Cosy micro wedding at Chateau de Canet

Sophie and Charles fell in love with the autumn vineyards during their previous visit in South West France. A charming French chateau, nestled amongst vineyards and rolling hills, was just a dreamed venue for their wedding.

The couple opted for a small, family orientated wedding. With their family spread all over the world it was important to find a venue that would host and accommodate everyone on the site. They wanted to spend quality time together for longer than just one day. Ideally, to turn their wedding day into a relaxing family weekend.

Chateau de Canet is a unique wedding venue with breathtaking views, cosy indoors, friendly hosts and (what makes the chateau truly special) their extraordinary, award-winning wine production. The chateau offers home-like atmosphere and several bedroom on the site, being able to accommodate all the quests.

Sandra, a passionate local wedding planner with a great eye for the details and quality, was a great helping the busy couple and organising all the suppliers. Appointing a wedding planner who has your interests at heart, who speaks the local language not only provides peace of mind and reassurance, but can also save you a huge amount of time and money in the long run. Sandra understood well the couples expectations, and on the day she made sure everything run smoothly maintaining friendly, relaxing atmosphere.

The couple wanted to pay tribute to nature’s “eye for design” and to reflect the autumn season in every aspect of their wedding day. Warm, earthy tones of coral and taupe with splashes of vibrant yellows and deep reds, all blended harmoniously, creating an ambiance of comfort and warmth. For the floral decoration, it felt right to use a mixture of wild vegetation and seasonal fruit: red and orange stained vine leaves, sprigs of tiny wild berry fruits, voluptuous ripe figs, sensual pomegranates, chestnuts, walnuts. When it comes to autumn, there is no shortage of inspiration, and the local florist, Sarah, clearly took the most of it.

Sophie was wearing a stunning Rosa Clara dress from Les Rouben des Leopoldine boutique in Narbonne. Everyone admired its handcrafted lace and long, wide sleeves, a dress that looked elegant and classic but comfortable at the same time. Kate, Sophie’s maid of honor, was wearing a wonderful cocktail dress, also from Rosa Clara. Its overall nude sequins made it a beautiful outfit for an autumn wedding.

Local make up artist applied subtle, natural make up on both ladies. Whereas Annette, the hairdresser, styled the ladies hair and decorated with fresh flowers.

The little flower girl, also pampered with the ladies, was a true star on the day. She looked especially sweet with her hair curled and wearing a flower crown, specially made for her.

Our beautiful bride was wearing a handmade floral necklace from Distinctly Caitlin Designs. She chose Mistletoe for her bridal token because of its symbolism. Mistletoe is associated with “affection” and “magic”, which are traits she feels are important in her marriage. It is also associated with “transformation”, she loved the idea that a marriage can transform your life in the most blissful way.

As bridesmaids gifts Sophie chose the Alpine Primrose, not only for their colour, which went so perfectly with her autumnal theme but also for the wishes of courage and kindness that she wanted to convey to the special ladies in her life.
Treasured momentos of the special day and the love they all share.

Sophie and Charles decided to have their wedding ceremony in the beautifully decorated. It was a lovely exchange of vows written by the couple. The speaches were followed by the ring exchanged – beautiful classic designs with a modern twist from bijouterie mohedano.

After the ceremony, the couple had time to mingle with their guests during an outdoor “vin d’honneur” in a cosy reception area overlooking the olive grove. Guests sipped on mugs of spicey hot wine while gentle wisps of smoke played with the straw-coloured autumn sunlight. Trays of little vintage cups holding velvety soup were passed around and a variety of local cheeses, olives, chacuterie and other delights created a variety of sumptuous graze boards. Baskets of blankets and crackling fires not only kept guests cosy, but created a wonderful outdoor ambiance. Children busied themselves by giving cuddles to the dogs and roasting marshmallows. Laughter and animated conversation filled the air as friends and family caught up with each other, sharing stories, lavishing in this magical moment communion and love.

As the sun started to disappear behind the hill, everybody made their way up to the dining area where they were welcomed with a flute of the winery’s bubbles and heart-warming speeches.

Sophie and Charles chose a menu using top ingredients, with a focus on fresh, local, farm-sourced ingredients: Roasted beetroot with goats’ cheese and flower petals served with Château Canet wine. Seared duck or beef with truffles, braised spinach and chestnut pumpkin purée. Dessert was a decadent cream and sponge layered cake with roasted hazelnuts, fresh figs, and cape gooseberries.

After dinner, whisky and cigars were served in a cosy lounge area, conversation once again became animated as the music increased in volume, and the party began.

Being a wine domain, this couple decided on an original wine barrel “guest book” that was commissioned by the couple and signed by all the guests on departure.

Sophie and Charle’s spent a wonderful wedding weekend at the chateau, surrounded by their closest family. Everyone enjoyed the warm atmosphere, breathtaking views at the chateau , delicious food and wine, and time together. We think French chateaux are perfect for micro weddings, allowing couples and their guests to spend longer quality time together.