Planning & Design
French Chateau Wedding near Paris
Kimberley & David | 07.09.2024
Chateau de Vallery - Bourgogne
Planning, Design & Production by Bonjour Weddings
Photography by Valéry Villard
Videography by Tuan Nguyen
“ A natural romantic forest-inspired, wedding at the beautiful Château de Vallery, near Paris. ”
Explore this wedding's events below and watch the wedding video.
Kimberley and David’s Château Wedding Weekend: Nature, Elegance, and Joyful Celebrations
Kimberley and David’s wedding at the Château de Vallery was a testament to their love for nature, unique experiences, and cherished moments with loved ones. Set in the soft light of an early September weekend, the event embraced the vibrant greenery and blooming gardens that made it feel like an extended summer. Spanning three unforgettable days, every detail was meticulously curated to create a celebration that reflected their adventurous spirit and deep connection to the natural world.
Day one
Day One: A Wine Lover’s Welcome and Rustic Austrian Charm
The weekend began with a wine-tasting session that was as educational as it was entertaining. Two sommeliers led the experience, guiding guests through the intricate world of wine with maps of cépages, and even a tactile book with scent vials to identify aromas to deepen their understanding. The session culminated in a thrilling sabering initiation for Kimberley, David, and a few guests, who took turns sabering open bottles of champagne in spectacular fashion.Guests watched from the château’s moats, their cheers ringing out and adding to the joyful, electric atmosphere.
As evening fell, guests gathered under the Closerie for a welcome dinner inspired by the rustic charm of an Austrian village festival. The ambiance was both casual and elegant, with hay bales and a long table adorned with simple but refined décor of fresh flowers, fruits, breads, and pretzels. String lights draped across the arbour and pillar candles on the tables cast a magical glow over the scene. Guests dined on family-style dishes including sauerkraut, barbecued meats, skewers, and side salads, all paired with authentic schnapps brought from Austria.
A live band from London provided the soundtrack for the evening, performing lively covers that had everyone singing along and dancing late into the night. Guests also enjoyed a grand bonfire, Hammerschlagen, and other festive activities that captured the spirit of celebration. Kimberley stunned in a vibrant red maxi dress, while David opted for a relaxed yet stylish summery suit, setting the tone for the laid-back yet chic evening.
Day two
Day Two: Rain, Romance, and a Magical Evenin
The second day of the celebration began with guests enjoying the château’s amenities, including a pool, tennis court, and expansive gardens. The guests were served sandwiches, mini pizzas and mini pastries as a picnic lunch, and relaxed and explored the grounds at their leisure.
Meanwhile, Kimberley and David prepared for their big day. The bride and her bridal party got ready in the Oriental Pavilion, its windows offering stunning views of the pool and château grounds. David and his groomsmen prepared in the charming Dovecot. Though rain briefly delayed the ceremony, it only added to the day’s charm, with the couple exchanging vows under the majestic Sycamore Tree during a dry spell.
The tree, with its seven trunks, was adorned with wild florals designed to evoke a meadow, incorporating branches and greenery to reflect Kimberley and David’s love for nature. Arrangements lined the aisle, framed the altar, and climbed the tree’s trunks, creating a breathtakingly organic look. The band from the welcome dinner played once again, accompanied by a live saxophonist, adding a soulful touch to the ceremony.
The rain returned during cocktail hour, but the festivities seamlessly moved indoors to the Château’s Salle des Tentures. Guests were treated to signature cocktails, live cooking demonstrations, and an array of canapés, all while enjoying panoramic views of the grounds through open windows.
As the rain cleared, dinner commenced in the Music Room, where Kimberley and David made a grand entrance. The pastel-toned floral arrangements complemented the room’s rich maroon and gold tones, creating a refined yet warm ambiance. The three-course meal was punctuated by heartfelt speeches, including touching words from the couple themselves.
After dinner, Kimberley and David shared their first dance, accompanied by the live band, before guests were ushered outside for a surprise fireworks display. The evening continued in the Grande Gallery, transformed into a chic after-party space. A light-up bar served signature cocktails, espresso martinis were displayed in an elegant pyramid, and late-night snacks included savory cheese boards and sweet crêpes. The DJ and château lighting technician created an unforgettable dance floor atmosphere that kept the party going well into the night.
Day three
A Playful Farewell Brunch
The final day was a relaxed affair by the pool, offering guests a chance to wind down and reminisce about the weekend’s magical moments. Inflatable toys floated in the pool, adding a playful touch, and despite the slightly cooler weather, some guests still took a dip.
A low-key brunch featured fresh pastries, fruits, and savory options, providing a casual yet elegant conclusion to the festivities. Guests lounged poolside with champagne in hand, sharing laughter and heartfelt goodbyes before boarding buses back to Paris.
Crafting Kimberley and David’s Dream Wedding
Kimberley and David envisioned a celebration that reflected their love for nature and meaningful experiences. From the educational wine-tasting session to the natural elegance of their Sycamore Tree ceremony, every element of the weekend was designed to honor their passions.
Special thanks to
Venue - Château de Vallery
Photography - Valéry Villard
Videography - Tuan Nguyen
Florals - La Maison Dautel
Beauty - Alesia Solo
Catering - Maison Depreytere
Cake - Cherry on the Gateau
Live Music and DJ - The Beat Chiefs
Fireworks - Nuit Féérique
And thanks to the Bonjour Weddings team, Manon, Jade and Zoé for working so hard on this wedding.
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