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All-White Florals and Black Tie at Chateau de Vallery, Burgundy

Yolonda and Craig's black-and-white summer wedding at Chateau de Vallery in Burgundy. 39 photos by Claire Morris Photography with full vendor credits.

By Elena Moretti | Published 22 June 2023

Three white rose walls framed the altar at Chateau de Vallery, a Renaissance-era estate in northern Burgundy where Yolonda and Craig gathered their closest family and friends for a two-day summer celebration. Guests flew in from the United States to join the couple at this destination wedding venue in Burgundy, less than ninety minutes from Paris. With Dream Paris Wedding coordinating every detail, the weekend unfolded across the chateau's formal gardens, stone-vaulted pavilion, and candlelit reception halls.

Photography
Claire Morris Photography
Venue
Chateau de Vallery, Yonne
Region
Burgundy / Île-de-France border, France
Couple
Yolonda & Craig

Getting Ready

This black-and-white portrait captures a getting-ready moment on a wooden deck, where a bride stands looking downward while a second woman in a floor-length fitted dress arranges and lifts the train of the bridal gown. The bride wears a strapless ballgown with a structured floral appliqué bodice and a full layered tulle skirt, her hair styled in loose curls. The background features a geometric lattice or breeze-block wall with a light, bright tone that contrasts against the darker mid-tones of the figures. The composition is a medium full-length shot with moderate depth of field, keeping both women in focus.
A close-up detail shot of a pair of white Stuart Weitzman strappy stiletto heels with ankle buckle closures and nude leather insoles, placed on an antique tapestry-upholstered chair or ottoman featuring a multicolored floral needlepoint pattern in pink, yellow, coral, blue, and ivory tones on a cream background with a gilt border. The shoes are positioned facing the camera, showing the brand name embossed on the insoles. The styling is minimal and classic, with the ornate vintage textile providing a decorative backdrop typical of a French chateau getting-ready setting.
A black-and-white close-up portrait of a groom getting ready, captured from a slightly elevated angle as he buttons his double-breasted tuxedo jacket. He is wearing a black tuxedo with satin peak lapels, a white dress shirt with French cuffs, a black bow tie, and a dark pocket square; a dress watch with a leather strap is visible on his left wrist. The image features strong contrast between the white shirt and dark jacket, with the background softly out of focus. The composition is a tight portrait emphasizing the groom's hands and upper body during a candid getting-ready moment.

Yolonda got ready in one of the chateau's period rooms, its panelled walls and antique tapestry chair providing a fitting backdrop for her off-the-shoulder ball gown with its three-dimensional floral applique bodice. A second woman helped arrange the cathedral-length train across the wooden deck outside. Stuart Weitzman strappy heels sat waiting on a needlepoint ottoman in blush, coral, and ivory tones.


Ceremony

The bride is being escorted down the aisle by an older woman, likely her mother, during an outdoor garden ceremony. The bride wears an off-the-shoulder ivory gown with floral appliqué detailing and a deep V corset bodice, carrying a round bouquet of white roses and peonies. The aisle is lined with low white cube arrangements of white blooms and flanked by tall white pedestal urns topped with large white floral balls, creating an all-white floral decor scheme. Guests seated on teal bistro chairs on either side are dressed in champagne, taupe, and blush tones, while the escorting woman wears a dusty mauve long-sleeve gown with floral embroidery at the shoulders and waist. The shot is a medium wide portrait taken from ground level looking down the aisle toward the couple.
Black-and-white image capturing the first kiss moment during an outdoor wedding ceremony. The bride wears a ball gown with a corset bodice featuring lace-up back detailing, floral appliqué, sheer cape sleeves, and a full tulle skirt; her long dark hair falls in loose waves. The groom wears a dark tuxedo with a bow tie and boutonnière. They are framed by a large rectangular floral wall backdrop densely covered in roses, rendered in bright whites against the dark foliage behind. A stone wall feature with a carved face fountain is visible to the left, suggesting a formal garden or chateau grounds setting. An officiant holding a microphone is partially visible to the right edge of the frame. The composition is a mid-range portrait shot taken from slightly behind and to the side of the couple.
Black-and-white portrait of a bride during the getting-ready phase, seated on the edge of a large bed in an indoor bedroom setting. She wears a long white bridal robe with wide pleated sleeves and a wrap-tie waist, paired with fluffy white open-toe slippers, and her hair is styled in loose curls. The room features an ornate patterned bedspread, a patterned area rug, paneled walls with decorative molding, and a bedside table with a small decorative object and a book visible. The image is a full-length portrait shot with soft, even tones and moderate contrast, capturing a calm, composed moment before the ceremony.
An outdoor wedding ceremony captured in a medium portrait shot, showing a bride and groom exchanging vows while laughing and holding hands, with an officiant standing between them holding a microphone. The ceremony takes place in a formal garden setting with a stone fountain featuring a carved face mask visible to the left and ornamental stone urns to the right. The backdrop is a large freestanding floral wall panel densely covered in white roses. The bride wears a white off-the-shoulder ballgown with a lace-appliquéd corset bodice, sheer long sleeves, and a full tulle skirt, with a cathedral-length veil. The groom wears a black tuxedo with a white boutonniere and black bow tie. A small cluster of white and cream flowers rests on the ground near the couple's feet, and a side table holds additional white and cream floral arrangements. The overall decor palette is white and black with a classic, formal aesthetic.

The outdoor ceremony took place in the formal garden, with rows of green bistro chairs flanking an aisle lined with white hydrangea and rose arrangements in rectangular planters. At the altar, three panels of densely packed white roses formed a wall behind the couple, framed by a carved stone fountain. Yolonda walked down the aisle escorted by her mother, and the couple exchanged vows laughing and holding hands as late afternoon light washed the garden.


Bridal Portraits

Close-up detail shot of a bride holding a tightly gathered round bouquet composed entirely of cream-white roses, wrapped with a sheer white organza ribbon at the stems. The bride is wearing a white long-sleeved gown with three-dimensional floral appliqué detailing on the bodice and sleeves, visible in the upper portion of the frame. The overall color palette is an all-white monochromatic scheme, and the styling is classic and minimal with no greenery or filler flowers in the bouquet.
A close-up detail portrait of a bride from the chin to the lap, highlighting her white ball gown with a sweetheart neckline, structured corset bodice, and long sheer sleeves, all covered in three-dimensional appliquéd leaf and floral embroidery. Her hands are gently folded in her lap, displaying a princess-cut diamond solitaire engagement ring and a French manicure with square-shaped nails. The skirt of the gown is a smooth, voluminous white satin, contrasting with the textured lace sleeves and bodice.
This black-and-white bridal portrait shows a bride standing alone on the lawn of a large French château, photographed from behind. She wears an off-shoulder gown with detached long sleeves, a full cathedral-length train, and a long veil that falls to the ground, both spreading wide across the grass. She holds a round bouquet of what appear to be light-toned flowers, likely peonies or roses. In the background, a formally arranged garden with trimmed hedges is set up for a reception, with candlelight and floral centerpieces visible on tables, and globe lighting accents along the hedgerows. The image is a wide portrait shot with soft mid-tones and gentle contrast, emphasizing the sweep of the gown and veil against the grand classical château façade. Potential venue feature image.
Close-up detail shot of a wedding reception table setting, photographed indoors in a dimly lit room. The table is covered with a white linen cloth and set with silver cutlery, clear wine glasses, and white folded napkins. A handwritten place card reading 'Bride' with gold botanical illustration detailing is positioned on the napkin alongside a single ivory rose stem. The centerpiece consists of multiple floating candles in tall and low cylindrical glass vessels, along with small votive tealight holders scattered across the table, creating warm ambient candlelight. The overall decor palette is white, ivory, and gold with a classic, candle-lit reception style.

The gown's corset-style lace-up back and sheer tulle panels were detailed in black-and-white close-ups that showed every leaf and petal of the applique embroidery. Yolonda's round bouquet of tightly gathered cream-white roses, wrapped in sheer organza ribbon, stayed with her from the ceremony through portraits on the chateau lawns. A wide shot against the three-storey terracotta brick facade showed the full sweep of train and veil spread across the grass.


Couple Portraits

Black-and-white portrait of a bride and groom sharing a kiss while each holding a champagne flute, photographed outdoors with a softly blurred leafy background. The bride wears an off-the-shoulder gown with voluminous puff sleeves and 3D floral lace appliqué detailing, with long wavy hair and stud earrings. The groom is dressed in a dark tuxedo with a bow tie, a rose boutonniere, and a dress watch, with his hand resting on the bride's shoulder. The image is a close-up portrait with high contrast and deep black tones, capturing a classic black-tie aesthetic.
The bride and groom are photographed from behind, walking across a lawn toward a grand French chateau at dusk, both with their arms raised in celebration. The bride wears a white off-shoulder ball gown with floral lace appliqué detailing and sheer puff sleeves, paired with a long white veil and long dark wavy hair; she holds a tightly packed round bouquet of white roses or hydrangeas aloft in one hand. The groom wears a black suit with black trousers and notably red-soled shoes, his right arm raised in the air. In the background, guests mingle on the chateau's formal garden terrace, which is lit with warm candlelight and lanterns against the golden limestone facade of a classic French chateau, with neatly trimmed hedgerows framing the grounds. This is a wide portrait shot capturing a joyful, celebratory moment with a modern classic styling. Potential venue feature image.
A couple portrait taken outdoors in a garden setting, with a stone urn and lush greenery visible in the background. The bride wears an off-the-shoulder white ballgown with sheer, floral appliqué long sleeves, a cathedral-length veil, and her dark hair in loose waves; she is smiling broadly with her eyes closed as the groom nuzzles her cheek. The groom is dressed in a black tuxedo with a black bow tie and a single white rose boutonniere. The composition is a medium portrait shot with the couple centered and the background softly blurred, conveying a classic black-and-white color palette in the styling choices against the garden backdrop.
A couple portrait taken outdoors at a historic château or castle, with the bride and groom walking hand-in-hand along a gravel path toward the camera. A large Gothic-arched stone gateway serves as the backdrop. The groom wears a black double-breasted tuxedo with a bow tie and a white floral boutonniere. The bride wears an off-the-shoulder white ballgown with a sheer lace-appliquéd bodice featuring floral detailing, voluminous tulle skirt, and sheer puff sleeves; she carries a bouquet of white peonies or ranunculus. The styling is classic and formal. The shot is a full-length portrait with the archway centered in soft focus behind the couple.

Claire Morris Photography captured the couple walking hand-in-hand through the chateau's Gothic-arched stone gateway, Yolonda's tulle skirt and cathedral veil catching the breeze. One frame shows them raising champagne flutes in a black-and-white kiss beneath the trees. Another catches them from behind, arms raised in celebration, walking across the lawn toward the lit terrace as evening fell.


Reception

This black-and-white image captures a toast during a wedding reception, with the bride and groom seated at the head table raising champagne glasses alongside several guests. The bride wears a strapless gown with floral appliqué and sheer puff sleeves, while the groom is dressed in a white dinner jacket with a black bow tie. In the background, a woman in a light-colored long-sleeve gown stands holding a microphone and a phone, appearing to deliver a speech in front of a large white floral installation composed of oversized blooms arranged in a circular arch. The table in the foreground is set with floating candle centerpieces and glassware, and the venue features a decorative trellis backdrop with trailing branches, suggesting an outdoor or covered terrace setting. The image is a medium wide shot with high contrast and bright highlights on the glassware and floral backdrop.
An outdoor evening reception table setup photographed at dusk under a stone-vaulted pavilion with an ornate gold leaf-motif chandelier overhead. A long rectangular dining table is dressed in a white linen tablecloth and lined with black wrought-iron cane-back chairs with tan upholstered seats. The table is set with crystal wine glasses and rows of floating candles in tall glass holders creating warm, low candlelight along the entire length. At the far end of the table, two tall white pedestal vases hold large dome-shaped arrangements of white roses and white hydrangeas. Behind the floral arrangements, a circular arch frames a view of an open-air fire pit burning in the background garden. The overall decor palette is white and gold with a classic, formal style. Wide establishing shot.
A couple portrait taken outdoors on the grounds of a French chateau, with the warm-toned pink and cream stone facade of a classic French manor house visible and softly out of focus in the background. The bride wears an off-shoulder white tulle ball gown with 3D floral appliqué detailing, a corset bodice, and detachable sheer puff sleeves, and carries a round bouquet of white peonies or ranunculus; the groom wears a black tuxedo with a black bow tie and a white floral boutonniere. The couple stands hand-in-hand on a lawn, the bride looking up at the groom with a smile while he looks down at her. The composition is a medium full-length portrait shot with trimmed hedgerows and warm string lights faintly visible in the background, suggesting an evening reception setting. Potential venue feature image.
Close-up detail shot of a wedding reception decor element: a warm white neon sign displaying the initials 'Y & C' in cursive script, mounted against a floor-to-ceiling flower wall composed of densely packed ivory and soft yellow roses and hydrangeas. The neon light casts a warm golden glow on the surrounding blooms, creating a gradient effect from bright yellow-white at the center to cooler ivory and cream tones at the edges. The flower wall appears to use a mix of roses in varying stages of bloom alongside hydrangea clusters, all in a tonal white-to-butter-yellow palette, consistent with a modern classic or contemporary wedding styling approach.

Dinner was set under a covered iron-framed pavilion with a crystal chandelier overhead, the long banquet table dressed in white linen and lined with rows of floating candles in glass cylinders casting warm amber light. Craig changed into an ivory dinner jacket for the evening, and the couple cut a three-tier white fondant cake decorated with cascading sugar flowers and ruffled petals. A 'Y & C' neon sign glowed warm gold against a floor-to-ceiling flower wall of ivory and butter-yellow roses and hydrangeas.


Design and Details

A close-up detail shot of groom's accessories arranged on a worn wooden surface. A rose gold Cartier wedding band sits inside its open red Cartier box with black velvet interior, positioned next to an IWC Portugieser Chronograph automatic watch featuring a white dial, gold-tone case, and brown crocodile-embossed leather strap. The warm, dark wooden background creates a rich contrast against the red box and metallic accessories.
Close-up detail shot of two wedding bands placed side by side on a floral tapestry or embroidered fabric featuring coral, peach, and sage green botanical motifs on a cream background. The wider band is a rose gold Cartier Love ring with the signature screw detailing along its edge, while the second is a narrower white gold or platinum band fully set with pavé diamonds. The rings are leaning slightly against each other, styled without a ring box or pillow.
Close-up detail shot of a traditional French wedding croquembouche — a tall conical tower of caramel-glazed choux puffs — displayed on a white nougat or sugar base set on two small bamboo wooden blocks. The profiteroles are a deep amber-brown from the caramel coating, with small white sugar flower accents visible at intervals along the tower. The dessert is placed on a marble-effect surface, with a silver champagne ice bucket partially visible to the right and a stone pedestal bearing a dark decorative urn in the background. The backdrop wall is lit with a vivid magenta/hot pink wash of uplighting, creating a bold, festive atmosphere.
A close-up detail shot of a frosted acrylic wedding welcome sign reading 'Welcome to our Wedding – Yolonda & Craig' in white calligraphy script, displayed on a white wooden easel outdoors on a lawn. The sign is decorated with trailing green foliage — ruscus or similar leafy greenery — draped along the bottom and top of the easel. In the background, a medieval stone chateau tower and a white-draped cocktail table are softly out of focus. The overall decor palette is white and green with a clean, classic styling approach. Potential venue feature image.

A Cartier Love ring in rose gold sat beside a pave diamond band on floral tapestry fabric, and Craig's IWC Portugieser watch rested on worn wood nearby. The welcome sign in frosted acrylic read 'Welcome to our Wedding' in white calligraphy, displayed on a white easel draped with ruscus greenery. A traditional croquembouche tower of caramel-glazed choux puffs stood on a nougat base, lit by vivid magenta uplighting that shifted the mood from classic to festive.


More from the Day

A wide shot of the rear facade of a large French chateau featuring cream stone and terracotta brick detailing, mansard roofing, and classical architectural ornamentation including arched windows and sculpted pediments. The chateau grounds are being set up for an outdoor cocktail hour, with white cocktail tables draped in white linen, seated reception tables with white chair covers, and lanterns placed along the terrace. White floral arrangements, including a large white bloom cluster visible on the right, are positioned throughout the setup. One staff member in a dark suit is visible attending to the bar area, and a second person stands near the chateau entrance. The decor palette is white and ivory with a classic, formal styling theme. Potential venue feature image.
An outdoor cocktail hour or reception taking place in the formal garden grounds of a French baroque-style chateau, photographed at dusk from a wide-angle, elevated perspective. The chateau features red brick and cream stone facade with a slate mansard roof, and its exterior is warmly lit by uplighting. Approximately 20–25 guests are gathered around white-clothed cocktail tables and seated arrangements between manicured box hedgerows, with tall torch-style flame lights positioned throughout the garden space. Guests are dressed in formal attire including suits and occasion wear in neutral and muted tones. The composition is taken from behind a gap in the trimmed hedges, framing the chateau and event in the background. Potential venue feature image.
An outdoor wedding ceremony setup photographed before guests arrive, shot from a wide angle at the entrance of the aisle. The ceremony space is set within a formal garden featuring a central stone water channel running down the middle of the lawn, flanked by two rows of dark green metal folding chairs arranged in a curved layout. The aisle is lined with white floral arrangements — large bunches of white roses and hydrangeas — displayed in white rectangular planters. At the entrance, two oversized white urn pedestals hold large spherical arrangements of white roses and hydrangeas. The altar backdrop consists of three white flower walls composed of densely packed white roses, framing a classical stone fountain with a sculpted face mask, set against a neatly trimmed tall hedge. Two additional white floral topiary arrangements on white pedestal urns flank the altar area. The overall decor palette is entirely white against deep green, creating a classic formal style. Potential venue feature image.
A flat lay detail shot of a wedding stationery suite for Yolonda and Craig, arranged on a warm beige stone surface. The suite includes a square invitation card, a wedding timeline card, and a tall narrow ceremony program, all printed on white paper with dark grey serif typography and copper-toned botanical line-art illustrations of roses. Scattered around the stationery are several loose ivory garden roses and small white lisianthus blooms, along with an envelope bearing two decorative postage stamps. The overall palette is white, copper, and charcoal, giving the suite a classic, refined look.
Aesthetic
Elegant, Destination, Classic
Guest Count
-
Budget Range
-
Bride's Dress
-

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The couple chose Chateau de Vallery, a chateau in Burgundy / Île-de-France border.

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