At the end of August last year, after 2 years of cancellations and replanning due to COVID19, I finally found my way to the Loire Valley in France for Annie and Marks epic wedding at the wonderful Chateau de Miniere.
Château de Minière is a vineyard and winery located in the heart of the Bourgueil terroir in the Loire Valley, not far from Tours. The origins of the Château de Minière date back to the 15th century when it began life as a fortified farm before becoming a Château in the 16th century. The venue also has ties to the famous French writer Charles Perrault, author of many famous fairy tales including Le Petit Chaperon Rouge (otherwise known as Little Red Riding Hood), Cendrillon (Cinderella), Le Maître chat ou le Chat botté (Puss in Boots) and La Belle au bois dormant (Sleeping Beauty). Since 2010 the Château has been owned by Kathleen and Sigurd who moved from Belgium to become wine producers, vineyard growers, Château renovators and also occasional wedding hosts.
I met with Annie and her bridesmaids nice and early on the morning of the wedding. The preparations were in full swing with Tracey Baden and Holly Bee, who had both also travelled over from the UK, busy on hair and makeup duties. Meanwhile down the hall Mark and his groomsmen where preparing themselves for the day ahead by donning their incredibly dapper black tie suits, which were from Moss Bros, whist also enjoying a swift drinkie or three! Downstairs, outside on the lawn, the final preparations to the wedding ceremony were being made where the creatives from Domitille Atelier Floral were finishing off the floral arrangements, including a stunning flower arch under which the happy couple would marry.
As the ceremony time approached the girls eased into their dresses. Annie wore a stunning Enzoani wedding dress, which was from The Wedding Dress Shop London, whist her bridesmaids wore matching Jenny Yoo dresses from Nabbd, The ceremony was conducted in the summer sun on the lawn outside by Caroline Black, a humanist celebrant, who did an amazing job. With vows completed and the rings exchanged everyone then headed round to the front of the Chateau for the drinks reception. The guests were treated to a range of canapés, some local wines from the vineyard as well as the opportunity for a game or two of boules. Entertainment was provided by Orchestre Philippe Lebel who played a selection of effortless classic jazz numbers which fit perfectly with the elegant theming of the wedding day. Annie and Mark also found a little time to sprint off in a classic 2CV, which was provided by Location Retro Mariage, before it was time to sit down for their wedding breakfast.
Evening entertainment was provided by Mixology Sax & DJ who kept the dancefloor rocking to a selection classic and contemporary hits whilst the guests threw shapes inside or relaxed outside making the most of warmth of the French midsummer.
Before I sign off I need to say a massive thank you to Annie and Mark for having me along as their Chateau de Miniere Wedding Photographer, and also to their families and friends for making me feel so welcome. It was a massive pleasure to have been part of such an amazing day which was so full of love (and wine!). Here’s 50 images to give you a sneak peek into this amazing Loire Valley wedding . . .
Chateau de Miniere Wedding Photographer
If you’re looking for a Chateau de Miniere Wedding Photographer or someone to photograph your destination wedding in France (or even further afield) then please don’t hesitate to get in touch using the details on my contact page -> CONTACT
