“We can be the kings and queens of anything if we believe. It’s written in the stars that shine above – a world where you and I belong. Where faith and love will keep us strong, exactly who we are is just enough” C. Underwood
This dreamy inspiration created at Chateau Challain is fit for royalty. If you ever wanted to dream yourself into an enchanted castle wedding, this is it. The rich tones, soft fabrics, and lush florals all create a wedding day fit for your fairy tale dreams. We love the pops of color and the dark mysterious interior. This feature was published in Volume 2 of our print magazine and we are thrilled to share some more images in this website feature!
from the photographer: “A spring day filled with sunlight in the French countryside. After a flight from Toronto and drive from Paris, we arrived at the gates of Chateau Challain, located in the village of Challain-la-Potherie.
As creative professionals, we are constantly drawing on the details of our lives for inspiration. This shoot blossomed out of our need for a bit of spring romance after a long, cloudy winter. We were dreaming of rich colours, soft fabrics, and an undone ambiance.
Chateau Challain, with a wealth of history to draw from provided the ideal setting. Commissioned by a French aristocratic couple and designed in part by the famed Parisian architect Louis Visconti, the Chateau is full of stunning architectural details, and surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens. Rather fittingly, it now serves as a luxury hotel and wedding venue. The Toronto portion of our team packed our bags and set off to this stunning location to bring our ideas to fruition.
For any destination wedding, the invitation is a key component in bringing friends and family to your event. Nora at Nice Plume handcrafted a floral invitation to guide wedding guests to the Chateau. The raw-edged paper and thick oil paint provided texture, while the soft lines and strokes complimented the feminine aspects of our theme.
Beautifully put together, by hairstylist Ladylyn Gool, makeup artist Ludicine Francois, and stylist Blair Nadeau, our model Elise posed perfectly in front of the wooden doors of the chateau. For the boudoir portion of the shoot, the large doorways and windows served as key architectural features, perfect for constructing layered compositions. The rich pear tones found in the delicate robes from The Lace Atelier were mirrored in Elise’s eyes, and coincided beautifully with the colouring of the fabric found throughout her dressing room. Once the crystal hairpins were perfectly in place, it was time for Elise to step into her Valencienne Wedding gown.
Eliot was handsomely dressed by Theodore 1922, with the beige stones of the castle providing contrast to his dark suit. The colours and shapes of the boutonniere up against Eliot’s lapel bring to life the floral paintings on the dark paper of the invitations.
Elise’s long flowing red hair gave hairstylist Ladylyn Gool the perfect canvas on which to create a wild braid, paired with Blair Nadeau’s delicate Floral Vine Crown. She wore an intricate engagement ring by Susie Saltzman as Whitney Heard guides her through soft natured poses.
An intimate reception gives you the chance to feel the warmth of having your closest friends and family celebrating with you. While at their sweetheart table Eliott and Elise can look around the room and see the support from their friends and family. The round table was set for two, with candlelight and Louis XV antique chairs for an intimate dinner.
The undone and raw bouquet by Kat at Living Fresh brought the theme together, carrying the warm rich tones and undone nature from shot to shot. The day ends as the sunsets and Eliott and Elise calmly embrace in front of Whitney’s camera.”
This feature was published in The White Wren Volume 2 – pick up your print copy here!
Photography: Whitney Heard Photography
Planning and Styling by Whitney Heard Photography
Venue: Chateau Challain
Hair Styling: Ladylyn Gool
Hair Adornments and Wardrobe Styling: Blair Nadeau
Floral Design: Kat at Living Fresh
Makeup Artist: Ludicine Francois
Lace Garments: The Lace Atelier
Gowns: Valencienne
Suit and Mens Wardrobe: Theodore 1922
Calligraphy: Nice Plume Calligraphy
Rings: Susie Saltzman
Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes
Female Model: Elise Wood
Male Model: Eliott with Allez Model Management
Film Lab: Goodman Film Lab
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
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