An Elegant Chateau Wedding in France's Loire Valley

Planned by Matthew Oliver Weddings

<p>loire valley main</p>

Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography

In May 2017, nearly seven years after they first met in a master’s program at Georgetown University, Monica Gorman and Robby Pixton headed to Europe for an epic road trip. “We started in Lake Como, then drove through the French Rivera, Aix-en-Provence, Burgundy, and the French and Italian Alps,” Robby says. “One afternoon in St. Tropez, after hiking to a secluded beach, we stumbled on a bluff overlooking the sea that was surrounded by wildflowers. I knew that would be the perfect place to propose to Monica.”

Inspired by their memorable trip, the couple decided to do it again—this time as a destination wedding. They invited 130 guests to join them in Pays-de-la-Loire, France, for their June 30, 2018, wedding, filling three chateaus and a nearby compound with their loved ones for an incredible weekend of celebration. “We loved the idea of bringing everyone together so we could share this experience with them,” says Monica. They hosted their wedding at Chateau du Lucé, hiring Matthew Oliver Weddings to help with the design and execution of their far-flung wedding. “Even with such great help, a lot of the process required in-person visits," says the bride. "Getting to go to France so many times during our engagement was definitely a plus!”

Keep reading to see Robby and Monica's gorgeous wedding weekend in France, as photographed by Rebecca Yale.

<p>Wedding invitations</p><br><br>
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography
<p>Guest gift bags</p><br><br>
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography

The couple's classic invitation suite featured gilded line drawings and a weekend itinerary schedule featuring thematic icons. When guests arrived, they were greeted with French favorites including champagne, madeleines, baguettes, and jam.

<p>French chateau</p><br><br>
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography
<p>Chateau interior</p><br><br>
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography
<p>Floral arrangements lilac</p><br><br>
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography
<p>Wedding chateau grounds</p><br><br>
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography

The weekend reception took place at Chateau du Lucé, which features pristine gardens, gorgeous interiors, and plenty of room for guests to gather and celebrate together.

<p>Bride wearing robe</p><br><br>
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography
<p>Bride solo shot</p><br><br>
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography
<p>Bride with bridesmaids</p><br><br>
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography

Monica got dressed in one of the chateau’s gorgeous suites—which was the perfect bridal suite thanks to its towering windows and natural light. The estate's stone staircase also made for a perfect photo op as Monica revealed her classic Reem Acra dress to her bridesmaids.

<p>Floral arrangement on tray</p><br><br>
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography
<p>Bride holding white rose bouquet</p><br><br>
Photo by Rebecca Denton Photography

The couple opted for a white color palette, accented with natural greenery. In theme, the groom donned a white lisianthus boutonniere, while the bride carried a bouquet of roses and scabiosa.

<p>Bride with bridesmaids laughing</p><br><br>
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography
<p>Bride and groom kissing</p><br><br>
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography

Monica’s silk Reem Acra dress made an understated statement, thanks to its scoop neckline and full skirt. She asked her bridesmaids to wear gray tulle Jenny Yoo dresses in a variety of styles, a shade that worked perfectly with the chateau backdrop. Robby wore a midnight blue tuxedo with black velvet slippers, while his groomsmen wore classic black tuxes.

<p>Ceremony venue</p><br><br>
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography
<p>Ceremony venue filled with florals</p><br><br>
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography

The ceremony took place in L’Église Saint-Facile in Le Grand Lucé, where the entryway and aisle were laden with lush white arrangements of delphinium, hydrangeas, and roses tucked into garlands of crisp greenery.

<p>Groom at altar</p><br><br>
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography
<p>Flower girls</p><br><br>
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography
<p>Bride and groom kissing at altar</p><br><br>
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography

Robby couldn’t contain his joy upon spotting the couple’s flower girls and ring bearer, or his bride, who was making her entrance behind them. “The ring bearer threw the pillow and the rings went flying,” Monica says with a laugh. “We had to pause the ceremony to look for them!”

<p>Bride and groom leaving ceremony</p><br><br>
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography
<p>Bride and groom leaving ceremony</p><br><br>
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography

Guests tossed rose petals as the newlyweds made their way back out into the French sunshine.

<p>Wedding reception seating arrangement</p><br><br>
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography

Back at the chateau, guests sipped the couple's signature cocktails—Kir Royales and French 75s—on the pristine lawn.

<p>Reception table set up</p><br><br>
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography
<p>Centerpiece arrangement</p><br><br>
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography

Dinner was served in the garden, where guests sat at tables draped in textured linens and topped with ornate accents. The chargers, plates, flatware, and glassware all featured gold detailing, while blue water glasses and napkins added a subtle hint of color. For dinner, guests enjoyed a terrine of foie gras with raspberry chutney, chateaubriand with chanterelle mushrooms, Scottish salmon with a champagne cream sauce, and Provençale vegetables.

<p>Guests at wedding reception</p><br><br>
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography
<p>Bride and groom laughing at reception</p><br><br>
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography

“We carefully selected one friend and one family member each to make a toast, limiting it to just those four for the whole weekend,” says Monica. “We put a lot of thought into choosing the right people, and they did such an amazing job.”

<p>Wedding party watching party watching fireworks</p><br><br>
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography

A live band kept guests dancing until 2 a.m., pausing only briefly for a dramatic fireworks display. “As the dancing started to wane, there were still almost 100 people up with us,” says Monica. “We all ran from the dance floor and jumped into the pool, fully dressed!”

For the couple, having so much time outside of their wedding day to spend time with guests while in France made the stress of planning worth it. Says Monica, “There are so many responsibilities on your wedding day that consume the precious time you have with your loved ones. By building in a few extra formal and informal events—like a welcome reception, day-after brunch, and casual tour around the countryside with our friends, we were able to extend that little time we had as much as possible.”

Wedding Team

Wedding Planner: Matthew Oliver Weddings

Ceremony Venue: L’Église Saint-Facile

Reception Venue: Chateau du Lucé

Bride's Dress: Reem Acra

Bride's Veil: Bergdorf Goodman

Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Bride's Jewelry: Ultimate Diamond

Hair & Makeup: Ava Belle

Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo

Groom's Attire: Giorgio Armani

Groomsmen's Attire: The Black Tux

Flower Girl and Ring Bearer Attire: Feltman Brothers

Engagement Ring: Ultimate Diamond

Floral Design: Madame Artisan Fleuriste

Paper Products: Fourteen Forty

Catering: Renaud Traiteur

Cake: Synies Cake

Reception Music: The White Keys

Rentals: Deco Privé, BeLounge, Duchess and Butler, Options Hire

Transportation: Chauffeurs de Maître

Accommodations: Chateau du Lué, Domaine de la Groire, Domaine St. Frambault, Hotel Concordia

Fireworks: Pyro-Fêtes

Videography: Liberty Pearl Photo & Film Collective

Photography: Rebecca Yale Photography

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