Unveiling a Hidden Treasure: Chateau du Lude
Hey there, wedding photography fans! Janis Ratnieks here, and buckle up because I’m taking you to a super cool wedding venue in France!
A Castle with a Past!
This place, Chateau du Lude (say “shah-toh doo LOOD”), isn’t your average wedding spot. It’s a historic castle! Imagine knights and princesses roaming the halls hundreds of years ago. Pretty neat, huh? Over time, this cool castle went from a medieval fort to a fancy Renaissance palace. Talk about a makeover!
Still a Family Home!
One thing that makes Chateau du Lude super unique is that it’s still a family residence! Yep, you read that right. The owners live there. This adds a special feeling to the place, almost like you’re getting married in a giant, fancy friend’s house.
Secluded Countryside Charm!
The Chateau isn’t in the middle of a busy city. Instead, it’s tucked away in the peaceful French countryside. Imagine rolling green hills, fresh air, and maybe even some friendly cows mooing in the distance. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed and intimate wedding celebration.
A Walk Through Time
Step inside Chateau du Lude and prepare to be amazed! It’s an incredible mix of history and modern life. Imagine seeing a TV next to a signed photo of Queen Elizabeth’s mother, who visited in 1984! Or a radio by a cabinet containing a lock of Marie Antoinette’s hair!
The chateau itself is a fascinating blend of styles. Think fairy-tale turrets and towers, mixed with strong medieval walls. Renaissance elegance meets Gothic details, creating a truly unique atmosphere. The ancient library boasts a vaulted ceiling and books older than your great-grandparents, including a giant one about the Le Lude lands that’s practically fridge-sized!
A Hidden World Upstairs
The Count and Countess de Nicolay still live on the upper floors, perhaps watching over their treasures with a smile. Downstairs, visitors can explore incredible suits of armor, stunning ornaments, and musical instruments – heirlooms cherished for centuries.
Beyond the Walls
The Chateau’s magic extends outdoors too. Countess Barbara has lovingly restored the gardens, bursting with colorful blooms. The historic stables are like a time capsule, filled with carriages and even a sedan chair!
A Kitchen Fit for Royalty
Descend a hidden spiral staircase to discover the 15th-century working kitchens. On special days, the Countess’ chef even teaches volunteers to make soup using fresh produce from the chateau’s gardens! Imagine the aroma of delicious food wafting through these historic walls, cooked in gleaming copper pots and ovens dating back centuries.
Chateau du Lude is truly a place unlike any other. It’s a chance to peek into a world of history, luxury, and family life, all wrapped up in a stunning French castle. Stay tuned for more about this amazing wedding venue and the stunning photos I captured there!
The day began with a soft, romantic light filtering through the gardens of the Chateau du Lude. Sunshine, a vision in a flowing white chiffon gown, held a single, perfect white rose in her hand. We captured her quiet joy and anticipation as she twirled and smiled for the camera, the tranquility of the morning setting the tone for the beautiful day ahead.
A Romantic Chateau Wedding for Sunshine & Dinan!
The wedding day began with a soft, romantic light filtering through the gardens of the Chateau du Lude. The Bride- Sunshine, a vision in a flowing white chiffon gown, held a single, perfect white rose in her hand. We captured her quiet joy and anticipation as she twirled and smiled for the camera, the tranquility of the morning setting the tone for the beautiful day ahead.
As the excitement grew, Sunshine retreated to get ready in one of the Chateau’s grand rooms. Meanwhile, Dinan the groom donned his wedding attire in another part of the castle. We captured all the anticipation and joy of these pre-wedding moments.
For the ceremony, Sunshine and Dinan chose the Chateau’s stunning gardens. With ample space, it was the perfect setting for a grand celebration of their love. Luckily, the weather gods smiled upon them too, with the evening sun casting a magical, movie-like glow on the scene.
The celebration continued with a joyful champagne toast, a delicious dinner, a heart-warming cake cutting, and a dazzling fireworks display that lit up the night sky. As the night deepened, Sunshine and Dinan took to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. Sunshine, in a stunning golden sequin dress that shimmered with every move, absolutely stole the show!
A Dream Remembered: A Glimpse into Forever
As the final sparklers faded from the night sky, Sunshine and Dinan shared a final dance, their faces glowing with the joy of their new beginning. Throughout the day, my camera captured countless special moments – the nervous anticipation before the ceremony, the tearful joy of exchanging vows, the laughter and clinking glasses during the reception, and the pure, unbridled love radiating from their first dance.
Chateau du Lude provided the perfect backdrop for this fairytale wedding, but the true magic came from the love between Sunshine and Dinan. Their celebration was a testament to the power of love, family, and friendship, a day that will surely be etched in their memories forever.
Dreaming of saying “I do” in a castle of your own? Chateau du Lude could be the perfect place to start your happily ever after! Contact the venue today to learn more about hosting your dream wedding in this enchanting location. And to capture every magical moment, consider Janis Ratnieks Photography! I specialize in capturing the emotions and joy of your wedding day, telling your unique love story through beautiful, timeless photographs.
Let’s chat about your dream wedding photography! Contact me today to learn more about my packages and how I can help you preserve the memories of your special day forever. In the meantime, stay tuned for more wedding photography adventures on my blog!
If you’re eager to dive into more of my France wedding photography, feel free to explore my portfolio right here:
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