A Château du Grand-Lucé Engagement Session

Kristen Bowen Photography, Destination Wedding Photographer, Chateau Du Grand-Luce, Engagement Session, Destination Engagement Session

There are few places in the world that capture romance quite like Château du Grand-Lucé. Nestled in the Loire Valley, this 18th-century French estate offered the perfect setting for an effortlessly elegant engagement session — filled with soft light, tender laughter, and the timeless beauty that defines French countryside romance.

Captured on film by Kristen Bowen Photography, this session is a study in love, light, and luxury.

A Love Story in the Loire Valley

Under the gentle spring sun, the couple strolled the tree-lined paths of Château du Grand-Lucé, where every turn felt like a painting come to life. Her gown — a modern take on floral embroidery — echoed the gardens in bloom, while his soft beige suit added an understated sophistication to the day. Together, they embodied that effortless, Parisian kind of love — natural, joyful, and beautifully timeless.

Kristen Bowen Photography, Destination Engagement Photographer, Chateau Du Grand-Luce
Kristen Bowen Photography, Destination Photographer, Engagement Session, Chateau Du Grand-Luce

A walk beneath the tree-lined paths of Château du Grand-Lucé.

Kristen Bowen Photography, Destination Engagement Photographer, Chateau Du Grand-Luce
Kristen Bowen Photography, Destination Photographer, Engagement Session, Chateau Du Grand-Luce
Kristen Bowen Photography, Destination Photographer, Engagement Session, Chateau Du Grand-Luce

A floral gown inspired by the estate gardens.

Kristen Bowen Photography, Destination Photographer, Engagement Session, Chateau Du Grand-Luce

A Picnic Among the Petals

With a basket filled with fresh baguettes, strawberries, and soft French cheese, they paused for a quiet moment together beneath the trees. It was simple, poetic, and full of ease — the kind of moment that defines what I love most about photographing destination engagements. Every detail, from the Dior scarf to the soft blooms of lily of the valley, told a story of understated elegance and connection.

Kristen Bowen Photography, Destination Wedding Photographer, Château du Grand-Lucé engagement, France engagement session, French château engagement photos, Loire Valley engagement photography, fine art wedding photographer
Kristen Bowen Photography, Destination Wedding Photographer, Château du Grand-Lucé engagement, France engagement session, French château engagement photos, Loire Valley engagement photography, fine art wedding photographer
Kristen Bowen Photography, Destination Wedding Photographer, Château du Grand-Lucé engagement, France engagement session, French château engagement photos, Loire Valley engagement photography, fine art wedding photographer
Kristen Bowen Photography, Destination Wedding Photographer, Château du Grand-Lucé engagement, France engagement session, French château engagement photos, Loire Valley engagement photography, fine art wedding photographer
Kristen Bowen Photography, Destination Wedding Photographer, Château du Grand-Lucé engagement, France engagement session, French château engagement photos, Loire Valley engagement photography, fine art wedding photographer
Kristen Bowen Photography, Destination Wedding Photographer, Château du Grand-Lucé engagement, France engagement session, French château engagement photos, Loire Valley engagement photography, fine art wedding photographer
Kristen Bowen Photography, Destination Wedding Photographer, Château du Grand-Lucé engagement, France engagement session, French château engagement photos, Loire Valley engagement photography, fine art wedding photographer
Kristen Bowen Photography, Destination Wedding Photographer, Château du Grand-Lucé engagement, France engagement session, French château engagement photos, Loire Valley engagement photography, fine art wedding photographer

Captured with Intention

As a Destination Wedding Photographer, I’m endlessly inspired by sessions like this — where architecture, nature, and emotion meet in perfect harmony. The grandeur of Château du Grand-Lucé paired with the intimacy of quiet moments creates an atmosphere that feels cinematic yet deeply personal. It’s the kind of love story that belongs in both memory and art.

Vendor List

Host Photographer: Molly Carr Photography @mollycarrphotography

Photographer: Kristen Bowen Photographer @kristenbowenphotography

Designer / Florist: Rachael Ellen Events @rachaelellenevents  

Venue: Chateau Du Grand=Luce @chateaudugrandluce

Hair and Make up: Jen Lagers @jenlagersbeauty

Bride’s Fashion: Alexandra Pijut @alexandrapijut

Groom’s Fashion: Rives Paris @rives_paris

Napkins: Reverie Social @reverie_social

Surfaces: Chasing Stone @chasingstone