A Modern Autumnal Wedding at Château de Garde

A wedding at Château de Garde in South of France for their spring 2025 wedding. Full gallery + vendor details. Photos by Sam & Larissa.

By Elena Moretti | Published 25 March 2025

A Romantic Destination Wedding at Château de Garde in Bordeaux

Julie and Morgan’s wedding at Château de Garde beautifully restored 18th-century estate in the Bordeaux, captured the quiet magic of a couple who loved deeply and lived intentionally. Set amid rolling vineyards, the château offered a refined yet inviting backdrop for their weekend celebration. The stunning wedding venue located amongst vineyards, known for its restored stone architecture and tranquil gardens, provided space for every part of the event from a garden ceremony to dinner in the converted barn. Guests arrived from around the world to share in a celebration that felt both intimate and expansive, filled with laughter, wine, and heartfelt connection in the South of France.

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Getting Ready

Bride and bridesmaid portrait during getting ready preparations in bridal suite with natural lighting
Groom receiving boutonnière from groomsman in elegant interior getting ready room

Originally from California, Julie and Morgan shared a love of travel that led them to this French vineyard setting. Their story began across continents and culminated in a weekend that mirrored their sense of adventure and appreciation for beauty. During an early planning trip, Julie discovered this romantic wedding chateau with her mother and instantly knew it was the one. It was then she met Léa, who would become her guide through the planning journey. Together, they crafted a weekend experience that honored the couple’s global roots and their love for France’s winemaking culture, centered around the timeless charm of Saint-Émilion and Bordeaux.


Ceremony

Ceremony floral arrangement on white pedestal with deep crimson dahlias, burgundy orchids, and trailing sage amaranthus
Bride and groom exchanging vows during outdoor ceremony at French countryside estate
Bride and groom first kiss during outdoor garden ceremony with floral arch and dramatic hanging installation
Outdoor wedding ceremony under large tree with guests in formal attire and white floral arrangements

Julie envisioned an autumnal palette of violet and deep bordeaux, accented with orange for warmth and texture. Floral arrangements felt painterly and organic, with clusters of grapes woven through the designs, a gentle nod to the surrounding vineyards. The weekend began with a convivial dinner in Saint-Émilion and continued with an emotional ceremony in the château’s garden. The reception in the renovated barn carried into the night, filled with dancing and joy. The day came together through the expertise of Léa, one of the South of France’s leading wedding planners, whose calm precision allowed every detail to shine naturally.

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Cocktail Hour

Cocktail hour guests mingling in Mediterranean courtyard with geometric floor and palm trees
Wedding party gathering around champagne table during cocktail hour at tropical resort venue

Reception

Reception table with crimson dahlias, white ranunculus, gold candlesticks, and mauve menus beside carved fireplace
Wedding reception group portrait with bridal party and guests at outdoor tropical venue
Black-and-white photo of round reception table with cross-back chairs, stone fireplace, chandelier, and oil painting
Three-tier pressed flower cake with sparklers beside croquembouche in stone-vaulted venue

Couple Portraits

Bride with cathedral veil and white peony bouquet and groom before yellow limestone chateau with topiary
Bride and groom portrait in Mediterranean courtyard with palm trees and marble flooring
Black and white intimate portrait of bride and groom in tender moment at wedding
Bride and groom walking hand-in-hand along gravel pathway at French château with neoclassical architecture

Bridal Portraits

Black and white close-up portrait of bride in strapless gown with pearl drop earring and dramatic lighting
Black and white bridal portrait of bride in strapless wedding dress holding bouquet on geometric tiled floor
Bride in wedding gown sitting in formal gardens of French estate with neoclassical manor house
Bride holding minimal all-white rose bouquet against strapless cowl-neck gown with diamond ring visible

Design and Details

Candlelit reception table with burgundy orchid and white rose centerpiece, crystal glasses, and taper candles
Ground-level autumn floral arrangement with orange dahlias and purple orchids beside ceremony chairs
Black and white close-up of bride's hands with square-cut solitaire ring over draped tulle bodice
Formal reception dining room with exposed beams and elegant table settings at rustic-modern venue

Bridal Party

Bridal party portrait with bridesmaids in taupe dresses at limestone manor house
Wedding party walking across lawn in front of neoclassical mansion
Bride and bridesmaids walking toward camera at French mansion with carnation bouquets
Bride and bridesmaids group portrait on lawn at stone manor house wedding venue

Flat Lays

Flat lay of forest green envelope with white calligraphy, RSVP card, pearl earrings and greenery on silver tray
Wedding stationery flat lay with black serif typography, olive envelope, rings, and Jo Malone perfume

First Look

Bride and groom intimate first look moment in elegant indoor venue with classical architecture
Groom waiting in Mediterranean courtyard before first look ceremony

Venue

Grand chateau entrance hall with black and white tiled floor, curved staircase, wrought-iron balustrades, and tall windows
Aerial view of limestone chateau with parterre garden, swimming pool, and outdoor wedding ceremony on wine estate
Black and white interior with oval-framed vintage portraits above cowhide sofa and antique curiosity shelving
Upward angle of classical chateau facade with limestone masonry, white shutters, and olive trees

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The Venue

The couple chose Château de Garde, a chateau in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

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