A Summer Wedding at the Chartreuse des Eyres

Real Weddings
Emilie and Aurelien forehead to forehead among the greenery at Chartreuse des Eyres

Thanks to this wedding at the Chartreuse des Eyres, I spent another wonderful day at the start of summer. My couple, Émilie and Aurélien, and their families and friends gave me the warmest of welcomes. Here is the story, in words and pictures, of their beautiful wedding day in Podensac, in Gironde.

The Chartreuse des Eyres: A Wedding Reception Venue

The Chartreuse des Eyres is in the village of Podensac, in Gironde.

Black wrought-iron gate and entrance sign of the Chartreuse des Eyres
Tall trees and a shaded path in the Chartreuse des Eyres grounds
Wooden swing hanging among the bamboo in the Chartreuse grounds
Cherub statue on a pedestal in the Chartreuse des Eyres garden
Facade of the Chartreuse des Eyres and its garden seen from the grounds
Upstairs entrance with crystal chandelier and glazed doors at the Chartreuse

This former wine estate, built in the 18th century, once belonged to the Lillet family. Today its new lady of the house, Valérie Lemonnier, has turned it into a charming guest house for stays and receptions.

Open sheet music on a piano decorated with pampas grass in a lounge
Groom appearing at the end of a hallway through an open door, black and white
Rows of white chairs for the outdoor ceremony in the Chartreuse des Eyres grounds
Outdoor ceremony set up on the lawn facing the Chartreuse facade

Valérie has added a lovely personal touch, blending old and contemporary styles. The tree-filled park is absolutely sublime, and you feel truly at ease there. The Chartreuse des Eyres is a heavenly place for celebrant-led ceremonies: a little haven of peace and happiness.

Bride in a long-trained gown in a bright lounge at the Chartreuse
Bride hugging a little girl in a pink dress on the sofa
Groom and his groomsmen in blue suits beneath the Chartreuse chandelier
Emilie and Aurelien facing their guests during the outdoor ceremony under the trees

A Celebrant-Led Ceremony at the Chartreuse des Eyres

Émilie and Aurélien chose to hold their wedding at the Chartreuse des Eyres because they could have a celebrant-led ceremony there. Of course, they also chose it because they both fell in love with the place. Its charm, its tranquillity, its greenery and the wedding reception service on offer won them over.

Alexandra Ambert of LovelyDay Event during the outdoor ceremony, black and white
Three bridesmaids in pink skirts reading a speech at the lectern
Bride smiling during the ceremony, framed by foliage and draped fabric
Little blonde girl wearing a flower crown during the ceremony

So it was at the heart of the estate, in the shade of the century-old trees, that the two lovebirds said "I do", surrounded by the love and kindness of their family and friends.

Guests seated under palm trees during the outdoor ceremony at Chartreuse des Eyres
Bride and groom cheered by their guests as they leave the ceremony
Groom leaning against a large tree, holding the bride in the grounds
Bride and groom kissing at the foot of a tree in the Chartreuse woods

Émilie and Aurélien: how I met my Chartreuse des Eyres couple

I met these two two years earlier, through a mutual friend who is also a partner in the wedding world: Alexandra Ambert, of her agency LovelyDay Event. Straight away, I sensed a kindness and a sincerity in them that made me want to be part of their story.

Bride laughing in the groom's arms, black and white photo
Bride and groom kissing beside a statue and flower urn in the grounds
Bride and groom smiling at each other beneath the branches at Chartreuse des Eyres
Bride's hand on the back of the groom's neck, seen from behind

Sadly, the lockdowns forced them to postpone their wedding by a year. But happily, it was finally able to take place, to everyone’s delight!

Wooden lemonade cart set up on the shaded lawn in the grounds
Bridesmaids in pink skirts beneath the stone archway at the Chartreuse
Bridesmaids' hands adorned with white flower wrist corsages
Bride and her bridesmaids before the stone archway of the Chartreuse des Eyres

Getting married at the Chartreuse des Eyres in every season

The Chartreuse des Eyres is a remarkable place, for its rich history as well as its lush greenery. If you would like to marry there outside the summer months, you can! That was the case for my November 2019 couple, Iris and Laurent, who celebrated their wedding at the Chartreuse des Eyres in autumn.

Guest taking photos from the outdoor staircase of the Chartreuse des Eyres
Bride and groom embracing beneath the tiled stone archway
Vaulted stone reception room set for the wedding dinner
Centrepiece with a lantern and white roses in the reception room

Émilie and Aurélien’s wedding suppliers

I would like to introduce the wedding professionals the couple chose to be with them on their wedding day at the Chartreuse des Eyres. Thank you all for your excellent work!

My thoughts, straight after the day

"This sunny day, with just a few passing clouds, was ideal for my photographs! And it wasn’t too hot either: a dream!

Bride and groom beneath a hanging pampas and dried palm installation
Seating chart on a white wooden screen with numbered tags
Bride and groom's first dance under pink lights in the vaulted hall
Bride and groom dancing cheek to cheek in front of their guests

The caterer was simply fantastic, with outstanding food and service and unbeatable value for money in our region, according to the newlyweds!

Bride and her friends dancing under red lights at the evening party
Fanny of l'Instant F dancing with guests during the wedding party
Bride and her friends raising their arms on the dance floor

Honestly, I found the service impeccable and warm! The party was a success from start to finish, and sweet, lovely Alice (Émilie and Aurélien’s daughter) would certainly not disagree! She was absolutely adorable all day long."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Chartreuse des Eyres?

In Podensac, in Gironde, south of Bordeaux on the left bank of the Garonne, on the Graves and Sauternes wine route.

Can we hold a celebrant-led ceremony at the Chartreuse des Eyres?

Yes, in the park with its century-old trees; an orangery offers shelter if the weather is uncertain.

Can we get married there outside the summer?

Yes: Iris and Laurent were married there in November 2019; the evening party takes place in a vaulted stone room.

Planning your wedding in France?

As a Bordeaux wedding photographer, I photograph weddings at the Chartreuse des Eyres, south of Bordeaux, and throughout France: see also Iris and Laurent’s wedding at the Chartreuse des Eyres. Discover my wedding collections, or tell me about your day.

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