Forever in France

France has always held a special place in our hearts. We both adore the food, the wine and the effortless romance of it all, so when it came to planning our wedding, we knew we wanted to create a weekend that felt like a little escape for everyone we love, somewhere we could all be together, not just for a single day, but for an unforgettable few. When we first discovered Château de la Valouze, it felt as though it had been waiting for us. The moment we turned onto the long, tree-lined drive, we were completely enchanted.It had that undeniable wow factor with a grand yet inviting, timeless yet relaxed ambience. We cancelled our other viewings that very weekend and asked if we could return the next day. Every corner of the estate felt like a new story waiting to unfold, and over the course of our three-day celebration, it did just that.

We didn’t feel the need for a strict theme; the château spoke beautifully for itself. We simply added soft touches of pale pink, green and white florals that complemented the natural surroundings. The ceremony took place outdoors in front of the château, followed by champagne and canapés by the lakeside winter garden. Dinner was held in the main reception barn, and the night ended in the château’s hidden bar – a secret little club where we danced until dawn. Each setting had its own mood and magic, making every moment feel different to the last.

The day before the wedding had been pure sunshine, but on the morning itself, the skies opened. I was desperate for an outdoor ceremony, so my bridesmaids became full-time weather watchers, checking the forecast every few minutes! Somehow, luck was on our side, the rain stopped just in time. Getting ready in the suite with my bridesmaids was such a joyful, emotional morning. The best man even delivered warm crêpes to our room to keep us going, which was such a lovely touch.

The food across the weekend was nothing short of incredible. Chez Amis catered each event, from our relaxed welcome dinner to the wedding breakfast and the poolside barbecue the next day.

Sam chose a custom double breasted linen suit from Suit Supply, complete with a waistcoat for the evening. “I knew I wanted something light and relaxed, but still sharp,” he says.

Charlotte’s dress journey was a little unexpected. “I went into dress shopping convinced I knew what I wanted,” she says. At Mirror Mirror in London, they persuaded me to try a gown by Sassi Holford, and it was the complete opposite of what I’d imagined. The moment I put it on, I knew. It was romantic and elegant, but still felt modern. The team there were amazing and even customised my veil with our new surname embroidered along the edge which felt so personal.