There’s something undeniably magical about a wedding that feels both effortlessly elegant and genuinely joyful — and Aby and Josh’s celebration at CHÂTEAU DE CAZENAC was exactly that. Captured beautifully by FRANCES MARY SALES and thoughtfully planned by MARRY ME IN FRANCE, the day blended timeless style with a relaxed atmosphere, where white florals, black-tie fashion, and the warmth of close friends and family created a celebration to remember.
A Workplace Romance
Aby and Josh first met at work, where Aby worked as a visual merchandiser across two stores and Josh was a manager at one of them. Their connection was immediate. What began as casual lunch dates soon turned into dinners together — and before long, the rest was history.
A Treasure Hunt Proposal
Josh had been planning to propose for some time, but with Aby busy studying to become a nurse, he suspected she might be expecting it. Instead, he waited until just after she graduated to surprise her completely.
One Sunday morning he set up a treasure hunt around their home, each clue leading to another memory from their relationship. The final clue led Aby to the front door — where Josh was waiting on one knee.
Falling in Love with a Château
The couple always knew they wanted to marry in France. After discovering MARRY ME IN FRANCE online, they arranged a venue tour through several beautiful properties.
The final stop was CHÂTEAU DE CAZENAC on a crisp autumn afternoon — and they fell in love instantly. With its historic charm, sweeping countryside views, and ability to host many of their guests onsite, it offered exactly what they envisioned: a destination wedding weekend that felt like a shared holiday with their closest friends and family.
A Calm and Joyful Morning
The morning of the wedding began peacefully in the château’s bridal suite. Aby got ready with her five bridesmaids and three flower girls, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. With glasses of crémant in hand and plenty of laughter to calm any nerves, the morning unfolded with ease and excitement.
Timeless Fashion
Aby chose a traditional strapless ballgown crafted from duchess satin with a dramatic train — a look that felt perfectly suited to the elegance of the château setting.
Josh had always dreamed of wearing a tuxedo, and the couple leaned fully into the black-tie aesthetic, with groomsmen dressed in classic tuxedos and bridesmaids wearing almond-toned floor-length dresses in varying styles.
The couple’s wedding bands carried special meaning: both simple gold bands made by a jeweller from their hometown in England, incorporating gold from jewellery belonging to their grandparents.
The couple leaned fully into the black-tie aesthetic, with groomsmen dressed in classic tuxedos and bridesmaids wearing almond-toned floor-length dresses in varying styles.
Effortless White Florals
Aby’s vision for the florals was simple yet striking. White roses — her favourite flower — featured throughout the day, from long-stem rose bouquets to aisle arrangements tied with large satin bows and elegant altar florals.
Created by MARYFLOR VILLEREAL, the understated palette allowed the beauty of the château grounds and surrounding countryside to remain the true focal point.
A Ceremony Beneath the Trees
The ceremony took place beneath a canopy of trees in the château gardens, offering welcome shade on a warm summer afternoon. Aby’s godfather served as master of ceremony, guiding guests through a heartfelt and often humorous ceremony that reflected the couple’s story.
Aby’s mother also shared a deeply personal reading, adding another layer of emotion to the moment.
Music, Dancing, and a Perfect Party
Entertainment was something Aby and Josh carefully considered throughout the planning process. Wanting to keep the dance floor full all night, they opted for a DJ paired with a live saxophonist — the perfect combination of energy and atmosphere.
The reception began just as the sun dipped below the Dordogne hills. Instead of starting the evening with a traditional first dance, the couple invited everyone straight onto the dance floor with a song loved by all — setting the tone for a night filled with music, laughter, and plenty of cocktails.
A Honeymoon Adventure
After the wedding festivities ended, Aby and Josh set off on a honeymoon that blended adventure and relaxation. The couple first spent five unforgettable nights on safari in South Africa, exploring a private game reserve and experiencing the magic of the African wilderness.
From there, they travelled on to Mauritius, where beach days, island excursions, and sunset cocktails offered the perfect way to unwind after their unforgettable wedding weekend.
Through FRANCES MARY SALES‘ lens, the entire celebration feels exactly as Aby and Josh intended — elegant, joyful, and filled with the warmth of a couple truly enjoying every moment surrounded by the people they love most.
Aby’s vision for the florals was simple yet striking. White roses — her favourite flower — featured throughout the day, from long-stem rose bouquets to aisle arrangements tied with large satin bows and elegant altar florals.
