

We always love working as a destination wedding photographer and discovering new venues — 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.