Caroline and Giovanni's Wedding at Château Pape Clément
Château Pape Clément hosted Caroline and Cyril’s wedding reception on Saturday 20 July. In the vineyards of this famous, romantic château in Pessac, the couple took me along for their whole wedding weekend! On the programme: joy, lots of joy, and a party atmosphere!
Château Pape Clément has not hosted weddings since 2025: this is the story of a wedding I had the joy of photographing there. More of those days are gathered on my Château Pape Clément wedding photos page.
Meeting the Bride and Groom from Bordeaux
The couple chose me as their wedding photographer in Bordeaux after a shopkeeper in the Caudéran district of Bordeaux told Caroline about me. Of course, I was very touched: it is always lovely to know that people speak well of my work as a professional wedding photographer.
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When I met the bride-to-be for the first time, before the wedding, I was won over by her gentleness and her smile. I immediately sensed in Caroline a lovely person, full of kindness, goodness and intelligence. Her testimonial about my work as a photographer in Bordeaux still moves me deeply.
A few days later, I met Cyril. At his express request, his family and friends call him "Giovanni", because of his Italian roots. To say the least, Giovanni is Italian in heart and soul, and very proud of his origins. He is outgoing and loves taking the time to listen to the people close to him.
Getting Ready at Château Pape Clément
On the wedding day, the couple chose to get ready at this famous Gironde reception venue, Château Pape Clément. Then they set off for the Basilica of Saint-Seurin to celebrate their religious wedding.
After a few atmosphere shots of their preparations and the bride’s hair and make-up, we headed to the Saint-Seurin district in the centre of Bordeaux for the wedding ceremony. They did not want a celebrant-led ceremony.
I had never photographed a wedding in this church before. Thanks to the couple, I was able to enjoy this new experience. I found it truly magnificent, inside and out, with a beautiful restoration.
The Wedding Party at Château Pape Clément
Château Pape Clément owes its worldwide fame to its great wines, which the château produces itself.
It is also much admired for its beautiful architecture and its welcome. Every corner of the château is a wonder, and worth photographing. Its location in Pessac, close to Bordeaux, made it a wonderful place for a wedding and for welcoming guests.
Caroline and Giovanni had booked the Pavillon du Prélat for the cocktail hour. But it was so hot on that July day that in the end the cocktail hour was held outside, in front of the pavilion. The reception hall, called the Orangeraie, welcomed the newlyweds and their guests for dinner and the evening party.
Safe to say, we were all spoilt for atmosphere!
Just before the couple’s first dance, Giovanni’s brother, a rapper, performed a fiery solo that launched the dancing in style! I loved capturing such unique moments.
They knew how to party and have fun, with joy and good humour. In fact, I have rarely seen so many happy people at a wedding. I could feel how glad the guests were to be there.
A little anecdote
I will end this article with a little anecdote: Caroline and Giovanni have become my neighbours! They fell in love with my neighbourhood, and had the opportunity to buy their house after the wedding, to start their life together in the loveliest of ways, and perhaps more to come.
Caroline and Giovanni’s wedding suppliers
- Venue: Château Pape Clément
- Wedding dress: Gwanni
- Suit: Samson sur Mesure
- Flowers: Lyne Clover
- Hair: Scoothair
- Singer: Florence Godard
- Violinist: Dorra Saadi
- Caterer: Lacoste Traiteur
- DJ: Sir Tango
Questions About This Wedding
Does Château Pape Clément still host weddings?
No, not since 2025. This article tells the story of a wedding I photographed there; you will find others on my Château Pape Clément page.
Where did Caroline and Giovanni get married?
They had a civil ceremony at Bordeaux town hall, then a religious ceremony at the Basilica of Saint-Seurin, in the centre of Bordeaux, before their reception at Château Pape Clément, in Pessac.
Where were the cocktail hour and the evening held?
The cocktail hour, planned at the Pavillon du Prélat, was held outdoors in front of the pavilion because of the heat; dinner and the party took place in the Orangeraie.
Planning your wedding in France?
As a Bordeaux wedding photographer, I photograph weddings across the Gironde and France, in châteaux, churches and town halls; drone photos are included in my wedding collections. Discover my wedding collections, or tell me about your day.
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