Chateau Du Val, A French Destination Wedding Videography and photos. Wedding In Brittany, France | Cath & Rich

30 Mar

Destination wedding photography & videos from Cath & Rich’s big, sunny, outdoor ceremony, beer flowing day at the Chateau Du Val in France.

Bathed in French sunshine for their September wedding in Brittany, Cath & Rich.

Chateau Du Val, is a wedding venue situated in the commune of Saint-Just in Northwestern France, so in order to get there, a ferry crossing was in order.

There’s a REALLY cheesy saying, suitable only to the decor of waiting room walls, that goes “Its not about the destination, it’s about the journey to get there.” Never, have I known a wedding to be so befitting of such an epic statement!

Our journey to Cath and Rich's wedding saw us depart from Portsmouth to reach Cherbourg. Although Cath & Rich were already in France attending to last minute touches, it was immediately clear on the crossing, who was part of the guest list.

Just a stepping stone away from their wedding day, pictured at Ogmore Castle near Bridgend.

An excitable group with strong Welsh accents were the first major giveaway. A trip to the loo, ended in physically bumping into the bride’s family due to the incessantly choppy waters during the crossing. Any decorum was forgotten when leaving the safety of your seat, as any attempt to balance yourself meant you ended up walking with a sway like you’d already downed a bottle of vodka!

Once we reached the French side of our journey, the ride was a whole lot smoother.

Just a stepping stone away from their wedding day, pictured at Ogmore Castle near Bridgend. Pre wedding photography.

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We were immersed in Brittany's famous countryside. Acre upon acre of agricultural land unfolded before us as we wound our way through the lanes to Saint-Just, which was every inch the quintessential rural village: a single shop, single pub, single bakery.

When arriving at the Neolithic Chateau Du Val, rather than Lumiere appearing, and urging us to be his guest, it was Rich and a few of the boys that greeted us. They were busily putting chairs in place, ready for the outdoor ceremony on the green.

September sunshine lit the exclusive grounds and a pre-wedding dip in the pool was already underway for the groomsmen. Complete with backflips. Full Brits abroad mode, revelling in the warmth.

Cath and the girls were equally fired up, popping bottles of Moet, relaying tales of antics from the night before. Silk bridesmaids dressing gowns swirled into view as they bustled between hair and makeup and back again. The geek in me smiled at the serendipity of the purple kimonos matching the flowers in the room. It’s a photographer thing to notice. The human thing that brought out the warm fuzzies in me, was when Cath was in a train of three women all helping fasten dress buttons. A simple yet genuine moment of intimacy.

Later, as Cath walked between her guests towards Rich, her joy was clear to see. Throughout the ceremony, a romantic magnetism was undeniable.

The jovial atmosphere was infectious and lasted throughout the whole day, evening and late late late into the night. Maybe it’s because of the volume of Richard’s Tipple (Shipyard IPA) and Catherine’s Brew (Guinness XX) that was consumed in personalised beer bottles. Maybe, it was the giddying pleasure of seeing the original 19th century barn decked out with beer pong, fancy dress props and a doughnut wall. fun-loving flourishes constantly pulled everything together.

From the moment the DJ started playing, the dance-floor never emptied. A certain sombrero made multiple debuts with different partners too!

We finished our night of photos and videos, amongst the fairy lights outside. The guests gathered and Mrs Davies proudly donned a leather jacket with her new moniker hand-painted across the back of it. The chateaux bathed in golden light became a backdrop for Rich leading Cath through a tunnel of sparklers. The Disney Castle has none of the magic of that moment! The Disney Castle can eat its heart out.

And as they say in France, Fin.

It’s a big honour to be selected as a destination wedding photographer and videographer. We loved every single second and felt so encapsulated in their spirits and a part of the wedding party, so naturally too.

I’m also glad to note, the ferry home was a lot smoother. The volume and level of excitement seemed the same, perhaps with just a little weariness behind the twinkling eyes.