Vintage-Inspired Wedding at Château de Santeny

A bride and groom stand together in front of a floral arch, outside a grand building with empty chairs arranged for a wedding ceremony.

Vintage-Inspired Wedding at Château de Santeny

August 5, 2025
Words by Kinsley Brown
Photos courtesy of The Hulls

In the peaceful French countryside just outside Paris lies Château de Santeny, a 19th-century estate that seems to have leapt straight from the pages of a fairytale. It was here, amid the manicured gardens and timeless architecture, that AMV Weddings hosted a dreamy styled shoot as part of their AMV Retreats workshop—brought to life through an elegant vintage-inspired wedding vision that captured the romance and grandeur of a luxurious French celebration.

A collage shows bridal accessories and shoes, a bride adjusting her earring while holding flowers, and an outdoor wedding ceremony setup in front of an elegant building decorated with floral arrangements. Flat lay of elegant wedding invitations, RSVP cards, envelopes, and name cards arranged with figs, grapes, a pear, and black flowers on a textured light pink background.

Hilary and Randy of The Hulls were behind the lens and described the château as their guiding light for the creative direction. “The inspiration was inspired by the Château de Santeny itself, with its blend of historic charm and luxurious feel,” they shared. “The 19th-century château was the perfect background for the intimate ceremony space.”

A bride in a white gown stands on stone steps beside a historic building; floral arch and arrangements with pink and cream flowers are seen in adjacent images. A couple poses outside a grand building with floral arrangements; close-ups show their faces, bouquet, and the bride’s engagement ring.

A Ceremony Steeped in Romance

With the château’s stately façade as the altar, the ceremony space was nothing short of regal. The floral installation—designed by Les Herbes Folles—was a lush cascade of pinks, deep purples, and greenery that created an ethereal frame around the couple. “The florals added a romantic and dramatic feel,” the photographers explained. “It created that luxurious feeling of being married at a French château.”

The bride wore a flowing Reem Acra gown paired with a stunning Galia Lahav veil, adding couture-level sophistication to the vintage setting.

A couple celebrates their wedding at a large stone chateau, with floral decorations and close-up of pink flowers and berries. Collage of wedding photos featuring a couple posing and embracing in front of a flower-adorned building, with guests seated outdoors and floral decorations visible.

A Reception Dripping in Detail

Set indoors beneath grand arches, the reception design leaned into soft lighting, rich textures, and a palette that blended light pinks, deep purples, and moody blues. Candlelight lined the tables, casting a warm glow over elegant place settings, romantic florals, and plush linens by Nuage Designs.

Elegant dining table set for an event in a lavish, ornate room with white walls, decorative molding, and a large mirror reflecting the scene. A couple in formal attire poses in an elegant, white-paneled room with ornate decor and a table set with candles, flowers, and fine tableware.

“The candles were lit and lined the table for a cozy and inviting feeling,” said Hilary and Randy. Every detail was thoughtfully curated, from the refined stationery by Laura Elizabeth Patrick to the vintage-style rentals by Options.

A three-tiered blush wedding cake, a formal dining table with white chairs and floral centerpieces, and a couple standing by the cake in an elegant, light-filled room. Top: A group of people raise glasses at a long, elegant dining table. Bottom: A bride and groom sit closely together, smiling, in a decorated reception setting.

Elegant table setting with white plates, pearl-edged charger, purple napkin, place card, wine glasses, floral arrangements, and twisted pink candles on a light patterned tablecloth.

The Photographers’ Favorite Moment

“I personally loved the property inside and out,” Hilary shared. “There were so many details—like the beautiful staircase, checkered flooring in the entry, and the arches within the reception space. When you stepped outside, it felt like a private oasis on the French countryside.”

A round table with elegant white cakes and pastries stands in a softly lit, ornate room with cream-colored walls, large mirrors, and gold sconces.

Whether you’re planning a destination wedding in France or simply dreaming of château-style elegance, this styled shoot proves that romance and refinement are always in season.

Vendors: Venue: Château de Santeny; Workshop Host: AMV Retreats; Photography: The Hulls; Planning, Styling & Design: AMV Weddings; Florist: Les Herbes Folles; Cake: Erzulie Cakes; Furniture Rentals: Options; Linens: Nuage Designs; Stationery: Laura Elizabeth Patrick; Hair: Hair by Duboux; Makeup: Tara Sanger Makeup; Ceremony Gown: Reem Acra; Ceremony Veil: Galia Lahav; Accessories: Eden Luxe Bridal; Shoes: Kate Whitcomb Shoes; Reception Gown: Berta; Styling Mats: April & Mike Raymond; Flat Lay Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes; Flat Lay Accessories: Megan Therese Couture; Ring Boxes: The Styling Reserve; Flat Lay Styling: Amy Mulder Photography