A Joyful Vow Renewal at Chateau de Varennes in Burgundy

Anna and Amit's vow renewal at Chateau de Varennes in Burgundy, with garden portraits, globe-lit reception, and intimate ceremony. Planned by Peony Moments. Photos by…

By Elena Moretti | Published 13 March 2023

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Chateau

Chateau de Varennes

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté · Saône-et-Loire

Up to 200 guests

From €19,500 4.8 (76)

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Chateau

Chateau de Varennes

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté · Saône-et-Loire

Up to 200 guests

From €19,500 4.8 (76)

Anna and Amit returned to France to renew their vows at Chateau de Varennes, named by CNN among the top ten best wedding venues worldwide. Their elopement in Burgundy was a joyful continuation of their love story after a rain-touched ceremony in Washington D.C., with Aurelie Bochereau of Peony Moments ensuring every detail reflected the intimacy of their celebration.

Photography

Valery Villard

Venue

Chateau de Varennes, Saône-et-Loire

Region

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France

Couple

Anna & Amit

Getting Ready

A bride is captured during the getting-ready phase, seated at an ornate Louis XV-style marquetry writing desk with gilded bronze mounts, writing what appears to be wedding vows or a letter. She wears a white lace-sleeved bridal robe or short getting-ready outfit, is barefoot, and has long wavy blonde hair worn down. She sits on a clear acrylic ghost chair. The indoor setting is a classically decorated French chateau room featuring cream boiserie wall paneling, a herringbone parquet floor, ivory floor-length curtains, a gold-framed portrait painting of a girl on the wall, a table lamp, a vase of coral-red roses on the desk, and a gold-framed floor mirror leaning against the wall. The shot is a medium-wide portrait taken from behind and to the side, emphasizing both the bride and the period interior. Potential venue feature image.

A getting-ready detail shot of an ivory lace wedding gown hanging on a wooden hanger in front of a tall arched window inside a French chateau-style room. The dress features a fitted silhouette with spaghetti straps, a sweetheart neckline with lace appliqué bodice, and a long cathedral lace train that pools on the herringbone parquet floor. The window is framed by a carved plaster arch with sage green painted woodwork and floor-length cream curtains printed with a gold damask pattern. Natural backlight from the window illuminates the dress. Wide portrait composition.

An ivory lace wedding gown hung on a wooden hanger in front of a tall arched window inside the chateau's bridal suite, the Burgundy light streaming through the glass. Anna prepared in a room of ornate carved stone archways and decorative rosette panels, her soft and modern gown a quiet statement of renewed bridal elegance. White Ted Baker block-heel sandals and simple accessories completed the refined look.

Couple Portraits

A couple portrait taken indoors on a grand marble staircase inside what appears to be a chateau or historic mansion. The bride wears a fitted ivory lace gown with a deep V-neckline and floral appliqué detailing, while the groom is dressed in a navy blue suit with a cream-toned tie; the two are holding hands and looking at each other as they descend the stairs together. The staircase is framed by a carved stone archway with ornate detailing, and a dark green wrought-iron railing is visible to the left, with a large decorative tapestry or painted mural visible on the wall in the background. The composition is a full-length portrait shot through the arch, giving the image a framed, classic feel with a warm, natural light palette. Potential venue feature image.

A couple portrait taken outdoors in front of an ornate chapel or church entrance featuring a carved stone archway with decorative relief work, flanked by stone columns, and large wooden double doors. The groom wears a navy blue suit with a light grey tie and black dress shoes, while the bride wears a fitted lace gown with spaghetti straps, a deep V-neckline, and a long train. She holds a bouquet of white flowers with greenery and has her arm around the groom's shoulder as they look at each other. The composition is a full-length couple portrait with the architectural facade as a prominent backdrop. Potential venue feature image.

A bride and groom share a kiss at an outdoor sweetheart table set within a formal garden, with fairy lights strung overhead and manicured hedges and trees in the background. The round table is dressed with a white linen cloth and a white table runner, topped with a dense centerpiece of white ranunculus, roses, and stock flowers in green foliage, flanked by tall taper candles in gold candlesticks. The bride wears a white gown with a long lace-edged train that pools on the lawn, and the groom is dressed in a navy blue suit; they are seated in gold cane-back chairs. The base of the table and surrounding lawn are decorated with a ground-level floral arrangement of white roses, ranunculus, and greenery, surrounded by numerous white pillar candles in glass hurricane holders, creating a classic, all-white decor palette. Wide portrait shot.

A couple portrait taken indoors at what appears to be a chateau or grand manor, positioned at the base of an ornate marble staircase framed by a carved stone archway with decorative pilasters and floral relief details. The bride wears a fitted ivory lace mermaid-style gown with spaghetti straps, a low open back with button detailing, and a long lace-appliqué train that fans across the tiled floor; she is turned away from camera and looks back over her shoulder. The groom stands behind her with his hands at her waist, wearing a navy blue suit with a patterned gold tie. A large framed painting is visible on the wall at the top of the staircase, and the interior features ornate ironwork balusters and warm stone tones throughout. Full-length couple portrait shot.

Valery Villard and Jino Agnelli followed Anna and Amit through the chateau's manicured gardens, gravel drives, and tree-lined paths, capturing their relaxed connection against the estate's classical stone architecture. The couple explored the grounds hand in hand, each portrait framing the golden Burgundy light and the quiet beauty of the surrounding landscape. Their joyful expressions reflected the freedom of a celebration without schedules or expectations.

Reception

A couple shares their first dance outdoors at night on a garden lawn, surrounded by dozens of lit pillar candles in glass hurricane holders arranged across the grass. The bride wears a fitted ivory lace gown with a flowing skirt, and the groom is dressed in a navy suit. Multiple strands of bistro fairy lights are strung overhead between wooden posts, illuminating a backdrop of dense green climbing vines and a trimmed hedge. A small gold-legged side table with white florals is visible at the left edge of the frame. The wide shot captures the full scene with warm candlelight glowing against the dark night sky, giving the outdoor space a romantic, garden-party atmosphere.

A close-up detail shot of a plated individual dessert being held by a white-gloved server's hand against an outdoor backdrop of blurred white blooms. The dessert is a small round individual cheesecake or mousse with a biscuit base, topped with an amber caramel glaze and three small white meringue peaks. The white plate is decorated with a swirl of golden-yellow sauce, crumbled biscuit, and small white meringue drops. The presentation style is modern and refined, consistent with a formal wedding reception catering service.

A close-up detail shot of a plated wedding reception dinner course being held by a server in a white uniform against an outdoor green background. The white ceramic plate features a blue watercolor-style brushstroke detail and holds a breadcrumb-crusted fish fillet served over a pale purée, accompanied by green beans and white asparagus spears, garnished with a small yellow edible flower and fresh herb micro-greens. The composition is a tight overhead-angled close-up with a shallow depth of field, emphasizing the modern, refined plating style of the catering.

An outdoor reception was set in the manicured garden courtyard of the classical chateau at dusk, with warm globe lights strung beneath the trees. The wedding cake table was positioned beneath the glowing lights, a white-tiered creation surrounded by flickering candles. The evening unfolded with champagne, intimate toasts, and the gentle hum of a Burgundy evening.

More from the Day

A flat lay detail shot of groom's accessories arranged on a marble surface. The composition includes a pair of black Magnanni single monk-strap dress shoes, a white and grey floral-patterned tie, a white rose and baby's breath boutonniere, a dark-faced leather-strap watch, a ring dish holding a wedding band, and scattered cream and yellow orchid blooms with green foliage as decorative styling elements throughout the arrangement.

A flat lay detail shot of bridal accessories arranged on a white marble surface. The composition features a pair of white Ted Baker block-heel sandals with gold toe caps and ankle straps, a bottle of Chanel Chance perfume, and a diamond solitaire engagement ring in a nude ring box, all styled with scattered yellow tropical flowers and small green leaves. The overall palette is white, gold, and soft yellow, giving the arrangement a clean, modern aesthetic.

An outdoor wedding ceremony taking place directly in front of the main entrance doors of a French chateau, with the couple standing before an officiant who is reading from a booklet. The bride wears a fitted lace gown with a train and holds a bouquet of white roses and greenery, while the groom is dressed in a navy blue suit. Large ground-level floral installations of white roses, ranunculus, and trailing greenery frame both sides of the doorway, and the wrought-iron balcony above is heavily decorated with cascading white roses, wisteria, and lush greenery. A small white-clothed table is visible to the left. The composition is a wide portrait shot capturing the full ceremony setup against the chateau facade. Potential venue feature image.

A wide shot of a three-story French château with cream limestone facades, white shuttered windows, a slate mansard roof with decorative finials, and wrought-iron balconies. At the entrance steps, a small wedding ceremony is taking place with three figures visible: a bride in a white fitted gown, a groom in a navy suit, and an officiant in dark attire, all standing beneath a lush floral arch of white blooms and trailing greenery that also decorates the doorway surround. A vintage cream-colored Jaguar sedan is parked to the right of the entrance, and a small table with white linens is positioned to the left. The overall styling is classic and refined with a white and green floral palette. Potential venue feature image.

Aesthetic

IntimateElegant

Guest Count

Budget Range

Bride's Dress

The Wedding Team

Photography

Valery Villard

Photography

Jino Agnelli

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The Venue

The couple chose Chateau de Varennes, a chateau in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.

Premium

Chateau

Chateau de Varennes

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté · Saône-et-Loire

A luxury 18th-century chateau in South Burgundy with family ownership for 400+ years, offering exclusive use for weddings of up to 200 guests with 60 sleeping on-site, featuring an Orangery, on-site chapel, heated pool, and Michelin-star catering.

Up to 200 guests

From €19,500 4.8 (76)