A Chic Château Wedding at Domaine d'Essendiéras in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Published 9 February 2026

At a Glance

Domaine Nouvelle-Aquitaine Winter (2026)

A Chic Château Wedding at Domaine d'Essendiéras in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Domaine d’Essendiéras, a luxury wedding chateau in the heart of the Périgord Vert,  provided an iconic backdrop for Kelly and Ryan’s dream wedding. This breathtaking French château estate, with its honey-toned stone and sweeping lawns, felt like a modern fairytale. The couple traveling from America, sought a setting that combined grandeur with intimacy, and Domaine d’Essendiéras delivered just that. The July sun cast a soft, warm glow over the estate, creating a poetic landscape for their celebration. For couples seeking a wedding castle in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, this château offers a serene and elegant atmosphere perfect for any romantic hideaway.

French Wedding Inspiration

A Soft, Modern and Minimalist Wedding Design

Kelly and Ryan’s wedding at Domaine d’Essendiéras was all about modern romance, thoughtful moments, and that effortlessly je ne sais quoi . The day began with a deeply personal exchange of private vows under the grand arches of the château, just the two of them in a quiet moment away from the crowd. Their ceremony on the sunlit terrace was led by a close friend, bringing even more meaning to an already emotional celebration. The design leaned into soft, modern minimalism with a palette of warm neutrals and crisp whites. A show-stopping floral arch of white blooms framed the ceremony, while cream parasols added charm and shade for guests, perfectly complementing the natural character of Domaine d’Essendiéras. Kelly looked absolutely stunning in a sleek, minimalist dress with clean lines and a flowing sheer veil - the definition of cool, contemporary bridal style. Her bridesmaids wore different shades of blue, bringing a fresh twist and a pop of color. Ryan and his groomsmen kept it classic in black tuxedos, adding a touch of timeless polish. The white and green florals tied everything together with just the right hint of refined simplicity.

Joyful Vibes & Heartfelt Moments Under the Stars at Domaine d’Essendieras

After the ceremony, guests kicked things off by finding their names on mini shot bottles - a playful “take a shot and take a seat” detail that instantly set the tone for a lively, love-filled evening. That simple touch sparked cheers, laughter, and connection across every table. As the party unfolded, Kelly Hiscox captured it all with her signature editorial-meets-real-life style - full of heart, beautifully composed, and never too posed. Her eye for genuine emotion and honest moments gave the photos a timeless yet fresh energy. From teary toasts to joyful dancing, every frame tells a story that lets Kelly and Ryan relive the magic of the day. With loved ones having traveled from across the globe, these images are more than just memories - they’re the emotional heartbeat of the celebration, wrapped in light and love.

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Getting Ready

The Ceremony

The Bridal Party

The Bride & Groom

The Reception

Details/Decor/Design

Getting Ready

Smiling bride having her strapless gown buttoned in a rustic chateau bridal suite with exposed beams and stone walls
Ivory satin bridal heeled sandals with silver glitter trim on ornate white fireplace mantel
Groom adjusting black bow tie in tuxedo beside honey-toned stone building with wooden overhang
Three groomsmen in white shirts and suspenders pouring red wine in rustic farmhouse kitchen before ceremony

Ceremony

Circular floral arch of white roses and hydrangeas set before golden limestone chateau facade with stone staircases
Bride and groom exchanging vows under white rose arch with iron urn arrangements and countryside view
Couple dip kiss after ceremony flanked by white hydrangea arrangements before floral arch and chateau staircase
Bride laughing during vow exchange under circular white rose arch at chateau ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Aerial view of chateau cocktail hour with umbrellas, white tables, and floral arch by grand staircase

Reception

Bride and groom laughing while pouring cocktails into a coupe glass tower inside a marquee with fairy lights
Bride and groom pouring espresso martini tower of coupe glasses during wedding reception
Black-and-white image of guests raising champagne flutes in a toast across a decorated reception table
Dessert bar table with opera cake mille-feuille and choux puffs on blue transferware plates

Couple Portraits

Groom in black suit kisses bride on cheek on chateau terrace steps, bride holds white bouquet with cathedral veil
Bride and groom kissing on curved stone staircase of golden limestone chateau with colonnaded galleries
Couple dancing on grassy hillside overlooking vineyard rows at golden hour with warm backlit sunset
Bride in strapless ball gown and cathedral veil embracing groom in black tuxedo on chateau stone staircase

Bridal Portraits

Bride in off-the-shoulder gown with cathedral train on chateau stone terrace framed by arched colonnade
Bridal portrait in a garden
Bridal portrait
Black and white detail of bride's strapless corset gown holding vow card on stone stairs

Design and Details

White hydrangea and rose floral arrangements lining a gravel ceremony aisle with scattered petals and Chiavari chairs
Arched escort card display with shot glass favors, blue hydrangeas and white roses, in front of white marquee tent
Place setting with rattan charger, toile plate, watercolor lemon menu card, and fresh lemon on white linen
Long wooden farm table under sailcloth tent with greenery garland, lemons, dusty blue glassware, and gold chandelier

Bridal Party

Three bridesmaids in pale blue dresses arranging the bride's white satin gown on a chateau lawn
Bride in ivory satin gown with three bridesmaids in mismatched blue dresses before golden chateau
Ten groomsmen in black suits and sunglasses posed in two rows before stone farmhouse with balcony
Bride in strapless gown with nine bridesmaids in mix-and-match blue dresses before golden stone chateau

Flat Lays

Flat lay of ivory crystal-strap heels, wedding vows booklet, and gold diamond ring on white quilt
Man holding open red ring box with plain gold band and diamond eternity band outdoors

First Look

Bride and groom reading private vows on a chateau stone portico framed by a sandstone arch overlooking formal gardens

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The Venue

The couple chose Domaine d'Essendiéras, a domaine in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

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