If you’re dreaming of a luxurious, multi-day wedding event, Chateau Challain in the Loire Valley, France, is an exceptional choice. Managed by Cynthia Nicholson, this Neo-Gothic castle offers a comprehensive wedding experience that ensures every detail is perfect.
Recently, as an experienced wedding videographer in France, I had the pleasure of filming a stunning same-sex wedding at this beautiful venue, and I want to share insights and tips for making the most of such an incredible setting.
But first, here’s a look at the Trailer from Riley and Hunter’s awesome same-sex wedding, which was actually a jam-packed three day event.
Venue Overview
Chateau Challain features stunning Gothic architecture and is nestled in a 72-acre estate with manicured gardens, a lake, and mature woods, and provides a picturesque yet stunning backdrop for your wedding.
Why Choose Chateau Challain?
Chateau Challain is not just a venue; it’s a complete wedding experience curated by Cynthia Nicholson, the owner and principal wedding planner. Cynthia collaborates with a team of trusted and exceptional suppliers to ensure your wedding is flawless.
As Riley, one of the grooms, noted, “Chateau Challain stood out to us for its sheer beauty and charm. It provided the perfect backdrop for our wedding day dreams.”
The venue’s connection with trusted vendors ensures that your guests are well taken care of, making the entire experience seamless and enjoyable.
The Importance of a Wedding Planner
One of the significant advantages of choosing Chateau Challain is the dedicated planning services offered by Cynthia. She and her team handle everything from the grand design to the smallest details, ensuring a stress-free experience for you. Her strong connections with local and exceptional vendors throughout Europe guarantee a top-notch service, making sure that you and your guests are well taken care of throughout the celebration.
Personalisation is key to making your wedding truly unique. Riley and his partner Hunter integrated activities like a ‘Racing Cars Track’ experience and a ‘Casino Royale’ night to reflect their passions and create unforgettable moments. “We wanted every detail to reflect who we are as a couple,” Riley shared.
What was also a really special touch was that each day had a different theme, even down to the decorations and florals.
Incorporating Traditions
Even in a modern setting, traditions can play a crucial role. Riley and Hunter included a private moment with their families, exchanging thoughtful gifts tied into the classic saying, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in your shoe.” These tokens honored tradition and deepened the family connections on their special day.
Structuring a Three-Day Celebration
A multi-day celebration allows for various events and experiences. Here’s how Riley and Hunter structured their wedding at Chateau Challain:
- Day 1: The White Party Welcome Dinner – They kicked off the celebration with a white party-themed dinner, setting a festive and elegant tone for the weekend.
- Day 2: Activities and Evening Events – The day started with an exhilarating race car driving experience, followed by a leisurely lunch at a local Chateau amongst beautiful vineyards. The evening transformed into a glamorous Casino Royale night, complete with games and fabulous entertainment.
- Day 3: Wedding Day – The wedding day began with a fun and relaxed pool party at another chateau, offering guests a chance to unwind and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The day culminated in the wedding ceremony and reception at Chateau Challain, blending traditional elements with the couple’s unique flair.
Highlights and Entertainment
Incorporating unique entertainment can elevate your wedding experience. For Riley and Hunter, highlights included racing cars, a casino night, and mesmerizing performances by a mentalist. Music was another key element, with a band that kept guests dancing late into the night. “The energy brought by the Shine band was incredible,” Riley remarked, “and seeing our friends and family come together was truly beautiful.”
Special Touches
Adding unique elements can make your wedding stand out. One of the special touches they included was to have wedding artists capturing the moments of the wedding day.
Filming Your Wedding
As a wedding videographer in France, I understand the importance of capturing the essence of your love story. For Hunter and Riley, their reason behind working with me and my team was more than a connection with my films.
Planning Beyond Chateau Challain
While Chateau Challain is an exceptional venue, the concept of a three-day wedding celebration can be adapted to other stunning locations. The key advantages include extended time with loved ones, diverse activities, and creating a series of memorable events that go beyond a single day. When planning such an event, consider venues that offer comprehensive planning services and have a trusted network of suppliers to ensure a seamless experience.
If you are getting married in France and would like to know more about commissioning Story Of Your Day as your videographer then you can read more here:
Venue: Chateau Challain
Planner: cicievents_cynthia
Videographer: Story Of Your Day
Photographer: Hello Sugar Photography (In association with Story Of Your Day)
MUA: Kristi Grimm
Florals: Rutger M Flowers
David Kimmel Design
Entertainment: Shine Live Band Paris
String Quartet: Orphee Musique
Artists: Catherine D Art Hybrid Desire
Rings: Verragio
