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FRENCH GILDED WEDDING

Rachel and Christian
Rachel and Christian’s wedding at Château du Grand Lucé in the Loire Valley was a refined three-day celebration of style and imagination. Just outside Paris, the château’s classical charm set the stage for a gathering that was intimate, elegant, and distinctly their own.

Rachel & Christian

Over three days, Château du Grand Lucé became a reflection of Rachel and Christian’s refined, imaginative vision—an homage to
the Gilded Age, where elegance, indulgence, and artistry met in perfect harmony. From neoclassical interiors to manicured gardens, every space was thoughtfully styled: velvet lounges, pastel florals, and curated details created an atmosphere that felt both cinematic and deeply personal.

Each moment, from serene mornings to lavish soirées, was designed with intention—layered, expressive, and full of heart. The result was a celebration that felt timeless yet modern, steeped in beauty, emotion, and meaningful experience.

The First Day

French Gilded Wedding

The first day welcomed guests into the heart of the French countryside with warmth and intentionality. As friends and family arrived at the château, the pace was deliberately unhurried—allowing time to settle in, reconnect, and take in the setting. The gardens came to life with soft conversation and quiet laughter as guests explored floral installations and personal touches that hinted at the days ahead. Rachel wore an elegant Berta gown in a look that felt both relaxed and elevated—setting the tone for a weekend of effortless style. This gentle beginning gave space for presence and connection before the main celebration unfolded.

Photographed by Roman Ivanov

Wedding Day

The wedding day began with a ceremony in a nearby Catholic chapel—an intimate space filled with candlelight, floral accents, and centuries-old charm. As Rachel entered in a custom Berta gown, the atmosphere was reverent yet full of joy. Afterward, guests returned to the château, where the reception began with “Sweets & Seats”—a whimsical take on the seating chart, where custom confections revealed each guest’s table assignment.

Women dressed in Louis XV–inspired silhouettes offered delicate desserts, adding a sense of historic French glamour. In a playful nod to “If they don’t have bread, let them eat cake,” the entire experience celebrated indulgence with wit and beauty. Dinner unfolded in a glowing setting of candlelit tables, gilded décor, and soft string music that wove through the evening. Every detail—from the concept to the final toast—was curated to feel immersive, intentional, and unforgettable.

The Final Day

The final day at Château du Grand Lucé brought a shift in rhythm—slower, softer, and full of warmth. Morning light filtered through tall windows as guests gathered for a garden brunch, still glowing from the weekend’s emotion and celebration. Velvet lounges invited conversation beneath the trees, while green cocktails and seasonal fare offered a taste of the region’s charm. Some wandered the grounds, others laughed poolside, letting the joy of the previous day settle in gently. The air carried the ease of shared memories and unspoken closeness—the kind of farewell that doesn’t feel like an ending, but a graceful exhale.

Thanks from the couple

May 31, 2024
Rachel and Christian
Natalia and the rest of the team at WoW Wedding went above and beyond to make our destination wedding weekend more perfect than I could have ever imagined.

I came across WoW Wedding while looking at possible venues in Lake Como, and I was struck by how creative and unique the weddings in their portfolio were. I was sick of seeing all the cookie cutter weddings on Instagram, where the same venues have weddings with the same flowers, table designs, performances, etc. From their portfolio, I knew WoW Wedding would help us put together something new and special for us as a couple.

We didn’t end up choosing Lake Como for our destination wedding weekend (we went with a Chateau in France’s Loire Valley) but luckily, Natalia agreed to work with us nonetheless!

I knew this was the right team for us when they asked us to complete a survey as a couple, which they would use to create a theme for our wedding celebrations. Somehow from our answers, they came up with a theme that absolutely captured our love as a couple and own personal style.

Fast forward 9 months later and our wedding weekend was truly perfect and more beautiful than I could have hoped and imagined. There were even some last minute surprises that truly blew my mind - it was like WoW and their chosen vendors had read my mind and knew what special touches to add that would really make the event over the top and memorable for not just us but our guests as well.

As for the planning process, it was actually very fun! Natalia was so easy to get ahold of in spite of the major time difference. She was also very patient with my now-husband and I, making everything very clear and transparent and always having our best interests in mind.

I could go on and on and will be forever grateful for Natalia and WoW Wedding - but bottom line, if you are looking for a destination wedding that is beautiful, unique and truly highlights the love shared between you and your partner, book them ASAP.