Though quite the tragic drama, Atonement, the 2007 film based on Ian McEwan’s book of the same name, is exceptionally beautiful and majestic. Inspired by the film’s chateau in the english countryside and the 1930s setting, we can’t help but dream up how this could transcend into a wedding of elegant, timeworn magnificence.

First and foremost, the house: lavish, almost painterly, and needs no additional dressing. The Chiddingstone Castle in England or even the Swan House in Atlanta could serve as the perfect venue. A soft and delicate wedding gown and veil trailed by several delightful flower girls and pages—a gentle nod to Cecilia’s exquisite emerald green gown and Briony’s playful white dresses. In the dinner marquee—delphiniums and sweet-scented white stock fill Edwardian-style urns, while champagne, moroccan mint tea, and petite cakes are served all abound and revelry continuing until dawn. As the night grows darker, fireworks are timed to the beat of a string quartet, signaling the end to a magical, cinematic affair. One can dream.

Image One // {stairway, Briony, green gown, chateau}

Image Two // {chateau, photo by Kevin Tachman; invitation, photo by Rylee Hitchner;  floral arrangement, photo by Darren Setlow; table setting, photo by Samuel Lippke; bride and flower girls, photo by Robert Fairer; tents, photo by Kevin Tachman}