A love story wrapped in golden light
Sarah and Sean’s wedding at Château Sentout, near Bordeaux, was exactly that. From the moment I arrived, I felt that this place and this couple were made for each other — both elegant yet full of warmth and humour, both authentic and deeply connected to the people they love.
Château Sentout — a place where fairytales begin
Some weddings feel like chapters from a storybook — where every detail, every glance, and every laugh align as if written in advance.
Tucked among the vineyards and rolling hills of the Gironde region, Château Sentout is one of those rare venues that immediately takes your breath away. With its ancient stone walls, ivy-covered towers, and sweeping views, it feels timeless — like a dream you never quite want to leave.
The château’s interior is full of texture and light: antique furniture, soft pastel walls, and high windows that flood the rooms with sunshine. Outside, olive trees and roses frame hidden terraces and pathways that lead into open lawns and the famous Roseraie.
It’s a venue that invites emotion — and for a photographer, it’s an endless playground of light, colour, and history.
This signature image from chateau’s wedding — glowing in soft afternoon light — perfectly captured the essence of the day: elegance, stillness, and romance.
The ceremony — led by family, filled with love
The outdoor ceremony took place in the garden, shaded by century-old trees and surrounded by the gentle sounds of nature. But what made it truly special was the presence of Sarah’s grandfather, who conducted the ceremony himself.There was something profoundly touching about his words — tender, wise, and full of quiet humour. He spoke not only as a celebrant, but as a witness to generations of love. You could feel every guest holding their breath as Sarah and Sean exchanged vows beneath the June sky.It was one of those rare moments when time seems to stop — when laughter and tears flow freely, and everyone knows they are witnessing something unforgettable.
The Roseraie — a place of light and intimacy
After the ceremony, we moved to the Roseraie, a series of beautiful stone arches draped in vines and roses — one of Château Sentout’s most magical corners. At sunset, the arches were illuminated with warm golden lights, transforming the space into a glowing scene straight from a dream.It wasn’t used for dinner that evening, but it became the perfect backdrop for the couple’s golden-hour photoshoot.
The contrast between the soft fading light and the illuminated stone created a surreal, cinematic atmosphere — intimate yet grand, elegant yet full of emotion.As we walked through the arches, laughter echoed, and every frame seemed to tell a story of calm, connection, and love. It’s rare to find a location that offers so much character in one space — and for Sarah and Sean, this became one of the most memorable parts of their day.
Details that told their story
This wedding was full of thoughtful, heartfelt details that reflected Sarah and Sean’s personalities — elegant, playful, and deeply sincere.One of the most charming details was the unintentional colour harmony among the guests. Without planning it, their outfits fell into the same palette. It gave the entire celebration a naturally cohesive aesthetic that looked incredible in photos.
The bridesmaids — grace, beauty, and true support
They weren’t just bridesmaids; they were true friends — beautiful inside and out — and the kind of women every bride dreams of having by her side.
Every wedding has its heartbeat, and this one came, in part, from Sarah’s incredible bridesmaids. From the early morning preparations to the final dance, they were the definition of elegance and kindness — beautifully dressed, perfectly coordinated, and always by her side.Their energy set the tone for the morning: calm, joyful, and full of laughter. They helped with the final details, shared quiet moments of reassurance, and made sure everything flowed effortlessly.In photographs, their presence added balance and warmth — soft pastel tones against the château’s stone walls, radiant smiles that reflected the happiness of the day.
Unusual desert
And then there was the cake — or rather, a tower of cheese. Instead of a traditional dessert, the couple chose several layers of fine French cheeses, each from a different region. It became both a culinary surprise and a conversation starter — a reflection of their originality and love for French culture.
Golden hour — where everything glowed
As the sun began to dip behind the vineyards, the château and gardens bathed in golden light. This is the moment every photographer dreams of — when the world softens, colours turn to honey, and every glance feels cinematic.We wandered through the estate, from the gardens to the Roseraie, and every corner seemed to glow. Sarah’s dress caught the light like silk, Sean’s eyes followed her with quiet admiration, and for a few minutes, the entire world seemed made of gold.Those golden-hour portraits became some of my favourite images of the entire 2025 season — full of depth, tenderness, and timeless romance.
Charisma and connection
What stood out most about this wedding wasn’t just its beauty — it was the energy. Sarah and Sean’s guests were some of the most expressive, charismatic people I’ve photographed. Laughter came easily, stories flowed, and every frame was filled with genuine connection.It’s this kind of atmosphere that turns a wedding from beautiful to unforgettable. Château Sentout, with its fairytale setting, provided the perfect stage for it all.
Why I loved photographing this wedding
Sarah and Sean’s celebration at Château Sentout reminded me of everything I love about photographing weddings in France — authenticity, light, and emotion.From the grandfather-led ceremony to the golden-hour portraits under the illuminated arches of the Roseraie, every moment carried meaning. It was elegant without pretension, emotional without excess — exactly the kind of day that makes my work feel like art.
Thinking of Getting Married in France?
This wedding is a wonderful example of how to blend destination charm with personal touches. Whether you’re coming from the UK, the US, Ireland, or anywhere in Europe—planning a wedding in the South of France can be one of the most exciting (and romantic) decisions you’ll ever make.From the elegance of the venue to the emotion of the day, every element came together naturally. And as a bilingual (English/French) photographer based locally, I’m here to guide you through every step.
Eugenie Smirnova — wedding and elopement photographer in Toulouse, South West of France
Wedding Photography Packages for International Couples
Here’s what I offer:
- Tailored packages from 5 to 10+ hours
- Pre-wedding consultation to plan your ideal timeline
- High-resolution, edited images
- Fully retouched highlight portraits
- Private online gallery with 1-year access
- Optional day-before or day-after sessions
- Fine art album design available
I’ve worked with couples from all over the world and love making their time in France feel relaxed, exciting, and unforgettable.
Are you planning a destination wedding in France, let’s Start Planning Your Story
Whether it’s in a vineyard, by the sea, or in a charming château, your story deserves to be told beautifully
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Thank you to this amazing couple for letting me be part of their day—it was a celebration full of heart, beauty, and style, and one I’ll remember for a long time.
Eugénie Smirnova — Destination Wedding Photographer in France
Based in Toulouse | Serving Provence, Dordogne, Occitanie, Bordeaux & Beyond
Ultimate Wedding Photography Planning Guide
Planning your wedding photography can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re getting married in the picturesque landscapes of the South or South West of France my Ultimate Wedding Photography Planning Guide is here to help you every step of the way. It is designed to ensure that every precious moment of your big day is captured beautifully.
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Eugénie photographed our wedding recently at Chateau Sentout in May. The wedding photos are wonderful and everything we wanted. She understood completely the vibe we wanted for them and captured it perfectly. On the day she worked so hard capturing all the special moments and was a pleasure to have there, with her bright and fun personality while also giving us good direction when we had no idea how to pose! Couldn’t recommend her enough.