The amazing Chateau Rigaud !

French Destination Wedding photography.

Getting the opportunity to shoot French wedding photography is always exciting.  Particularly, when I get to work with lovely couples like Clare and David, and shoot at awe inspiring venues like Chateau Rigaud in the beautiful Bordeaux region of France.  The fact that I was afforded the most beautiful autumn sunshine giving me the most exquisite light to work with, was just the icing on the wedding cake!How can I describe weddings at Chateau Rigaud Imagine a beautiful medieval chateau, set in 12 acres of private landscaped gardens amid the vines of one of the world’s most famous wine regions.  Imagine an outside pool with views of the Dordogne River, imagine a medieval chateau with all the luxuries of a cocktail bar, a massage room, a treatment room, a gym and a cinema.  In fact you don’t need to imagine.  Just take a look at these images of Clare and David’s amazing day.The wedding party started their pre-celebrations on the day before the wedding with a river picnic on the banks of the Dordogne River.  Confident that everything was in hand with their very competent wedding co-ordinator Sarah Thomas from ‘And then we got married.’ The evening saw a lovely meal at the chateau, provided by their excellent chefs, and early nights all round!Saturday morning I was up early to take a walk around the grounds and took some great shots of the chateaux in the morning sun.  I also took a few shots of the interiors, which were decorated so sweetly (the very essence of rustic charm and shabby chic.)  One original and clever decoration was a square cake rack that had ribbons and flowers intertwined, so that the flowers hung down.  It was simple and gorgeous.I then caught up with David and his grooms’ party having a morning swim in the Chateaux’s outdoor pool.  The wedding party then retired to their rooms to get ready.  Clare was in good spirits and in good hands with her three attentive bridesmaids (and just a little bit of bubbly!)I also caught up with David, who despite needing a little help from his best man straightening his tie, was ready.  David and his grooms’ party then met up downstairs (for a cheeky dram before proceedings!)I must take a second to mention Emma Wilson, the videographer from ‘Story of your day.’ It’s always nice to work with other professionals in the business and Emma did a great job.Claire was very at ease as a bride (which made my job easier) and looked stunning in her dress achieving an effortless look of understated elegance.The pretty ceremony was held outside in Chateau Rigaud gardens, and was followed by a champagne and canapes reception.  Whilst Clare and David’s guests happily soaked up the sunshine I quickly whisked them away to take some portrait shots of them around the grounds of the chateau.  We then re-joined their guests and everybody went inside to enjoy the speeches (that we rapturously received) and a sumptuous wedding breakfast prepared by Chateau Rigaud amazing chefs.As things wound down a little I quickly took Clare and David outside to take some more portrait shots of them in the late Autumn sunshine.  I know I keep banging on about this Autumn light so please indulge me and take a look at the images and you will see what I mean.  These were amongst my favourite shots of the day.Then it was back inside for the cutting of the cake and the first dance.  It was wasn’t long before Clare and David were joined on the dance floor where many of their guests remained for the rest of the evening.Before I took my leave I took one last shot of Clare and David looking blissfully happy in the garden with the chateau lit up behind them.  It was the perfect shot to close the story of their amazing wedding day.A gorgeous couple, an amazing wedding at a spectacular venue.  Congratulations to Clare and David for getting married and creating such a wonderful day for yourselves, your family and your friends to remember.  I hope my images will help you relive it again and again for many years to come. 

If you are having a Chateau Rigaud wedding please contact me for rates and availability.

All images are © Paul Atherton Photography and may not be used without the permission of the author.