We share the wedding of Stacie and Ash at the characterful 18ct Century Chateau de la Motte Husson, a true fairytale French setting captured by reportage-style wedding photographer Ian Wallace of A Very French Wedding.

Escape To The Chateau Wedding Venue

Choosing a breathtaking French Chateau with it’s very own moat, orangery and walled garden for your special day, sounds like something out of a dream especially when the famous venue (many of you may know from TV Production ‘Escape to the Chateau‘) has the most incredible decor and stunning grounds to explore.

For their exclusive wedding this magical destination was the home of Stacie and Ash’s celebrations. Wedding photographer Ian Wallace gives us his account of their incredible wedding.

Stacie and Ash got together as teenagers, 11 years ago and it was always their dream to have a beautiful wedding abroad. Getting married at Chateau de La Motte Husson with Dick and Angel made that dream a reality.

How the day unfolded…

I always like to arrive at a venue in plenty of time, normally around 2 hours before the ceremony to give me plenty of time to shoot the set up shots as well as shots of the venue both inside and out.

It was immediately obvious that this was going to be a fantastic wedding to shoot as both Stacie and Ash were super friendly, relaxed and happy to spend time with me before the ceremony (this is always a very intense time of the day). Stacie and ‘the girls’ were in the bridal suite, where the light is perfect for photography, whilst the boys were in a suite one floor down where they were getting ready and enjoying a pre ceremony drink. After the inside session, we all went outside so I could capture the boy’s walking and laughing in front of the beautiful French chateau.

As Angel arrived in the bridal suite with the stunning bouquets for the girls and buttonholes for the boys, it was time for me to go downstairs and prepare myself for the ceremony. Dick, as master of ceremonies, was waiting with Ash at the bottom of the chateau steps, whilst the guests watched. I captured this before the arrival of the bridal party – always such an exciting moment on any wedding day!

The rest of the day then went by so fast as we moved between the Chateau and the Orangery reception venue where the evening was held, and then back to the Chateau for drinks before ending up back at the Orangery for the dancing.

The day was somewhat overcast (with just a hint of rain in the air) but luck was with us and it remained dry for both the ceremony and drinks afterwards. Because of the slightly overcast conditions the quality of light was particularly beautiful.

Looking back at the wedding day several things stick in my mind, firstly, as always, Angel’s attention to detail was perfect and secondly, Dick and Angel’s really relaxed and welcoming attitude and Stacie and Ash’s equally chilled approach made it such a memorable wedding for me and a firm favourite from 2019.

About the Photographer

Ian Wallace of A Very French Wedding specialises in photographing casual reportage-style weddings.

I live in the Charente in south west France with my wife and our 2 dogs. I love to travel so I am happy shooting weddings throughout France. Before moving here we lived and worked in Sydney and before that in London.

I have been a professional photographer for over 19 years ( hard to believe!) working as a wedding photographer is a full-on intense job, with things happening so fast on the wedding day, but I love the challenges it brings and the people I meet and working in France at such stunning venues is a privilege.

I would describe my photography style as natural and I endeavour to make people as relaxed as possible, the more comfortable they are, the better the pictures will be. I adopt a reportage style, photographing things as they happen with as little posing as possible, remaining almost invisible.

My images have frequently been referred to as fluid, which is interesting as I love to shoot couples on the move, as they walk together, catching the laughter and their smiles. So as not to intrude too much all at once I like to break up the photo sessions into several smaller moments throughout the day enabling the couple as much time as possible with their family and friends.

What advice would you give to couples planning their wedding day?

When deciding on the time of day for your ceremony be aware that in France the sun in summertime can be intense and it is best to avoid midday, as the sun is directly overhead and the light can be harsh. It is much better to schedule it for early to mid afternoon when the light is a bit more forgiving.

Choose your photographer carefully, it shouldn’t be just about price. Find a photographer whose style you like and who’s personality you connect with, speak with them directly beforehand. I believe establishing a good rapport is important to the enjoyment of the wedding day.

One last bit of advice I would give brides is try not to get a spray tan, it may look ok on the day, but it doesn’t photograph well and editing is a nightmare. You don’t want to look like you’ve been Tangoed!

Other gorgeous French Wedding Venues

View more stunning wedding venues in France here.