Summer Wedding at LE PETITE CHATEAU
jOUISSE AND nATHAN’S GORGEOUS BOHO STYLE WEDDING
Where to start with this one! Well, let’s start at the beginning. Jouisse originally got in touch as a friend of a friend, and since this wonderful day we have become very good friends. I’ve wanted to photograph a wedding at Le Petite Chateau for soooooooo long so when she enquired I was buzzing, and literally crossing everything in the hope that she would book and the day lived up to and surpassed every single expectation.
I was joined on Jouisse and Nathan’s wedding day by my amazing pal and all round good egg Gemma Macauley as my second shooter. Gemma covered the guys (and dog - Milo) getting ready and I covered Jouisse and the girls including little Lola getting ready. The bridal suite at Le Petite Chateau is next level. High ceilings, a roll-top copper bath and balcony, honestly the perfect spot to get ready in, and I loved that we could hear the guests arriving and mingling downstairs.
When we arrived at the venue the lovely grounds Manager gave us a tour of the gardens, which was so beneficial as neither of us had ever been before. In the morning I could see that everyone was on pins about the weather as back at home in Lancashire it hadn’t been great in the lead up to the day, but aside from a little drizzle in the morning it couldn’t have been better and the gardens looked all the fresher for a spot of rain in the morning!
The ceremony in the chapel itself was a dream - if you are getting married at Le Petite Chateau I would highly recommend having a second photographer - I was at the front and obviously you need that to get those reactions and emotions during the wedding ceremony, however the winning shot is from the back with the chapel behind the couple, just breathtaking!
The ceremony was beautiful with Milo the dog and Lola both getting involved and once we were done we went outside for Pornstar Martinis and sliders, what’s not to love! Le Petite Chateau has such a relaxed vibe going on, it wasn’t long before everyone was outside relaxing, playing some lawn games or having a stroll around the grounds, it really did feel like we were in the South of France, that was until Milo the dog got carried away and decided to jump in the water feature, hehehe I didn’t know whether to take pictures or get him out as fast as I could so that he didn’t get water everywhere - I did a bit of both and between Gemma and I we got him out and dried him off and got a couple of pictures.
In the afternoon we did a few portraits but not many as it was SO bright and we decided to leave it until golden hour, which is always worth it if you can. But, we wanted to get some portraits with Lola before she got too tired and too dirty, there’s so much to go at, in addition to the immediate garden there’s also a side section that has some nice shade, and then beyond there is a meadow and a lodge/ body of water that I have no actual idea what it’s called and that’s also where the sun sets.
After soaking up the mid-afternoon sun it was time to go inside for speeches and dinner. As amazing as Le Petite Chateau is for a Summer wedding, I also get the vibe that it’s probably ace in Winter too, cosy as you can look outside, lovely big comfy chairs, am I selling it to you?! Hehehe. Anyway back inside Jouisse had done the room decor herself and honestly, it looked amazing; pampas, warm chocolate and cream roses, some real inspo going on there…
The speeches were so warm and heartfelt, and afterwards we left everyone to eat in peace whilst we also had some food - which was so good. As we were eating I could see that the sun was dipping and some lush, golden light was heading in so we went for a little walk and soaked it all in!
I always think that this time of day is so good for grabbing a moment to yourself. Most of your guests will go and check in/ freshen up/ do an outfit change/ have a power nap. So it’s good to enjoy that time to yourself before it all kicks off again.
I absolutely love the image below, I’ve never taken anything like this before and when I saw the light casting the shadows on that awesome pink plaster I nearly cried. There’s some more serious ones from this set that I like but I do love a good giggle.
I’m seeing more and more champagne (other fizz is available) sprays these days and I do love to do them they are so much fun, especially if you include your wedding party. If you want to do one at your wedding do let me know and I’ll bring along a bottle of fizz for you, my treat.
As the evening rolled round so did the first dance, it was too beautiful an evening to go indoors so the band set up on patio where Nathan and Jouisse danced in the early evening sun to Arctic Monkeys Mardy Bum. What a day! I loved every minute - but I have to say by the time I got home I was DONE. I do hope you enjoyed having a flick through the pics if you have any comments stick them below, Jouisse and Nathan, thank you for having me - now if some one would just book their wedding for there and book me that would be very nice thank you as I would love to go back! Kirsty xxx
Suppliers:
Venue: Le Petite Chateau
Flowers and styling: All done by the bride
Dress: The Bridal Lounge of Clitheroe
Suits: Marc Darcey
Band: We are Musique
