Whimsical Spring Wedding Design at Château de Champlâtreux in Paris

Editorials

When I tell you that there’s no other photo gallery quite like a Lauren Fair gallery, I really mean it. The variety, the film tones, the posing, the laughter, and the artistry. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy working with talented photographers who bring their own interpretation to our designs. This past March, it was a complete joy to team up with Lauren again to design her Paris wedding photography workshop–her second to last workshop, ever! We chose to hold the main wedding editorial shoot at Château de Champlâtreux, which is less than an hour’s drive north of Paris. This stunning 18th century French chateau wedding venue feels stately yet welcoming, especially with the owners living on site and their lovable doodle, “pamplemousse,” (“grapefruit” in French) stealing the show! (When I tell you I scolded this dog for getting into the mud and then stepping near these wedding dresses… ha!)

Château de Champlâtreux has hosted campaigns from top designers–Monique Lhuillier and Celine to name a couple–and I immediately fell in love with the black and white checkered flooring and varied room designs (aqua, pink, neutral, burgundy). The gardens are also spectacular; I can only imagine how lush everything looks in the summertime.

Since we were on site in early March during the still-chilly weather, I wanted to bring some pops of color into the overall design, as well as touches of black as a nod to the checkered flooring. I sourced a few statement props in the weeks leading up to the editorial: black velvet ribbon bows, rhinestone gloves, and feathered heels, to name a few. Local Parisian designer Dylan Parienty graciously worked with us to loan stunning gowns, and I selected a “wow” ballgown along with an embellished reception-style dress and floral appliqué veil to provide our attendees with two distinct looks to photograph.

Now, let’s talk table; one of my favorite things to design for an editorial is the tablescape. Since this is a photoshoot, we’re looking for function but mainly form so it’s important to make a statement here. The one difficult thing about designing in France (to be fully transparent) is the limited rental selection, compared to what we have access to in New York and DC. I always like looking for juxtapositions, so I paired modern flatware with more embellished plates, and brought these black and white toile napkins from home. The gold and white tones on each tied the styles together, and the place setting was completed by light pink menus with black silk bows. Such a perfect mirror to our bride’s gloves.

When I’m designing anything, I like to choose items with intention and purpose, and always like to have at least two of any detail piece. For example: gold is on the flatware AND the plates; the black bows are on the menus AND her gloves, and the pink tones are in the florals AND the menu. Designing this way makes everything feel more cohesive and meaningful, especially when we try to merge two different styles (as I do often)!

Overall, it was such a delight to design a romantic wedding editorial for Lauren Fair Photography in this iconic Paris Chateau wedding venue, Château de Champlâtreux, and I hope that we can return again soon!