Eloise and James’ love story is one that spans borders and cultures. Eloise, originally from Uruguay and the Netherlands, met James, who is British, in London during the pandemic. Their first date—a simple walk in Hyde Park—was just the beginning of their journey together. As their relationship flourished, they built a life together, including adopting their beloved Italian Greyhound, Twiggy. A heartfelt proposal in Brussels, surrounded by family and set against the iconic Grand Place, marked the beginning of their engagement and led to their dream wedding in France which was exquisitely captured by CLÉMENCE ARESU.
A Château Wedding in the Dordogne Countryside
The couple chose DOMAINE D’ESSENDIERAS for its stunning château, picturesque gardens, and serene surroundings. The historic venue offered the perfect balance of grandeur and intimacy, setting the stage for a truly memorable celebration. Guests were welcomed to a setting filled with refined details and a carefully curated color palette of sage green and white, designed to complement the natural beauty of the region.
Photographer Clémence shared with us, “It was an absolute pleasure to photograph Eloise & James’ wedding day! The Château was breathtaking, with countless stunning spots, a dream setting for any photographer. I also adored the elegant aesthetic they chose for their celebration. But beyond the beauty of the venue and decor, what truly made the day special was Eloise & James themselves, such a kind and wonderful couple! Capturing their love was a joy from start to finish.”
From the outset, Eloise and James envisioned a wedding that was timeless, refined, and effortlessly elegant.
The historic venue offered the perfect balance of grandeur and intimacy, setting the stage for a truly memorable celebration.
Timeless Style and Thoughtful Details
From the outset, Eloise and James envisioned a wedding that was timeless, refined, and effortlessly elegant. Their black-tie dress code set the tone for a sophisticated affair. Eloise looked stunning in a ROSA CLARA gown—fitted with a dramatic cape that she later removed to reveal an open-back silhouette, creating the effect of two dresses in one. James and his groomsmen exuded classic charm in their formal attire, perfectly complementing the stately château setting.
The wedding stationery, sourced from KATTONE PAPER in Australia, incorporated delicate wax seals and personalized name tags, a thoughtful touch that blended seamlessly with the couple’s aesthetic. Every element was chosen with intention, ensuring that their celebration would be as beautiful in the years to come as it was on the day itself.
An Intimate and Sentimental Ceremony
The couple’s ceremony was filled with heartfelt moments, beginning with a special touch of nature—the sun broke through the clouds just as Eloise walked down the aisle with her father. Their celebrant, a close friend of James, conducted a deeply personal ceremony, having spent months gathering stories from loved ones. Guests were treated to live violin music and a special performance of When I’m 64 by The Beatles, a song that holds special significance for Eloise and her family. Even their beloved dog, Twiggy, had a role to play as the adorable ring bearer.
A Dreamy Floral Design and Alfresco Dining
Florals by FABULOUS THINGS played a key role in bringing Eloise’s wedding vision to life. Wanting an ethereal and angelic ambiance, she chose delicate baby’s breath (gypsophila) as the primary floral element. Suspended floral clouds hovered over each dining table and the dance floor, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere. The reception dinner was held in the château’s ‘pagodas,’ an open marquee space where guests dined beneath the romantic glow of candlelight and floral installations.
A Celebration Under the Stars
The cocktail hour took place on the château’s terrace, offering guests sweeping views of the French countryside while they enjoyed gourmet hors d’oeuvres and refreshing drinks. The evening reception was a perfect blend of elegance and joy, featuring heartfelt speeches, exquisite dining, and a classic wedding cake adorned with gold accents. Eloise and James shared their first dance before surprising their guests with a breathtaking fireworks display, a truly magical way to conclude the evening.
With every detail thoughtfully planned, from their meaningful ceremony to their breathtaking reception, their celebration was a true reflection of their love—timeless, elegant, and filled with joy.
An Unforgettable Honeymoon Adventure
Following their wedding, Eloise and James embarked on a dream honeymoon to Mauritius and South Africa. Their journey began with ten days of relaxation on the beaches of Mauritius, where they enjoyed fresh seafood, island adventures, and even a deep-sea fishing excursion. From there, they traveled to South Africa, exploring Cape Town’s natural beauty, indulging in world-class cuisine, and savoring fine wines in the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek regions. Their three-week adventure was the perfect way to celebrate the start of their married life together.
A Day to Remember
Eloise and James’ wedding at DOMAINE D’ESSENDIERAS was nothing short of extraordinary. With every detail thoughtfully planned, from their meaningful ceremony to their breathtaking reception, their celebration was a true reflection of their love—timeless, elegant, and filled with joy. As they look back on their wedding day, they will always remember the warmth of the sun, the laughter of their loved ones, and the unforgettable magic of saying “I do” in the heart of the French countryside.
