Joyful wedding at Château N°3
Surrounded by rolling vineyards and the charm of the French countryside, Château N°3 in Cognac is a truly magical setting for a destination wedding. Earlier this June, I had the honor of photographing the beautiful celebration of an Danielle & Joe who traveled to France to exchange their vows in this romantic location.
Despite a few passing showers, the day unfolded perfectly, filled with laughter, love, and the relaxed atmosphere they had envisioned. Their wedding style was boho yet elegant, with a soft color palette of beige, blush, peach, and rose tones that harmonized beautifully with the natural surroundings.
My goal was to capture not just the stunning vineyard landscapes and historic charm of Château N°3, but also the candid, heartfelt moments that made their celebration so unique. From the emotional ceremony to the joyful reception, every detail came together to create a truly unforgettable destination wedding in the heart of Cognac.
Getting Ready at Château N°3
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The morning of the wedding began with excitement and laughter as the couple got ready in different parts of Château N°3.
The groom and his friends prepared in the estate’s distillery, a unique and character-filled space that perfectly reflects the region’s heritage. Afterward, we took a few portraits by the swimming pool and in the gardens, capturing both relaxed and stylish moments before the day’s events unfolded.
Meanwhile, the bride and her bridesmaids enjoyed a joyful, intimate morning in a beautifully decorated suite. The room featured a vintage golden bathtub, which became the backdrop for some fun, playful photos with her bridesmaids before the more emotional moments began. Her mother then helped her into her stunning dress, complete with a veil embroidered with delicate white flowers and pink shoes adorned with butterflies — the perfect whimsical touch.
Before heading to the ceremony, there was a touching first look with her father and bridesmaids, filled with happy tears and excitement. These getting ready moments set the perfect tone for a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
A Romantic Outdoor Ceremony at Château N°3
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The ceremony took place in the charming courtyard of Château N°3, with the historic stone walls creating an intimate and romantic atmosphere. The sound of live violin and cello music filled the air as guests gathered to witness Danielle and Joe’s vows.
A stunning round arch, beautifully decorated with pampas grass, white flowers, and soft peach accents, set the perfect backdrop for their union. Along the aisle, tall vases on white pillars and clusters of matching blooms and grasses added depth and elegance to the floral design, guiding everyone’s attention toward the altar.
Danielle made a breathtaking entrance with her father, arriving in a vintage red car, a moment filled with excitement and emotion. During the ceremony, the couple exchanged heartfelt vows surrounded by their loved ones.
As they were pronounced husband and wife, guests tossed white rose petals into the air, creating a joyful and unforgettable celebration as Danielle and Joe walked back up the aisle together.
Poolside Cocktail Hour with a Champagne Tower
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Following the ceremony, guests gathered by the pool at Château N°3 to enjoy a relaxed and festive cocktail hour.
Danielle and Joe delighted their guests with two signature cocktails, an Aperol Spritz and an Hugo Spritz, adding a refreshing and personal touch to the drinks menu.
One of the highlights of the evening was the champagne tower, which the couple filled together in a joyful moment cheered on by their friends and family. It was a beautiful and celebratory start to the night, setting the tone for an unforgettable reception to follow.
Bridal Party Fun & Romantic Couple Portraits
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Before the evening celebrations began, we took some time for bridal party photos, capturing the joy and excitement of Danielle and Joe’s closest friends and family. These moments were filled with laughter, playful poses, and plenty of genuine smiles — the perfect way to remember the people who shared in their special day.
Afterward, it was time for romantic couple portraits. We began in front of the stunning façade of Château N°3, using the bride’s delicate embroidered veil to create dreamy, artistic images. Then we wandered through the gardens and surrounding vineyards, taking a mix of natural, intimate shots and timeless portraits that celebrated both their love and the beauty of the French countryside.
These photos beautifully balanced elegance and spontaneity, capturing Danielle and Joe’s connection in a truly magical setting.
Dinner with a View & a Lively Dance Party
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As the sun began to set, guests gathered for an al fresco dinner set just in front of the vineyards. Long wooden banquet tables were arranged beneath strings of twinkling lights, with a special sweetheart table for Danielle and Joe and their parents.
The décor mirrored the ceremony’s natural elegance, featuring gold cutlery, soft peach table runners, and fresh peaches thoughtfully placed among the florals. As the sky shifted to golden hues, everyone enjoyed breathtaking views of the vineyards at sunset — a truly unforgettable setting for a destination wedding dinner in France.
Throughout the meal, emotional and humorous speeches filled the evening with laughter and tears. With the early summer air turning a bit cool, cozy blankets were provided to keep guests comfortable as they dined under the stars.
When it was time to move indoors, the atmosphere shifted from romantic to electrifying. The reception hall was decorated with fairy lights, disco balls, and greenery, creating the perfect vibe for the party ahead. The festivities kicked off with the couple cutting their traditional French croquembouche wedding cake, followed by their first dance as newlyweds.
Soon, everyone joined them on the dance floor as a live rock band set the tone for an unforgettable night of music, energy, and celebration. It was the perfect ending to a magical day at Château N°3.
Pool Party Brunch
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The day after the wedding, Danielle and Joe invited their guests to return for a relaxed poolside brunch at Château N°3.
The atmosphere was fun and festive, complete with a giant flamingo pool float adding a playful touch to the sparkling water. Guests lounged by the pool, sipped refreshing drinks, and shared stories from the night before.
A highlight of the brunch was the freshly made pizzas, cooked on-site in a traditional wood-fired oven. This casual, delicious meal perfectly complemented the relaxed vibe of the morning, bringing everyone together one last time before saying their goodbyes.
It was the perfect ending to a destination wedding weekend in France, filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
Wedding team
Wedding Planner, Designer & coordination: Chatelaine Events
Venue: Chateau N°3
Photographer: Clémence Aresu
Caterer: The Forks Bordeaux
Floral designer: The Flower Barn at N°3
MUAH: Carey makeup hair
Celebrant: Kevin Baker
Ceremony music: Bordeaux String Quartet
Party music: The Beat Chiefs
Cake: SN patisseries
Brunch pizzas: Frais au feu
Child care: Pop up wedding creche
Dress: Made in Love bridal
Suits: Reiss
Bridesmaids dresses: Six stories
