Chic Rustic Charm and a Forest Ceremony at Domaine Le Castelet, Occitanie

Gemma kept things personal from the start, her Perla Nova Bridal gown hanging in the stone-walled rooms of the domaine while Aneliz31mua finished a natural, sun-ready makeup look. Flat pointed shoes with oversized satin bows and a sequin-embellished clutch set the tone for a bride who balanced polish with ease. Harry and his groomsmen dressed together in a matching room upstairs, all sharp in black trousers and cream dinner jackets.

The ceremony took place in the estate forest, guests seated on wooden pew-style benches beneath the tree canopy. A wooden arch adorned with soft blue, pink, purple, and white florals framed the couple as a string quartet played. Gemma walked the central aisle in her sleek ivory slip gown, and after heartfelt speeches and personal vows, guests showered the newlyweds in fresh flower petals.

A first look in the gravel courtyard set the mood, Gemma standing in the arched doorway as Harry turned to see her. Sophie Haeusler then moved the couple through the grounds during golden hour, capturing them at the entrance of the manor, walking through open parkland, and seated together on the old metal garden chairs. Gemma also posed solo against the warm exposed stone interior and on the gravel driveway, her gown catching the late light.

Cocktails began on the gravel terrace beneath mature trees, guests cooling off with Aperol and elderflower spritzes in the summer heat. Dinner moved to long wooden farm tables under the canopy, where Wizard Wedding served a burrata starter, slow-cooked beef, and a spectacular croquembouche. Saxophonist SaxTunes played their first dance before the night opened up to dancing under the stars, closing with chocolate and savoury crepes at midnight.

Tweedia Fleuriste arranged mismatched glass bud vases with soft blue, pink, and white stems down the centre of each dark wooden table. Fabric napkins, delicate candles, and hand-written calligraphy place cards kept the styling romantic but unfussy. A cream sinamay fascinator with lace applique appeared among the guest details, adding a touch of English garden charm to the French countryside setting.

Calligraphy place cards on a white ceramic plate, a bouquet of white gypsophila, pointed-toe satin bow shoes, and a sequin clutch were styled together on the old metal garden table. Each detail was kept simple, the textures speaking for themselves against the rustic surfaces of the venue.

Domaine le Castelet sits within private grounds of rolling countryside near Castres, its pale rendered stone walls, grey-blue shutters, and slate roof framing every shot. An aerial view revealed the full scale of the estate, mature trees encircling the manor house with open hills beyond. The forest ceremony space and the tree-shaded terrace gave the day two distinct moods without ever leaving the grounds.