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Burgundy Florals and Candlelit Salons at Chateau Marcellus, Lot-et-Garonne

An editorial celebration at Chateau Marcellus with burgundy ranunculus, gold accents, and a five-tier cake by candlelight. Photos by JD Bascio.

By Elena Moretti | Published 22 December 2024

Marble fireplaces, sphinx statues, and candlelit stone corridors set the tone for this editorial celebration at Chateau Marcellus, a neoclassical estate in Lot-et-Garonne. Quinze Heures Quinze, an acclaimed wedding planner in the South of France layered burgundy, antique gold, and blush over the architecture. Browse more heritage wedding venues across Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

Bridal Portraits

Bride in white cowl-neck dress seated on striped settee with chinoiserie ginger jars
Bride in ivory satin slip gown with pearl jewelry leaning against white fluted column in classical interior
Bride seated on cream striped armchair in neoclassical room wearing white cowl-neck dress with coral ceramic decor
Bride in ivory cowl-neck gown on a curved staircase with wrought-iron railing, classical oil paintings and gold-framed mirror.

The bride wore a White One Bridal gown with a structured off-shoulder bodice and a cathedral-length train pooling on the parquet floors. Mandy Dorian styled a low chignon with face-framing tendrils and a complexion that read candlelit even in cooler salon light. One hand rested on the marble mantelpiece, gaze slightly downward, the kind of pause that happens between instructions rather than for the camera.


Couple Portraits

Bride and groom posing beside a vintage car at their wedding
Bride and groom embracing in classical hallway with tall white fluted columns, pale green walls and herringbone wood flooring
Bride and groom beside ornate door framed by burgundy dahlia and blush rose floral installations in courtyard
Bride seated on piano with groom beside her in sage green paneled room with red rose bouquet

JD Bascio moved the couple through the chateau's quieter spaces for portraits. A stone staircase, a corridor lined with shuttered French doors, and the parkland's bare-branched allee in the last of the afternoon light. The navy Blandin and Delloye suit against the White One Bridal gown read as a considered palette. Warm interior light spilled from an open salon door against cool blue dusk, framing two people briefly forgetting anyone watched.


Reception

Bride and groom at head of reception table in ornate chateau ballroom with peach and coral floral centrepiece and fruit
Overhead view of autumn reception table with peach roses, rust dahlias, crimson ribbons, and coordinated place settings
A couple interacts with a champagne tower during what appears to be a reception moment inside an ornate French château or palace interior. The groom wears a black tuxedo with a black bow tie and holds a champagne bottle, while the bride leans forward to sip directly from the top coupe glass of the tower. The bride wears a short white beaded and feather-trimmed dress with long beaded sleeves, statement gold drop earrings, and a red lip. The champagne tower is built from coupe glasses adorned with deep burgundy satin ribbon bows, displayed on a round table draped in a red and ivory toile de Jouy linen, also tied with a burgundy ribbon. The background features white ornamental paneling, gold-framed mirrors, gilded wall sconces, and decorative classical busts, pointing to a grand French interior. The overall styling is 1920s Art Deco-inspired with a rich burgundy and ivory color palette. Medium portrait-style shot.

A single long table stretched beneath crystal chandeliers, set with fine china edged in gold, cut-glass goblets, and red tapers at every place. Dark plums and split pomegranates tucked between the floral arrangements added richness without weight. Quinze Heures Quinze positioned the Bonjour Gateau cake near the marble hearth so the first thing guests saw on entering was firelight, cake, and candlelight in a single line of sight.


Design and Details

Ivory wedding cake with coral ribbon on gilded console table in classical salon with pale blue paneled walls
Reception place setting with red napkin, burgundy ribbon candles, and cream and red floral centerpieces
Long reception table in classical French ballroom with coral centerpieces, crystal chandelier, and gilt-framed paintings
Reception table with stacked plates, burgundy candles, gold cutlery, and autumn floral runner with fresh fruits

Charlotte Boudreaux Design built the floral palette around deep crimson ranunculus, dusty rose garden roses, and trails of dark ivy wound around brass candlestick holders. Maison Options anchored the room with forest-green velvet chairs and a raw oak refectory table. The Bonjour Gateau cake stood five tiers tall in ivory fondant, embossed with a botanical pattern, finished with burgundy grosgrain ribbon and a single spray of dried ruscus.


Flat Lays

Flat lay of cream wedding invitation suite with dusty rose illustrations, white carnations, and bronze ranunculus on gray surface
Flat lay of wedding stationery with gold wax seals, terracotta anemones, pearl jewelry, and silk ribbon
Flat lay of wedding dinner menu on vintage sheet music with dried orange butterflies and red ribbon accents

Rue Vendome's letterpress stationery carried the deep burgundy-and-gold palette across every card. So Helo jewellery caught soft light, a delicate bracelet and earrings in warm gold tones that felt deliberately chosen. The Mary Mariees and Pronovias gown details laid flat revealed fabric weight: duchess satin alongside softer tulle, both ivory-white against a dark velvet surface beneath them.


Venue

Neoclassical chateau entrance with Corinthian columns and coral floral arrangements flanking stone busts, gravel courtyard
Aerial shot of a symmetrical cream neoclassical château with terracotta roofs, gravel courtyard and autumn foliage surroundings.
Ceremony setup in neoclassical château courtyard with bentwood chairs and coral-blush floral arrangements

Polished stone floors catch every candle flame at Chateau Marcellus. Gilded mirrors double the glow, and the neoclassical proportions give each salon its own distinct mood. Outside, sculpted parkland sits quiet and still, making the interior warmth feel deliberate. Grand columns, arched corridors, and marble fireplaces flickering with red tapers set a tone that needed no additional dressing.


More from the Day

Outdoor ceremony with wooden chairs and coral and blush floral arrangements before a stone mansion with Corinthian columns
Aesthetic
Classic, Historic
Guest Count
-
Budget Range
-
Bride's Dress
Mary Mariées, Pronovias, and White One Bridal gowns featuring classic satin with gloves and sequined evening dress

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The Venue

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