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.
Featured FWS Members
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.
Getting Ready



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 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






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




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






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 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




The Wedding Team
Love this wedding? There are hundreds more.
Real weddings, venue guides, and planning inspiration, in your inbox every month.
The Venue
The couple chose Chateau de Vallery, a chateau in Burgundy / Île-de-France border.
More Real Weddings in Burgundy / Île-de-France border
Discover More
Browse our curated venue collections.
Planning a Destination Wedding in France?
Our complete guide covers everything from choosing a region to the morning-after breakfast.
Read the Complete Guide





