Rustic Wedding in French Wine Country: Karen + Steve

Rustic France Wedding

Karen + Steve’s wedding, captured by David from Modern Vintage Weddings, was held at Chateau Rigaud, a stunning vineyard property nestled in the Bordeaux wine region of France. Their biggest priority was for their guests to feel relaxed, and with the help of their planner from And Then We Got Married, the day went off without a hitch. Guests dined on local fare utilizing the venue’s own vegetable garden, drank wine sourced from nearby wineries, and took in the views of the surrounding rolling hills.

Karen + Steve say, We didn’t want a big fuss, nothing over the top or in your face. Everything had to fit in with the amazing location, the flowers, the decor, the casual settings, the bridal party outfits. We wanted people to feel like they were on holiday with their closest friends and family.

Rustic France Wedding

Rustic France Wedding

lavender bouquets

The florals, by Fleurs, were beautifully rustic and unusual. Karen’s bouquet, which you’ll see in a sec, featured a pretty mix of white stock + blue viburnum berries. And the bridesmaids each carried a different bouquet of dried flowers + herbs.

Rustic France Wedding

selfie

Rustic France Wedding

Rustic France Wedding

hanging bottles

Rustic France Wedding

Rustic France Wedding

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Standing up in front of everyone was nerve-racking and pretty unforgettable - but something that we will always remember. For me, taking a time out after the speeches to do some photos was one of the best parts of the day. It was a welcome little break to just be together and take a time out.

Rustic France Wedding

Rustic France Wedding

Rustic France Wedding

Rustic France Wedding

Rustic France Wedding

Rustic France Wedding

Rustic France Wedding

loafers

blush bridesmaids

We’re loving these bridesmaids in neutral hues! Shop their look with our bridesmaid guide below:

soft bouquet

bridesmaids bouquets

Rustic France Wedding

Rustic France Wedding

Rustic France Wedding

drinks

champagne

Rustic France Wedding

Festival and Sons, a folk-style band based in the UK, were flown in to entertain guests during cocktail hour.

seating chart

Rustic France Wedding

Rustic France Wedding

candles on mantle

greenery chandelier

Such a gorgeous reception setting!

Rustic France Wedding

wooden napkin ring

Rustic France Wedding

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Do not skimp on a good photographer - you end up forgetting so much of the day and it is all such a blur and you do unfortunately miss a lot of it. Looking at the photos is the best way to remind yourselves of what an awesome day you had, and its great to see all of your guests enjoying themselves. Also, plan your wedding for you. dont worry about what you think people will want. if you dont want a cake, dont have a cake. dont have bridesmaids if you dont want them. there are no rules.

photography: David Wickham from Modern Vintage Weddings // venue name: Chateau Rigaud, near Bordeaux, France // event design: Bride, Karen // planning: Sarah Thomas from And Then We Got Married // florals: Fleurs // wedding dress: Charlie Brear // hairpiece: Heidi Lee from Flowers in the Vines // bride's shoes: Ferragamo // hair stylist: Fer Porro // makeup artist: Laura Cawte // videography: William Cummock from from Cine Reportage // paper goods: We went with paperless post for the invitations and used Confetti // calligraphy: Oui Mon Coer // catering: Chateau Rigaud // music: Festival and Sons // officiant: our very dear family friend, Graham // suits: Ralph Lauren

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