Vintage Lace and Tropical Blooms at Chateau Gassies, Bordeaux

Molly's custom Neta Ben-Shabu gown, a fitted long-sleeve creation in structured floral lace with a high neckline, hung against the stone wall of the chateau suite before the final fitting. A cathedral-length veil fanned across the antique furniture. Jake dressed separately in a tuffeau-walled room with a classic fireplace, captured on film adjusting his tuxedo jacket among terracotta tiles and carved wooden pieces.

Spring rain pushed the ceremony indoors to the stone chapel, where tall arched windows softened the light across a checkered terracotta and slate tile floor. Elena Borg of Tepee Sauvage built an asymmetrical floral arch from tropical greens, anthuriums, and sculptural birds of paradise in burnt orange and deep emerald. Molly and Jake exchanged vows beneath it while the room held a stillness only a ceremony can produce.

Against pearl-grey skies and deep green hedgerows, Molly's ivory Neta Ben-Shabu lace glowed almost luminous on the manicured lawns. Haute Weddings captured the stillness between movement: the way the cathedral veil settled across her shoulders, the way she exhaled before turning. Close-up frames revealed intricate beadwork and fringe detailing along the bodice.

Haute Weddings shot on film, lending a warm, slightly faded quality to portraits of Molly and Jake walking hand in hand along rain-slicked gravel toward the cream limestone manor. Wide frames placed the couple against the formal facade while tighter compositions caught mid-laugh candour beneath a navy umbrella. The film grain added texture that suited the day's moody spring palette.

Jake and his five groomsmen gathered on the gravel terrace in matching black tuxedos with white pocket squares, the cream limestone facade and climbing wisteria behind them. A candid toast followed, coupe glasses raised against the chateau's tall windows as the group shifted into relaxed laughter before the evening began.

Freshly shucked oysters and martinis opened the cocktail hour while Mister Sully served yuzu cocktails that carried the Japanese-inspired thread from the welcome dinner. A champagne coupe tower sat on a ruffled white linen table outdoors as mist lifted just enough for guests to drift onto the terrace, glasses raised.

Monblanc Traiteur opened the weekend with a Japanese Izakaya-inspired welcome dinner by the reflecting pool, then served a formal seated dinner inside the chateau ballroom beneath crystal chandeliers and exposed stone walls. Melissa Wilpotte orchestrated seamless transitions from the meal to dancing, where Molly reappeared in a strapless white mini dress with a customised denim jacket. Sparklers closed the night on the terrace.

Elena Borg of Tepee Sauvage wove seasonal produce, whole artichokes, asparagus bundles, and rustic baguettes, into sculptural floral centerpieces on mirrored checkered tables. Brass candles flickered at varying heights across white linen while Souchon Reception furnished the seating and Events by Laura layered the linens. Ivory Manolo Blahnik slingback heels with brogue detailing and a baroque pearl necklace with a gold initial pendant completed the bridal styling.