Intimate wedding at Château de Thauvenay
Nestled in the French countryside, Château de Thauvenay is a hidden gem, offering a romantic and serene setting for couples seeking a unique destination wedding experience. With its beautiful staircase, lush gardens, and elegant architecture, it was the perfect backdrop for Lydia and Mitch’s intimate wedding day.
Traveling all the way from the United States, Lydia and Mitch celebrated their love surrounded by just 14 of their closest family members and friends. The atmosphere was wonderfully relaxed and heartfelt, with every moment filled with genuine laughter and connection.
As a photographer, I was deeply moved by the warmth and kindness of everyone present. It was a true reminder of how special a small, intimate wedding in France can be: focused entirely on love, family, and meaningful memories.
Relaxed and Heartfelt Getting Ready Moments
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The morning of Lydia and Mitch’s wedding at Château de Thauvenay was calm, joyful, and filled with laughter, a perfect reflection of their intimate celebration.
The preparations were wonderfully relaxed and personal. Mitch got ready on his own, taking a quiet moment to reflect before the day ahead. Meanwhile, Lydia was surrounded by her mother and sister, who lovingly helped her into her dress. She wore a stunning Alena Leena gown, featuring a romantic corset-style bodice with delicate straps and lace-up ribbons at the back. The skirt flowed gracefully with a soft, chiffon-like texture, creating an effortlessly elegant silhouette.
In a sweet and spontaneous gesture, both Lydia and Mitch even helped me hang her gown in the perfect spot for a photograph, making this detail shot even more meaningful.
While some guests were getting their makeup done, I took the opportunity to capture candid, heartfelt moments: Mitch playing football with his dad, family members chatting and laughing together, and his two adorable nieces enjoying the excitement of the morning.
An Emotional Indoor Ceremony
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Lydia and Mitch chose to exchange their vows inside one of the elegant, wood-paneled rooms of Château de Thauvenay. The natural architecture of the space, with its arched doorways connecting the adjoining salons, created a romantic frame for the ceremony.
The floral design was intentionally kept soft and organic. Lush arrangements were placed directly on the floor, curving in a semi-circle around the ceremony space. The palette blended different textures and shades — rich greenery, pale green accents, touches of deep red and mauve, soft blush, white, and subtle hints of yellow — creating a look that felt natural yet refined.
The ceremony was officiated by Lydia’s sister, making it deeply personal and meaningful. Though simple in structure, it was filled with authentic emotion, heartfelt words, and tender glances between the couple and their loved ones.
Romantic Couple Portraits Around the Château
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After the ceremony, Lydia and Mitch took some time together for their wedding portraits, exploring the many beautiful spots that Château de Thauvenay has to offer.
We began in the château’s stunning white spiral staircase, creating timeless and elegant images that highlighted the venue’s historic charm. From there, we moved to the gardens, where the backdrop of the château itself added a majestic touch to their photos.
To balance the more classic portraits, we also captured playful, candid moments, with Lydia and Mitch laughing and running hand in hand across the lawn — a perfect reflection of their fun, relaxed personalities.
As the sun began to set, we explored even more of the property, taking intimate shots near the pool area and in the charming courtyard, where climbing vines framed the old doors, adding a romantic and authentic French countryside vibe to the images.
An Intimate and Elegant Wedding Dinner
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The evening continued inside one of the château’s beautiful wood-paneled rooms, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for the wedding dinner. The space was carefully decorated with floral arrangements and glowing candles, with a particularly stunning display on the fireplace that added a romantic touch.
The dining table design reflected Lydia and Mitch’s vision of a modern yet timeless celebration. Vintage plates and soft pink glassware were paired with sleek black chairs and minimalist vases holding delicate blush arum flowers. Green apples were scattered across the table, adding a fresh and unexpected detail. At the base of the table, larger floral installations created a lush, garden-like feel.
As guests gathered around the table, the room filled with laughter and heartfelt conversations. The chef-prepared menu was served family-style, emphasizing the intimate and convivial nature of the evening. Throughout dinner, several deeply emotional speeches were shared, with the most moving one given by Lydia’s sister, bringing many to tears.
For dessert, guests were treated to individual cups of rich chocolate mousse, a sweet and personal way to end the meal. To surprise the newlyweds, the staff also brought out a large dessert platter adorned with sparklers, adding a touch of excitement and celebration to the intimate dinner.
A Lively and Joyful Dance Floor
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Even though Lydia and Mitch’s wedding was an intimate celebration with just 14 guests, the dance floor at Château de Thauvenay quickly turned into the heart of the party. The evening was filled with energy and laughter as everyone joined in, creating a lively and unforgettable atmosphere.
Guests performed fun choreographies, often lifting the newlyweds into the air and cheering them on, while the two young nieces danced alongside the adults, adding even more joy to the evening.
The night also featured several special dances: Mitch shared a tender moment with his mother, Lydia surprised everyone with a spirited dance with her father, and the couple themselves closed the series with their first dance — a beautiful mix of romance and celebration.
Despite the small guest list, the dance floor was one of the most energetic and festive I have ever photographed, proving that a wedding doesn’t need a hundred guests to create incredible memories.
Wedding team
Wedding Planner: Peaches and Cream
Venue: Chateau de Thauvenay
Photographer: Clémence Aresu
Caterer: Chef François Xavier
Floral designer: Mademoiselle conte fleurette
MUAH: Maison Ib
DJ: Kund & Lytchh
Dress: Alena Leena
