Sonia & Matthieu’s Wedding at Château de Dangu in Normandy

Aug 4

Apollo Fields | normandy france Wedding | New Jersey Wedding Photographers | Best Wedding Photographer | Flemington Wedding Photos

Inside Sonia and Matthieu’s Elegant Wedding at Château de Dangu

This past September, Sonia Autret and Matthieu Autret hosted an intimate yet grand celebration at Château de Dangu, a 19th-century estate nestled in the Normandy countryside. The historic château, known for its aristocratic charm and storied halls, served as the ideal backdrop for a weekend that balanced tradition, elegance, and effortless modernity.

With 82 guests in attendance, the couple curated a celebration that was deeply personal and intentionally pared down—no wedding party, no over-choreographed entrances, just meaningful moments and impeccable taste.

A Ceremony Rooted in Intimacy

The ceremony took place on the grounds of the château, officiated by a close friend of the couple, Olivier Corrizzi. Non-religious and succinct, the exchange of vows lasted just 15 minutes, but carried the emotional weight of a much longer affair. The ceremony concluded with a shower of florals, replacing the more expected sparkler or rice sendoff with something both whimsical and fitting for the setting.

Sonia wore a gown passed down through generations—a family heirloom that had previously been worn by her mother and grandmother—before changing into a modern party dress by Sachin & Babi for the reception. Matthieu wore a tailored suit from Men’s Wearhouse, paired with prized shoes from J.M. Weston, a nod to classic Parisian style.

A Reception in True French Fashion

Following the ceremony, guests transitioned seamlessly into an extended cocktail hour, which unfolded across the château’s terraces and grand entryway. Hors d’œuvres were served as friends and family mingled, posed for spontaneous group photos, and took in the grandeur of the surroundings.

One of the most memorable highlights came early in the evening: a champagne tower ceremony, carried out with just the right blend of theatrical flair and old-world sophistication. It was a visual centerpiece that set the tone for the night—festive, elevated, and distinctly French.

Dinner, Dancing, and an All-Night Celebration

Dinner began around 8:30 PM in the château’s dining room, preceded by a brief round of dancing that doubled as a grand entrance. The meal, served plated, was a refined affair punctuated by wine, laughter, and heartfelt toasts. Dessert came courtesy of Boulangerie Rouget, and the couple opted out of traditional rituals like a bouquet or garter toss in favor of uninterrupted celebration.

Dancing continued well past midnight, with music curated by DJ Alex, and the château’s sprawling interiors played host to an all-night party. As the festivities wound down, a crepe truck arrived to serve breakfast to the guests—an understated but appreciated gesture that encapsulated the hospitality and warmth of the weekend.

A Wedding That Defied Convention, But Embraced Meaning

Sonia and Matthieu’s wedding at Château de Dangu eschewed many traditional trappings in favor of something more intimate, intentional, and enduring. With no formal sendoff, no elaborate decor schemes, and no overly staged moments, their wedding was, at its core, about connection—between families, friends, and each other.

The result was a celebration that felt both timeless and refreshingly contemporary, a perfect reflection of the couple themselves.