Dream Wedding at Chateau Appony

A Dream Wedding at Chateau Appony: Behind the Lens of a Luxury Wedding Photographer

As a luxury destination wedding photographer and co-owner of Castle Weddings agency, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing some truly remarkable events. But every now and then, a wedding comes along that is nothing short of magical. This al fresco wedding at Chateau Appony was one of those unforgettable experiences.

This dream wedding at Chateau Appony was planned and brought to life in less than a month. What started as a small, intimate ceremony for just the couple and their parents gradually transformed into a fairy tale event. While I’ll share more details in a future blog post, today, I want to offer you a glimpse into this stunning day through my lens.

The groom, Andy Winson, a well-known motivational speaker, and his bride, an event professional herself, presented a unique challenge—they were difficult to surprise. But I believe we succeeded. This non-traditional wedding day began with a brief but meaningful getting-ready session before quickly transitioning into a long, beautiful ceremony. The couple exchanged vows under a beautifully adorned huppah, surrounded by towering trees—an ideal setting for a spiritual and heartfelt ceremony.

As a photographer, I couldn’t have asked for a better backdrop. The natural light filtering through the leaves, the raw emotions on everyone’s faces, and the elegance of the setup all came together to create some truly memorable shots. One of the most striking moments was when the bride arrived on a magnificent white horse, her train trailing over two meters behind her. Both she and Andy wore Versace couture accessories, adding an extra layer of glamour to an already breathtaking scene.

After the ceremony, the celebration began with a joyful round of congratulations, followed by a group photo session. While photographers often hate group shots, I’ve come to enjoy them. They require a certain finesse, but once you’ve mastered the art, they become a rewarding part of the day. Although I don’t often share these personal images, I’ve included a couple here to give you a sense of the atmosphere.

I then took the couple aside for a half-hour bridal portrait session, making the most of the park’s picturesque scenery. Since the wedding took place on July 31st, with temperatures soaring to 33 degrees, I was mindful of saving the newlyweds from the heat inside the chateau. Meanwhile, the other guests moved to the back terrace of the Manor restaurant for the banquet, which continued until 9 p.m.

One delightful surprise came when Andy arranged for an ice cream wagon. It added a playful touch to the cocktail hour, though it kept me on my toes, balancing capturing those moments with capturing stunning details of the al fresco wedding dinner table.

As the sun set, close family members gathered on the first-floor terrace for an intimate al fresco wedding dinner. This terrace overlooked the inner courtyard, the park, and, most notably, the setting sun. Well, it felt like a dream wedding at Chateau Appony.

Photographing the golden hour at Chateau Appony is always a highlight, and this evening was no exception. The scene was pure perfection, albeit in a way that felt unique. As both a photographer and a creative force within Castle Weddings, I knew exactly what would look stunning. We designed the setting with a mirrored table surface adorned with flowers and gold accents, all reflecting the warm hues of the sunset. Candles and crystal chandeliers added to the enchantment as night fell, creating a dinner that was both visually spectacular and deeply romantic—every shot was a dream come true.

After dinner, we all moved indoors for the first dances and the evening’s initial round of dancing. At around 10 p.m., we cut the cake downstairs amidst a cascade of sparklers, creating yet another visually striking moment to capture. The celebration continued well into the night, with dancing and a late-night buffet until 3 a.m.

Which part of this dream wedding at Chateau Appony stood out to you the most? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Also, don’t forget to follow my Instagram for more pictures and stories from behind the lens.

venue: Chateau Appony
wedding planner: Tatiana with Castle Wedding
wedding design: Tatiana with Castle Wedding
bridal dress:
bridal boutique: Cinderella Bride
bridal hairstyle: BeBe Hair
groom’s tux: Lombardi Fashion House
wedding bands: Loretta wedding jewellery
accessories: Versace Couture
horse: NZ Toplčianky
florist: Víno alebo kvety
ice cream van: U Buchtovej
cake: Lollipops
photography: Jan Freire

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