French Château Wedding: Lavender Dreams, Surprise & Unique Bars

Bride in lavender field holding flowers, wearing a white dress

Lavender was a large feature in this French Château Wedding. From the waving fields of it to the brides unique dress and even the confetti and wedding cake showcased the lovely scented herb.
Keep scrolling to hear more about the venue and for a fabulous twist on the typical cocktail hour. Plus we have even more beautiful images to share with you from Philip Andrukovich in our full gallery.

Wedding invitation with lavender and olive oil details, chic decor

A beautiful bouquet of mixed pastel flowers, perfect for a wedding

Elegant couple in a vineyard on their wedding day, smiling at each other

Destination Wedding Planning

From Laura Dova Weddings: It took me almost one year to plan this wedding without ever meeting or seeing the couple, not even on skype like I usually do with destination weddings (they are from Russia).

I met the couple for the very first time the day before the wedding and they were the sweetest and most in love couple I’ve ever met. They were so simple and yet so into details - I’ve loved every second of it.

Elegant blue hydrangea floral arrangement in an outdoor garden setting

Wedding welcome sign with lavender cones, outdoor wedding decor

Outdoor wedding ceremony with a forest backdrop and floral decor

Happy couple walking down aisle after wedding, surrounded by guests

Romantic couple in a vintage car with scenic background

Booze Free Bars

Cocktail hour is a great way to loosen people up and let your guests mingle before the reception gets started. But what if you don't drink?
This adorable couple and their wedding planner came up with one/some of the cutest bar ideas we have seen in a while! What would you say to a fresh berry bar? Or a chocolate bar? There was even a soda bar to refresh guests after the ceremony. Genius!!!

Wooden signs point guests to ceremony and cocktail locations

A colorful and vibrant berry bar display with fresh, ripe fruit

Delicious display of various fresh berries in bowls and trays

Elegant chocolate bar with macaroons and eclairs displayed outdoors

Three colorful drink dispensers, perfect for a soda bar

Venue Love

They were very busy working but knew what they wanted and we went over more than 200 châteaux and villas all over France but no one was similar enough to the one of their dreams.
I was about to tell them they would have to build their dream venue when I ended up on the amazing website for Château les Olivier de Salettes.
The château had just opened after three years of works and this was their first wedding request. In that moment I knew I had found a gem.

Wedding sign leaning on tree in green park setting

A beautiful stone house with green shutters under a big tree

Outdoor wedding reception with lantern decor and tables setting

Elegant outdoor wedding table setting with floral centerpiece

Elegant wedding table centerpiece with floral arrangement and table number

Keeping Your Big Day A Surprise

From the Bride: I don't think I would do anything different, we were not stressed and we let the wedding planner make decisions for a lot of things so we would have the surprise on the wedding day and we did!

Bride and groom cutting wedding cake, a happy marriage