EMILY & CHRIS - JERSEY - 3 DAY WEDDING
A question I am sometimes asked at weddings is, “which is the best wedding you have ever been to?”
I have never been able to answer that question. Until now. Because it’s this one.
I went to shoot a wedding and fell in love with an entire island. (More about that shortly).
What makes a wedding great?
5 key factors; The Couple, The Venue/Location, The Planning (and execution of that plan), The Suppliers and the fact that if I don’t want it to end, you done good.
Let’s start with some of the key players because ultimately, above all other factors, it’s the people involved…
But just prior to that, if you are looking at this on your phone, do yourselves a favour and switch to an iPad or laptop. Or at least turn your phone sideways!
^ THE BRIDE & GROOM ^
We are going to be seeing quite a bit of them as after all, along with the island, they are the stars of this particular show.
Simon, you have completely blown Chris and I away!
That video and all the pictures have had us crying and laughing- they are so beautiful- and we look so happy!
You have captured “us” completely and everything we are about. Thank you.
We are so grateful you travelled over, and are so pleased you loved the island as much as we do
💕💕
^ THE CELEBRANT, LOCATION & MARQUEE ^
(He used to be in TV series Bergerac and those marquees we are going to be seeing quite a bit of, came from Vibert Marquees Ltd)
^ THE FINANCIAL PEOPLE BEHIND THE FUNDING OF THIS PROJECT ^
AKA ‘The Parents’
^ TRANSPORT & CATERING ^
2CV cars from Emily’s godmother Helen, plus Chef Will Gorman and his team
^ THE MUSOS ^
Jonah’s Lift, one of the craziest dance floor fillers you are ever likely to meet and for the ceremony, unpaid bridesmaid Lucie.
^ THE FACILITATORS ^
And last but not least, without these two, I wouldn’t have been there, ie, if I hadn’t pulled off a half-decent job at their own wedding last year, I’d never have got this gig. Best Man Ben and Maid of Honour Daisy, - I had the pleasure of capturing their wedding last year where I met at least 20+ of the characters that will appear in this post including Daisy’s bridesmaid, Emily and Ben’s best man, Chris, our B&G of the moment. Thanks Daisy & Ben. Love you.
***
POSTCARDS OF JERSEY
For my American readers, this is the island of Jersey, or to be precise, The Bailiwick of Jersey, the largest of a small self-governing island group off the coast of Brittany, Northern France (and not ‘the state next door to New York’!)
As I mentioned above, I went for a wedding, but fell in love with an island. As a Brit, I’ve always been aware of The Channel Islands and have never really given them any more thought beyond the fact that I am aware they exist. Until Emily contacted me a couple of weeks after Daisy & Ben’s wedding with these exact words:
“We watched your video of Daisy and Ben’s wedding last night, and seen your photos. They are incredible. Daisy said you would potentially be available to come to Jersey for our wedding next year. We are planning to get married on the 24th August. Do you know if you’d be available?”
I was and it led to this point.
I’m not big on researching destinations and venues, - I want to discover them fresh and live as it were, rather than seeing what someone else did. I don’t look at what other photographers did at any new (to me) venue and I didn’t really look too hard at Jersey other than where stuff was going to take place. And knowing it was ‘quite pretty’.
Ha, ‘quite pretty’. It’s where I’d choose to live other than, ‘have an income of £1,250,000 per annum, and have personal wealth of £10,000,000 in assets. It is also required to have a residential property worth at least £1,750,000’. Slightly beyond my means…
I’m not going to bombard this post with every picture I took around the island, mostly the coast, over a couple of days, but below, a selection as a slideshow.
WEDDING FILM
Basically ALL my clients book me for BOTH photography AND video. Emily & Chris were no exception.
Below is their Wedding/Event Film that encapsulates all 3 days that I shared with them.
SWITCHING BACK TO PICTURES
Below, there is now an extensive set of pictures that ‘summarise’ this wedding. This was an extremely difficult task as there were so many…
Most weddings produce ‘a lot’ and some more than others, but this one took records to a new level and I am not a photographer that just as the industry saying goes, ‘sprays and prays’, ie, just shoots as much as possible for the sake of doing so and then after the fact, looks at what they can pull from the available material.
Instead, I shoot with intent. The big picture, the smallest detail, everything in between including the intimate, the fun, the moments, - the bits between the stuff.
Culling that to a manageable level for the client is always a hard task. Culling it for a post, harder still and this one was my hardest to date.
So without any further waffle from me, I have split this wedding into 3 galleries below:
The Day Prior (set up and ceremony rehearsal)
Wedding Day
Day After Beach Party
So to start, THE DAY PRIOR
There was no ‘Welcome Party’ as pretty much all my France based weddings have but instead, due to the massive friends & family DIY input into this wedding, a set up day including ceremony rehearsal. Plus I got the drone out and managed to capture my absolute favourite colour, - this blueish emerald green.
WEDDING DAY
Now if the weather had just stayed like it was yesterday/above…well the wedding day itself would not have produced the same set of results that it did.
This is neither a good nor a bad thing, but just ‘is’. We can plan and organise pretty much anything and everything except the weather and we got what might be called a ‘mixed day’.
It started off with relentless rain. Throughout bride prep at an AirB&B, it rained and it rained and it rained and it looked like it would never stop. But stop it did, approx 20-30 minutes prior to the ceremony and there were then brief periods of sunshine throughout the afternoon. It was a tad windy however and borderline weather for flying the drone, but managed it. Just.
Other than that, as always, the results below tell a far better story than my words can, but a couple of other mentions at this time and these are:
Hair = Bleue at Hair Central
Rings = Cleave & Co
Dress = Madi Lane
Light & Sound = Blue Elephant
Furniture = Events @ The Workshop
Otherwise, on with the wedding day below…
THE DAY AFTER
And as with all weddings, at some point, there has to be a conclusion.
This one ‘ended’ with a fun BYO BBQ on the beach at Saint Brelade’s Bay.
One of the strongest memories of my childhood, are those quintessential coastal holidays in seaside towns. Buckets and spades on the beach. Actual sand and in your sandwiches. Ice cream. Fish & chips. Gulls. Mixed weather. Striped deck chairs and windbreaks.
Add into that mix, 50+ friends & family and a BBQ and the perfect end to a perfect wedding weekend.
Just wow. Loved every minute. Including being stuck in the marquee field overnight due to the rain that morning. But that’s when having a motorhome/RV comes in handy…
But as above, just wow x 1000%. This is the kind of wedding I exist for.
GEORGIE & JACK - CHATEAU DE JUMILHAC - 3 DAY WEDDING
“SIMON!!! I got home late from a hen do and have worked to prep my case tomorrow until late (yes life is not as glam as it was a few weeks ago) so we treated ourselves to watching the video only tonight. What can we say - we laughed, we cried, we gasped... it’s perfection! You have captured it STUNNINGLY. Not enough superlatives to explain how amazing it is!”
Georgie
*
“I know Georgie has already sent a thank you but I wanted to send another one from myself.
The video and the pictures that you sent through are fantastic! We absolutely love them and you did such an amazing job catching the whole weekend! Thank you so so much for your time taken to be there, your time taken to edit and the unbelievable skills that you have with your cameras! We will most certainly be keeping you on speed dial for our next party whenever & wherever that may be!
Thank you once again and all the best!”
Jack
DAY 01
(Ceremony rehearsal and BBQ)
One of my favourite types of wedding is the ‘home wedding’ and whilst this one could not be exactly described as that, it could be classified as a ‘destination holiday home wedding’. Sort of… as in bit’s of it (the day prior specifically) took place at bride Georgie’s parents holiday home in SW France. And then on the Sunday, a brunch lakeside event on the edge of the village, but we will get to that later…
Day 01 started with a rehearsal at this modest, quaint, DISNEY FAIRYTALE CASTLE, Chateau de Jumilhac. Pretty much most weddings I attend in France are at a ‘chateau’ but few are truly worthy of that name as it directly translates into English as ‘castle’ and this IS the kind of thing we think of when we think castle/chateau. Rather than a big house with lot’s of windows.
Anyway, fun rehearsal and as I will repeat until my career is one day over (a long time off, though according to one recent rumour put about, I have retired. Ha! Not happening whoever put that one out there, but I digress), having a rehearsal is pretty essential if you want your ceremony to not be an utter disaster. And I have been to a few and guess what they all had in common? Correct, no rehearsal.
Moving on, in both senses, it was then off to Georgie’s parents for a family BBQ. The usual thing, a lot of smoke, some slightly burned stuff, a few drinks and in this case, an early night for all.
This was a Marry Me In France wedding planned by Kate’s Weddings.
WEDDING DAY PREP
On to the wedding day itself. As always we begin with a weather forecast and Meteo Pessimiste suggested as it does for over 50% of Saturday’s in SW France in the late Spring and Summer, that there was a strong chance of a storm later on. Approx 9/10, that never happens and sure enough, Sunny and moderately hot all day.
Jack and the boys and his family all got ready just down the road from Georgie’s parents before shooting off to lunch somewhere and I then headed off to Georgie and the girls.
With the boys it’s generally quite simple; the hunt for a working iron, the search for the missing cufflinks, a couple of beers, get dressed.
The girls provide a bit more material and over at Georgie’s parents, it was also a minimal stress, fairly relaxed affair with hair & make up by Olga.
Something of note and that is Georgie had written cards for all the girls and her parents which was a really nice touch.
CEREMONY
A couple of aerial shots to set the scene visually and then the main event itself, the ceremony conducted by the bride’s older sister Gemma, doubling as both celebrant and bridesmaid (costume change later).
The ceremony took place on the edge of the rose garden and despite there being absolutely zero shade, fortunately, it was not that hot a day, peaking around the mid 20’s.
Florals here by Jenny Fairbanks and stunning as always.
CONFETTI & CHAMPAGNE TOWER
I don’t really need to use too many words here, - confetti and champagne tower is sufficient!
DRINKS RECEPTION
A big horse and a small pony were the stars of the show here and the big horse had been handing out orders of service prior to the ceremony (even without hands) and small pony was now ‘handing’ out bottles of beer from his/her/their set of paniers.
Laura Springham fiddled away and it all mostly took place under the shade of a huge tree.
Canapes (and catering later) by The Event Kitchen.
THE NEW MR & MRS LANGMEAD
10-15 minutes is all it takes, but we can go for longer if time permits and you wish, - it’s up to you.
OUTDOOR SPEECHES
Back under the tree for this or folks would have suffered in the sun.
Speeches were split into 2 blocks of 2 pairs, with the bride and her father going first outdoors and then Jack and his best man, later on indoors.
DECOR, ENTRANCE, SERVICE
A pretty spectacular dining room welcomed guests for the wedding ‘breakfast’ with the guests entering to ‘Be Our Guest’, ie, Georgie’s playful nod to the ‘Fairytale Castle’.
INDOOR SPEECHES
Second round of speeches and speeches done well which is they didn’t go on forever which if you are also a videographer, is very welcome ;)
EVENING
Cake and sparklers with Espresso Martini’s served on the walkway before first dance and music by Bright Lights brought the wedding day to its conclusion. But we are not done just yet…
THE DAY AFTER
The sign says it all really, - Sunday Lake Brunch.
A mobile crepe van provided the brunch and the promised rain did not actually appear, at least not whilst I was there.
To conclude, an enormous thank you to Georgie & Jack for first choosing me and then trusting me to capture their wedding weekend. I think I did it justice…
INDIA & PAUL - CHATEAU RIGAUD - 3 DAY WEDDING
CHAPTER 01 - KAYAK
Where do you begin with a 3 FULL day wedding event such as this one? With kayaking on the Dordogne river of course!
India & Paul’s wedding goes something like this;
Day 01 = kayak + picnic + evening bistro + dogs
Day 02 = wedding day + dogs
Day 03 = Sunday lunch + pool party + evening wood-fired pizza + dogs
Live music at various points by The Mollys.
Below, you will discover this wedding in 13.5 unique chapters spread over 3 full days in photo and video format…
CHAPTER 02 - PICNIC
This one doesn’t need many more words than what it is, - a relaxed Dordogne riverside picnic opposite the village of Pessac.
CHAPTER 03 - BISTRO
Not many venues can claim their very own exclusive riverside bistro, but Chateau Rigaud has this on the banks of the Dordogne and is just perfect for any day prior evening Wedding Welcome Event.
CHAPTER 04 - RIGAUD
Chateau Rigaud is one of my personal Top 3 wedding venues in France.
I get asked all the time, “which is your favourite venue?” or “which is your favourite wedding?” and the reality is there are some venues I prefer over others and some weddings that produce ‘better’ results than others and the latter actually has very little to do with the former. But it helps.
Chateau Rigaud is just special. It is not the most grand chateau in France, but it makes up for that with having a a certain ambience and the best service of any venue I have ever been to. And I have been to a lot of weddings and venue, - 850+ to be precise!
I don’t wish to be the ‘in house photographer’ at any single venue because I’d get bored, but with an average 2-4 visits to this place (out of their typical 30+ weddings per annum), this is one place I never get tired of.
CHAPTER 05 - INDIA
Bride prep…or should this be Bride + Father Of The Bride, Michael, Prep…?
Hair & makeup by the ever fabulous Laura Cawte.
CHAPTER 06 - PAUL
Groom prep.
CHAPTER 07 - CEREMONY
The ceremony itself was conducted by family friend Ruby with live singing (entrance, during and exit) by Summer de Vries.
Ringbearers - Rhubarb & Ziggy (what could possibly go wrong there…)
CHAPTER 08 - FIRST GLASS
The first of two parts of the drinks reception immediately following the ceremony.
CHAPTER 09 - COCKTAILS & CANAPES
The ‘Drinks Reception’ or ‘Cocktail Hour’ or even ‘Vin D’Honneur’ at Rigaud for one thing, is never an hour. An hour is just too short and two hours should be an absolute minimum for this part of the day.
Weddings at Rigaud tend to be split into 2 parts: a slightly shorter ‘First Glass’ on the quad post-ceremony and then a longer ‘Cocktails & Canapes’ session on the rear terrace complete with live food stations and cocktail bar.
CHAPTER 10 - EAT
The food at Chateau Rigaud is the best at any venue. I say that with 100% conviction. With a team of full-time Michelin trained chefs, you wouldn’t expect anything less and this is the one place I look forward to eating at more than any other.
Just prior to and after mains, some more talking bits, AKA, ‘Speeches’.
CHAPTER 11 - DANCE
Lively dancing ensued with live Irish band, The Molly’s…
CHAPTER 12 - SUNDAY LUNCH
I say it at and after every wedding at Rigaud, but their buffet Sunday lunch is the best around, no question.
Followed up with cheese and an ice cream machine? Heaven in culinary form!
CHAPTER 12 (continued) - POOL
After lunch, pool party! Pool party doesn’t need any additional words… Sometimes it’s fun & games and sometimes it’s more a relaxed time such as here complete with poolside DJ.
CHAPTER 13 - PIZZA FINALE
Coverage for so (too) many weddings has already ended before the day/event, but on this occasion, I had the opportunity to still be on site in order to have captured 3 FULL days, ie, the entire wedding ‘weekend’ event from start to finish.
Despite having captured to date I think 6 or 7 weddings at Chateau Rigaud, I’ve never had the opportunity to work in this space before because no event I have been at, has used it…and it’s a great space!
It is a kitchen garden, but has a wooed-fired pizza oven and bench & table seating for outdoor dining and consumption of, obviously pizza.
So this bit of coverage is the conclusion of India & Paul’s jam-packed 3 days in South West France and the memories of this one will last a lifetime.
LILY & SEB - MULTI-VENUE - 3 DAY WEDDING
THE EVENING PRIOR
(MANOIR DE LONGEVEAU)
Every wedding season should start with a bang and finish with one and so it was for Lily & Seb’s multi-venue destination wedding in South-West France.
This one kicked off with an informal ‘wine & pizza’ evening at Manoir de Longeveau which was acting as a base for the entire weekend, but not as the venue for the wedding day itself other than the prep.
And Manoir de Longeveau is very suited to this having accommodation on site for I think over 100 guests (??) plus the courtyard makes for a great setting for this open-air evening type of event.
WEDDING MORNING
The day started quite misty and flat with the odd burst of sunshine. Not surprising really as it was past mid-October for this season finale wedding.
Both sets of prep, ie, for Lily and Seb took place at Manoir de Longeveau before we parted for the day to move on to the place of ceremony that is covered in the next chapter of this event…
But prior to that, the pics below and mentions to both hair & makeup, Laura Cawte and flowers by Angie Steadman.
AND SO TO CHURCH…
Not the underground monolithic one that everyone else seems to use in Aubeterre, but the one up on the hill, Eglise Saint Jacques. It might not have quite the drama, but it’s a lot easier to work in for sure! And still pretty/very dramatic in it’s own right!
The ceremony itself was conducted by the Rev. Barrie Green.
COCKTAIL HOUR
And then on to Le Chateau Mas de Montet for the reception…
Champagne & canapés plus catering later on by Lovage & Pumpernickel.
I should add, that this entire wedding was organised by Marry Me In France who I have had the pleasure to work with on at least 20+ previous occasions at weddings throughout South-West France.
THE EVENING
After the outdoor reception (just a day or so prior, it was looking likely that even this could not take place outdoors) the wedding moved inside to the upstairs barn, perfect for a late October wedding, for the meal, speeches and dancing. Live music by Wefunk who also provided the trio during the drinks reception.
THE DAY AFTER
Golf, games and a BBQ concluded this fantastic event for Lily & Seb, their family & friends and the whole affair does indeed deserve the title of ‘Season Grand Finale’! That’s it, - I’m done, roll on 2025!!
HOLLY & HENRIK - CHATEAU LA DURANTIE - 3 DAY WEDDING
“Wow, they are exactly what we imagined and were hoping for. You captured the feel of our wedding perfectly, everything about them is natural and so beautiful. I actually can’t believe that’s what came out of I think 10min total posing 😂 You were the perfect person for us! Thank you!”
Holly & Henrick
DAY 01
(THE DAY PRIOR)
It’s quite rare these days to not be part of 3 day coverage for a destination wedding and such was the case here at Holly & Henrik’s wedding at the very elegant Chateau la Durantie in the departement of Dordogne approximately 50km from the city of Limoges.
This one kicked off with a welcome party based around pizza (cooked and served from an old vintage van) with wines and Aperol (poured and served from an old vintage caravan) with a couple of speeches, one from the bride and one from a friend to kick off proceedings at this Scottish (bride) and Norwegian (groom) wedding in South West France.
DAY 02
(WEDDING DAY)
As has been the case with so many weddings this Summer, the forecast was one that could go either way though was probably going to be in our favour.
Fortunately it was and with outdoor ‘everything’ except dancing, a good thing!
Hair was by a friend and Holly did her own makeup plus the ceremony was conducted by Henrik’s father so so far, no suppliers to mention in regard to these areas but I can mention that flowers were by Marylène Louis Maison Montagnac.
Overseeing the day in a coordinating role however was Karen from Perfect Day.
Catering was supplied by Les Pradines with evening DJ’s Alliance Animation.
Other music by Fraser (bagpipes) and Phil Saxman (sax), either a very convenient surname or his professional name…
Some highlight pics below starting with one of the stars of the show, Sandy, guardian of the wedding dress and action cam operator.
DAY 03
(POOL PARTY)
OK, we got some rain. Fortunately it was light and not constant so did not stop play for the poolside disco-themed BBQ accompanied by live sax by Phil Saxman again who played at last nights party.
Truly a first class wedding from start to finish, even if I walked into an enormous tent peg during speeches and could not walk properly for the next 2 weeks!
And yes, the groom is eating a McDonald’s right before the BBQ!
NICOLE & HOWARD - LA DEVEZE - 3 DAY WEDDING
Simon, we have no words…. these photos and video are absolutely incredible and reminded us of the exact reason why we wanted to work with you. From every little detail to every unique moment there’s nothing you did not capture. We would like to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for bringing these memories to life for us, we will spend forever looking back on them.
Thanks again
Nicole, Howard and Zeus
BRIEF INTRO
And the award for not only ‘The Best Small Wedding of 2025’ goes to… but also one of the stand out events of the year full stop.
As a photographer/videographer, if you have any kind of experience, something you will or should be aware of with a small wedding is that there is nowhere to hide. That goes for the person trying to capture the event and the folks being captured. If within the first hour of Day 01, even a single guest becomes ‘vocally disagreeable’ to being photographed, it can start a chain reaction that no one can really recover from. And you have 3 days to capture… Best of luck with that!
But from the moment I arrived, it was the warmest of welcomes from this party of just 14 people… and a sigh of welcome relief from me that this was probably going to go OK.
And the thing is, you never really know whether it’s a large wedding, a small one or something in between, just how it’s going to unfold. This one was an absolute joy from start to finish.
I’m going to leave this one purely down to the video and pictures below, - no words needed.
DAY 01 - WELCOME TAPAS STYLE GATHERING
BRIDE PREP
GROOM PREP
CEREMONY
NICOLE & HOWARD
POOLSIDE RECEPTION
MEAL & SPEECHES
LE SOIR
THE DAY AFTER
JENNIE & DAN - CHATEAU DE BOIS RIGAUD - 3 DAY WEDDING
Hi Simon,
We've just finished looking at the all of these - and watched the video twice! - and the reviews are in....
Wow. Wow. Wow. We completely adore the pictures and the video, and your incredibly kind words about the weekend have really moved us. Though this might be the champagne talking....
But honestly- thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You've captured everything so perfectly and they have turned out better than we could have even hoped. From the smallest details to the bigger shots - you can 100% feel our wedding! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Jennie & Dan
Sometimes I struggle to find the most appropriate words when I am often asked, “what’s your favourite venue?” or “what’s the best wedding you have ever been to?”…and these are not easy questions to answer. But this one is going to be high on that list for a very long time…
Sometimes you just know. Actually, after whatever it is, somewhere between 750-800 weddings in 15 different countries, I do know. From the first point of contact. The first point of contact reveals probably 90%+ of everything I am ever going to know about the wedding and the couple and whether it’s going to be right up my street. And so it was with Jennie ‘Egg’, actor, best known for ‘Young Wife - Station’, Wonder Woman, 2017, according to IMDB.
Then driving up to the venue, I saw this hilltop village bathed in golden light with blue skies and fluffy white clouds above and thought, “that would be a great setting for a wedding…oh, sat nav says I am arriving very shortly”. Pulled in to the place, met Jennie & Dan for the first time (and Jennie’s mum) and then I knew for sure.
The venue. Just great. A perfect mix of modern chic, sometimes quirky bits and pieces mixed in with the ancient grandeur of the place. Chateau de Bois Rigaud is situated in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes kind of central and a bit Eastern. Some clouds looked ominous soon after I arrived but went away and were never seen again.
But weddings are not just about where, but who. “About whom” my mother would say, but as I was not born in 1945, so I’ll stick with who thanks Mum. Jennie & Dan. Their respective families. Their friends. The story that is about to unfold… They were the WHO that made this wedding.
The highlights Event Film above and pics below can tell that story better than my words and I hope I did it justice. I think maybe I did…
But in words:
The day prior was a gathering; of family, cheese, of friends, cheese, of food (including cheese) & wine, of sunshine and music. And cheese. And the ambience was great.
THE WEDDING DAY
“What is Love? By Isaac Lumby”. Just watch the film above! From the tones of the bridesmaids individual dresses to the handpicked flowers…and maybe a little help from me re. how to set seating for the perfect intimate outdoor wedding, the ceremony just worked.
Relaxed drinks for a couple of hours, speeches, cake and then… Fanfare Express. Again, watch the film to understand that but as I say to all my newly booked clients, suppliers can MAKE (or break) weddings and with ‘olde school’ vinyl spinning DJ, Ludovic throughout the afternoon and then evening with the band, this wedding was ON FIRE.
…and then there was GLASTONLUMBY
Jennie & Dan are great festival goers and indeed met at the UK’s best known festival, GLASTONbury. Dan’s surname is LUMBY. In another form of marriage, GlastonLumby was arrived at!
Pool party with Ludovic back spinning that vinyl once again, BBQ and live music by Bonjour Au Revoir.
I can only really do this wedding justice by telling the story as best as I can through their medium of hybrid capture, ie, photo & video. I bring the same set of tools to each and every job. I bring the same skills and experience. It’s my clients that provide the situations and scenarios but most importantly of all, the inspiration. Jennie & Dan nailed it at Chateau de Bois Rigaud in July 2023.
MENTIONS
PLANNER: There was no planner for this wedding and it had a big chunk of family & friends hands on and DIY which suited it perfectly.
HMU: Zip. Mostly the girls just lined up in the large bathroom mirror.
FLORALS: Combo job of bouquets and arch deco by L’Autre Saison des Fleury and the rest was Jennie herself.
CELEBRANT: Friend Alex did a sterling job complete with Asterix & Obelix book.
CATERING: The entire 3 day weekend was handled by Montrognon.
BAND: (wedding day) Fanfare Express
GLASTONLUMBY BAND: Bonjour Au Revoir
As mentioned above, suppliers can make or break weddings. If you are reading this as one of my newly booked couples and need some help with this (and don’t have a pro planner booked), feel free to ask for my ‘Little Black Book’ of recommended suppliers!
CHARLOTTE & TOM - CHATEAU GASSIES - 3 DAY WEDDING
Hi Simon,
Firstly - you are incredible! The video captures everything so beautifully. Really felt all the emotions from the day watching it. The photos are also amazing, exactly what we wanted so thank you! Thank you so much!!
Charly & Tom
DAY 01 - THE DAY PRIOR
This was my first visit to Chateau Gassies just far enough outside of Bordeaux to be ‘rural’, but close enough for the amenities of a big city. I was looking forward to it and the place did not disappoint. And nor did Charly & Tom’s 3 day wedding!
Day 01 kicked things off with a Welcome Party complete with pizza food truck. Having something like this on-site rather than attempting something at a restaurant is so much easier and has so much more atmosphere. Plus photo & video opps because pizza as a food choice, becomes pizza as art; the vehicle, the BTS prep, the delivery and service. This service was provided by Christophe at Le Rialto.
Live music by London based singer X (I need to check with Charly & Tom her name as I forgot to ask!) added another element to the atmosphere at this event.
DAY 02 - WEDDING DAY
And so on to the wedding day. Before this season began, I would have said that you would be way off if you suggested that all bar 3 wedding days this year would forecast rain. But that is exactly what I got this year. More wet weather forecasts than the previous 7 years I have lived in France, combined!
Less than 50% had any rain at all and this one after a bit of a cloudy start, was super sunny and very welcome!
Makeup was by Saskia Langman and hair by Craig at CJ Hair.
Floristry by Artmania Fleur, ceremony by Cherry at Bride Buddy, catering by Le Nectar with music by Mixology were some other notable mentions.
As usual, the pictures can tell a better story, plus the Wedding Film at the top of this page.
DAY 03 - BBQ
And to conclude, BBQ and pool party but it was a little cool and grey, but at least no rain!
Catering by Chloe’s French Kitchen.
GABBY & LUKE - SAINT PRIVAT - 3 DAY WEDDING
Hi Simon
We have just finished viewing (twice through!) the photos & video and are absolutely blown away.
What you have captured is truly magical and from the bottom of our hearts we thank you so much.
Many thanks
The Huelins!
Weddings are about people not places. At least they are for me. Always have been, always will be.
Of course ‘where’ plays a part. A very big part and some places are more special than others…
One such place for me is ‘The Majestic Chateau’ in Dordogne, approx 1 hour from Bergerac and 1 hour 15 minutes from Bordeaux.
For me, the standout thing about this particular wedding venue is this: (see below)
At the heart of this 17 acre park is this 600m2 natural pool with Japanese style pavilion which is a stunning location for the drinks reception/cocktail hour and day after pool party/BBQ.
It even works in the rain…but I am getting ahead of myself here so let’s rewind and start back at the beginning…
Gabby & Luke’s wedding, planned by Kris from Marry Me In France, took place over 3 days at the ‘Majestic Chateau’ including:
Day 01 = Welcome Party
Day 02 = Wedding Day
Day 03 = Pool Party & BBQ
DAY 01 (The Gathering)
Actually, prior to gathering at La Piniere for the Welcome Party, we did a ceremony rehearsal.
Too many times, I have heard, “we don’t really need to and will work it out on the day”, AKA, a guaranteed recipe for disorganised chaos as no one knows when to walk in, what speed, the track runs out (or runs too long), stand? sit? cue desperate looks from every member of the bridal party and upon exit, where do we go? what’s happening with the confetti? because there’s a surprising amount of planning and execution required otherwise it is NOT organic or “natural'“, but as above, chaotic. Organic/natural/relaxed comes from the planning you do prior to ANYTHING actually happening and that includes the ceremony!
No such issues with this wedding. I’ve worked with Kris, Gabby & Luke’s dedicated planner from MMIF many times and between all of us, at 4pm, we hammered out how to best make this chapter of the day work on the following day, on site, in real time, 24 hours prior. We will find out later if it went without a hitch…
And then it was off to ‘The Gathering’!
The view from La Piniere can best be described as ‘vast’. The grazing boards by Chef Matt as always, were excellent. The sun shone, the wine flowed, but it was an early finish for all because tomorrow is Wedding Day, but before that, above are a few examples of Chef Matt’s food from today plus below, a selection of images of the Welcome Party.
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THE VENUE…
Sleeps 30 on site (plenty of accom nearby) spread over 4 buildings set around an internal courtyard.
Looks amazing from both the ground and the air.
Has an enormous party barn for the evening (and should the weather be less than great on the wedding day).
A few images below will showcase the exterior stuff for now, (without the people that will come later and further down this post).
GABBY & LUKE’S WEDDING FILM
Since 2022, I stopped offering photography ‘only’ other than for; midweek, out of season, or short notice weddings, because over 90% of my clients were opting for ‘hybrid coverage’, ie, photo AND video, which is something I have been doing since 2010. As a creative, I am split between which I prefer; photo or video and the answer is “both’. So around the midpoint of 2022, I made the decision to only offer hybrid coverage going forward and for the last 2 years, the service I offer has been the better for that. I’ve never been the greatest at mathematics but in this instance if photo = 1 and video = 1, combining them into one service does not equal 2, but 2.5 as in the sum of the two components adds something to the other beyond each in isolation.
Below is Gabby & Luke’s Wedding Film. They also have a full real time ceremony edit plus a full speeches video, but neither are featured here as they are approx 30+ and 60+ minutes respectively.
BRIDE PREP
As an official Marry Me In France supplier, I am not at liberty to name or provide details of the suppliers other than MUA = L and on hair is A. A dynamic duo who I have worked with many times and one of the greatest things about these two is neither ever run over on time…which cannot be said for some others…
Gabby, her girls and the two mum’s, all got ready (HMU anyway) in the room featured. It might be called The Library. It has a lot of books so we’ll call it The Library.
Not a lot more to say about this chapter of the day other than it’s one of my favourite parts of the day as the timescale tends to be quite long and there are a lot of creative options which I hope I have demonstrated below.
TROUSSEAU
There’s a word we don’t hear so much these days but it’s a French word (appropriate) I believe that is a catch all term for the brides; dress, shoes, jewellery and other details.
I love capturing these because despite being technically just ‘stuff’, it’s important stuff that falls into the category of ‘supporting images’ that help tell the most cohesive story as I am all about PEOPLE PEOPLE PEOPLE, moments, the big picture, but also the tiniest detail.
THE BOYS
OK men really, but always call them ‘The Boys’. There’s generally a different atmosphere over in the boys room. It tends to be a bit more messy for a start, - stuff all over the place. And chaotic. And they don’t stop moving ie, there is virtually nothing static in there so you need to grab what you can, when you can before they are off for another round of beers. Or shots. Or beers and shots. And the air is thick with Bleu de Chanel.
THE BRIDE GET’S DRESSED
(Plus ‘The Reveal’)
To spare the bride’s modesty and in case you were wondering, no I am not in the room when she’s actually undressed (it’s not that kind of shoot), but instead, from the moment of zipping, buttoning or lacing up. Followed by shoes, jewellery, perfume, veil, makeup touch ups. The tension is building now, - we’re not far off from the ceremony… I’ve been here hundreds and hundreds of times. I consider it part of my job to help keep things calm and on track with a light touch and low-key manner.
And then it’s Dad’s time to actually play a part as he’s been hanging around for a while now later. And then the reveal to the girls. Cue more makeup touch ups.
HE WAITS, SHE ARRIVES
It’s a key moment, - the arrival of the bride. Like the first kiss or cutting of the cake, - one of those ‘events’ that it just one of the mini stories that is a part of the bigger story. This goes back to the rehearsal the day prior. Without that happening, the impact might not be what it could have been but with this one, it was about as high as could be expected and that was pretty high.
THE CEREMONY
The Ceremony is of course a key chapter of the wedding day. Arguably, it’s the centrepiece and without wishing to bang on about it, (but will) will be reflected in whether there was a rehearsal the day prior or not. And of course in this case, it went according to plan. The entrance of the bride’s mum Penny, plus Alice, Goldie & Theo to the first track went to plan as did the staggered entrance (8 seconds apart) of each bridesmaid and the exact lyric kicked in as Gabby and her father arrived at the top end of the aisle.
Ceremonies are a personal thing, whether conducted by a professional celebrant, family member or friend. In this case, the bride’s brother Alex. There is something extra special about having a ‘non-professional’ conduct the ceremony. Not to take away from what the pros do, but it’s more personal, because it’s just going to be. (But small print, without a rehearsal, ripe for ‘issues’).
Around 20 mins is the norm and at the time of writing this, I have not yet edited the full ceremony video, but that seemed like about the timescale for this one including 3 readings and a couple of songs.
CONFETTI
(“Uncle Bob, will you please remove yourself from the aisle”)
Confetti aisles/walks can be a bit hit & miss for us photographer/videographer types as we rely on the good will and good sense of each and every guest to not actually step out, never mind stand in the centre of the aisle between our cameras and our subjects.
It was a close run thing on this one and I almost had to ask a guest close to me to shout at him (as I never would myself) and your ‘friend’ here is having a designated MC calling the shots such as inviting folks to form the aisle but also to make sure they do not step into it and block the photographer/videographer.
DRINKS & CANAPES
Or drinks and snacks as one person recently referred to it and I guess that’s what canapés technically are, poshed up snacks. Again, courtesy of Chef Matt and his service team lead by Manon.
I have a ton of stuff to get through in this chapter of the day so please please please do not make this to short. Every now and again, a couple will take one of the two words from ‘Cocktail Hour’ too literally. I’d like to see the term changed to ‘Cocktail 2 Hours’ please and depending on the size of your wedding and what’s going on, 2.5 hours works better.
If you need a list of what I have to get through, it’s roughly this:
Candid coverage of guests, drinks and snacks = 30 minutes minimum, under 50 guests, and over 100 guests, 45 minutes is better. Running total; 30-45 minutes.
Drone photo and video = 15 minutes. Unless it’s raining and then we save 15 minutes, but assuming it’s not, running total, 45-60 minutes.
Family groups (6-10 groups, pre-planned with a list and designated gatherers) = 15 minutes (because it’s still like herding cats). Running total = 60-75 minutes.
Couple Session 01 = 15 minutes. Low-key, gentle direction, no peaking out from behind trees or other awkward sh*t, - that’s not my style and I’d never ask or get any couple to do anything that was not normal behaviour'. Running total = 75-90 minutes.
Tablescapes = 15 minutes. Running total 90-105 minutes.
Any set up if there is even a single speech before the starter/entree = 9 minutes. Running total = 99-114 minutes.
Drink 2 litres of water = 1 minute. Running total = 100-115 minutes which converted to hours and minutes = 1 hour 40 to 1 hour 55 minutes. With no contingency such as the ceremony ran over and doing the basics but perhaps not exploring my creativity fully.
My question to every couple that a week or so prior to their wedding, allows 60-90 minutes to this chapter of the day, is “what do you wish me to skip/cut from your coverage?”
No such questions here today.
COUPLE SESSION
I always recommend, if you can, that we plan for a split this into two parts; one during the drinks reception and a second after one of the courses of the meal with timing dependant on speeches and other factors such as sunset. Ideally, we’d compress the entire wedding day into ‘Golden Hour’ when the light is at its most beautiful but the reality is we have to use what we got, when we got it. Planning helps.
Nothing awkward, nothing any different really to a walk in a London Park on a Sunday afternoon…except you are dressed up as these two characters, The Bride and The Groom and have had a few shandies. But as all my couples say after the fact, “actually, you made that so easy for us”. So it should be. I’ve seen and heard what some others get up to…
SPEECHES & FOOD
Cue, MC Conan, AKA ‘The Sheriff’, FOB AKA ‘The Icelandic Horse’ (I didn’t ask), The Groom, The Bride, The Best Man, The MOH, Chef Matt, The Band (can’t say who), Theo and a white telephone. I didn’t ask about the white telephone either but kind of wish I had now.
HIS & HER ‘CAKES’ PLUS A TOWER OF CHEESE
Doesn’t really need any words does it, - it’s a French style of wedding ‘cake’ (arguably more a dessert than a cake and the cheese is more of a cake as that was cut and not just stabbed with a knife).
LA DISCOTHEQUE
Featuring guest DJ sets by:
Disco Potato
DJ TAPS AAAF
SLT&PPR (no vowels rqd)
Tricep
TBA
(More unanswered questions…)
DAY 03 POOL PARTY & BBQ
Il pleut.
OK it didn’t rain 100% of the time, only about 95% of but hey ho, better today than yesterday.
And as they say, rain did not stop play. Cornhole, Giant Connect Four were two such games as was ‘Who Dares Actually Go In The Pool’, initially won by celebrant and brother, Alex.
Sausages etc by Chef Matt.
FIN
And that’s it from me for this wedding. All in all, a great one as expected. Exceptional planning and execution combined with a dream team of suppliers, plus weather that mostly played ball, the first two days anyway.
If you were a guest at this wedding and would like access to the full gallery of images (those above are just my selection of highlights) then please ask Gabby & Luke to provide you with a link.
If you are couple looking for something extra-special in regard to the capture of your wedding, anywhere France, EU or UK, or even further afield, please use the contact form somewhere on this website and ping me your deets.
VICKY & TOM - CHATEAU DE PUYRIGAUD - 3 DAY WEDDING
Vicky & Tom’s wedding, where to start with this one? Day 01 would be a good call, but actually, we started on a cold, wet & windy day back in April, with a naughty puppy called Willow…
Every year, I offer the opportunity to all of my booked clients to meet up, both for there sake of meeting up and having a pre-wedding chat, but also to have a little ‘get to know you’ photoshoot.
These take place generally during one of two annual ‘Shoot Weeks’; one in Paris in the Autumn and the other in the Spring in the UK. Vicky, Tom and Willow were one of the couples on the South Coast UK ‘Meet & Shoot’.
We actually ended up drinking more coffee and in Tom’s case, eating more brunch because the weather was terrible. Really terrible. It wasn’t just the rain, but the strong winds and with zero indoor options available… We tried!
So moving on to the actual wedding event…
It kicked off the day prior to the actual wedding day with a ceremony rehearsal involving the key people. Every now and again, I get a couple who say, “nah, we don’t need to do this”. Yes you do because every couple that then go on to do one all say the same thing which is, “we needed to do that didn’t we otherwise it would have been a disaster! Phew, ball not dropped”.
And then it was off to the town centre of Jonzac to L’Aparté brasserie for food, drinks and general gathering.
But let’s kick things off (there’s a bit of a rugby theme with this wedding…) with Vicky & Tom’s Wedding Film.
WEDDING DAY
At the time of writing this, I have attended 7 weddings so far in this 2024 season.
The forecast for each one (except the very first back in April), was rain/possible thunderstorms on the wedding day, usually surrounded by sunshine.
All of them got away with it and in some cases, despite the forecast saying, “it is raining at your location at this very moment”, it was not. And did not.
OK, it was a little grey & dull the morning of Vicky & Tom’s wedding, but just got brighter and brighter as the day went on. The venue pics below showcase this as there are a mix of pictures shot in the morning and some later in the day as the day became sunny.
Oh and I should actually mention the venue…
I had not been to Chateau de Puyrigaud before and that is nothing new as around 50% of the weddings I attend are at new (to me) venues and there are absolutely zero ‘secrets’ that can be discovered by having been somewhere once or multiple times before. Zero. Venue ‘experience’ is in my opinion, a complete myth. Maybe one day I’ll go back and would be delighted to, especially because this venue has multiple options for chapters of any wedding event.
PREP
I’ve worked with this MUA, Gabby Gokool before at another wedding and can highly recommend her, - she knows her stuff, but what else can I say about both bride and groom prep?
I’ll let the pics do the talking here other than to say we had a bit of fun at times and the florist was Chartier Fleurs.
THE CEREMONY
If you got the sense of a bit of a green & white vibe from the prep pics, you will see below how that carried over into the ceremony.
The ceremony itself was conducted by Uncle Iain and actually this year, of the 7 weddings to date that I have attended, all bar 1 have been conducted by friends or family and I am all for that. Not to take away anything from professional celebrants, but there is something very personal when it’s completely ‘in house’.
Quite emotional vows at this one and nothing wrong with that either. Personal vows in my opinion MAKE wedding ceremonies.
And look at that seamless transition from exit into confetti aisle ;)
DRINKS RECEPTION / COCKTAIL HOUR
Word of warning, never take that last word too literally. An hour is NOT long enough. The term ‘Cocktail Hour’ needs changing to ‘Cocktail 2 Hours Minimum’ if you have <50 guests and ‘Cocktail 2.5 Hours’ if you are having 50+ guests. Or otherwise, not only will it feel too short for you, it will be too short for me to capture what I need to capture for you which is typically:
Candid guests, musicians, canapes, family groups, couple session, table set ups, video set up for speeches if even a single one is happening prior to the meal'. This does not and never has been able to fit into an hour. Anyone tells you otherwise, fire them, but no such problems here!
The day musicians are also the evening band and also sang & played Vicky and the bridesmaids into the ceremony and are called Gentlemen of Few. Pretty excellent as bands go and I’ve seen a few.
THE COUPLE
We are not defined so much as human beings by what we do or have done in our working life, but in this instance it’s worth a mention. Both shall we say are ‘into rugby’ and Vicky is an ex-international player for England with multiple victories in the 6 Nations. Both coach at an academy they run based in London.
It’s always a pleasure to work with a couple also into their fitness, though in this case, the first time I think a bride who’s level exceeds my own!
Otherwise they are a great couple and just good people. As all their family and guests were actually with special mention to Vicky’s ‘Bride Squad’.
MEAL & SPEECHES
A lot of great details re. the tables and the signage plus catering by chef Eric LeClere.
Not a lot more I can say about this part of the day except it involves talking and eating, or in this instance, feasting!
GOLDEN HOUR
Not every wedding necessarily gets this, - it depends on the weather of course, but also your timings. Personally, I think it’s an opportunity not to be missed, even if it’s just for 5 minutes…as is the case here.
The light is at it’s best, golden, as the name of the thing would suggest.
DANCE PARTY
And boy, did they party…
I’m going to take some extra credit on this one and that is to say the entire responsibility for the lighting was all on me. Turned out pretty good I think…
POOL PARTY
And breathe…
I’m always surprised there are not more sore heads as the shenanigans of the previous day often tend to go on to 4 or 5 in the morning, but nope, no visual signs anyway…
And visually, this one worked especially well. If you are going to have a pool party, it really needs a couple of elements to make it more than simply ‘some people sitting around a pool’ and these are:
1 - A pool (helps)
2 - Catering (could be a BBQ, could be a 1960’s crepe van brunch, could be a hog roast and ice cream bike, but should be at least ‘something’)
3 - Music (preferably live, but a DJ will do)
4 - Games (here we had water rugby and land cricket)
And then I flew my drone away and had to depart myself, back to the part of the iceberg that few see. It’s called photo and video editing and production and takes up around 80% of the total commitment time-wise to each and every wedding I attend.
Great wedding. I’d do it again.
JESSICA & LUKE - CHATEAU DE SAINT PAUL - 3 DAY WEDDING
Hi Simon!
Firstly, we just want to take the time to thank you for capturing our wedding. You made us both feel so comfortable. We feel like you really understood us as a couple; both our humour and love of fun. It was an amazing weekend, and so many people complimented you and told us how much they enjoyed your banter!
Now, the video. It is PERFECT! The use of the speeches is honestly fantastic. We were crying with laughter and I really think that sums up our wedding, our relationship, and what we like to hope will be our marriage. You’ve captured who we are and what our wedding was like perfectly. We honestly have no words, but perfect, perfect, perfect.
Our photos are sublime. The ones with our families are our honest highlights, but, as with the video, we are both laughing and smiling throughout. Knowing that how we felt was also what was captured is so comforting.
In summary, thank you, thank you, thank you!
It has been a pleasure to work with you. Hiring your services is the greatest investment we could wish for.
Jess & Luke
Jessica & Luke’s 3 day wedding at Chateau de Saint Paul.
This was either my 7th, 8th or possibly even 9th visit to this venue (I’ve lost track) and my favourite to date due to one single reason, - it’s fun factor.
Jessica & Luke booked absolutely ages ago, - sometime back in 2023 and we really only had one little issue over the 3 days and that was the weather. A little gloomy for the day prior welcome party and the same again most of the wedding day (though we had a few brief bursts of sunshine later on) and then back to the gloom and intermittent rain for the day after.
None of that (less than great weather) affected the fun these two and their guests had over the three days as the photos below and video above, will attest to.
Planned by Marry Me In France, we also had some great contributing suppliers including:
Hair = Eleanora
MUA = Skin23
Catering = Lovage & Pumpernickel
DJ = BritishDJinFrance
Day After Cocktails = Mister Sully
Day After Food Truck = Ben’s Food Truck
BRIDE PREP
GROOM PREP
CEREMONY
DRINKS
JESSICA & LUKE
SPEECHES
MEAL
DANCING
THE DAY AFTER
EMMA & TOM - CHATEAU DESTINEE - 3 DAY WEDDING
CHAPTER 01 - VENUE INTRO & THE GATHERING
It’s rare, very rare, there is not some form of event happening at a destination wedding and even rarer if I am not covering it. Weddings these days (destination weddings anyway) don’t tend to be single days, but multi-day events. And such was the case with Emma & Tom’s wedding at Chateau Destinee.
This was my third wedding at this fabulous venue that sits on the bank of the River Dordogne in South West France, close to the beautiful small historic town of Saint Emilion and less than one hour from Bordeaux.
It’s a beautiful location and a very well run place and comfortably makes my ‘Top 5 Venues’ list for a wedding in South West France.
CHAPTER 02 - A BIT MORE VENUE & A FLORAL INTRODUCTION
So what is it about Chateau Destinee that had me captivated from my very first visit?
It’s one of those things that is difficult to define but ‘just is’, - something that just fits. Perhaps it’s the location, perhaps it’s the orientation or the grounds or the light or the owners feel of service… But most likely, it’s a combination of all of these factors.
Special shout out at this point to Jenny Fairbanks of Our Fabulous Things. I don’t always see her at every wedding, but it’s rare that a wedding in South West France does not feature either her floristry or some of her hire such as tables, chairs, crockery etc and she is the Number One in this regard.
CHAPTER 03 - BRIDE PREP
Something else I love about weddings at Destinee are the two top rooms that are typically used as the bride’s prep room and the groom’s prep room. They are fabulously light and airy whereas especially those older chateaux, can be very small and dark and quite tricky to work in.
Quite a bit of dancing (and flossing, the non-dental kind!) went on in Emma’s room!
Hair & Makeup by the fantastic Olinka.
CHAPTER 04 - GROOM PREP
This took place in the opposing room to Emma’s and is with that room, is another great light & airy space.
The boys all received a gift of a Japanese cooking knife from one of Tom’s recent trips.
CHAPTER 05 - CEREMONY
What an entrance and what a ceremony…
Possibly one of the longest walks from building to covered terrace and quite dramatic with the water feature and chateau in the background.
The ceremony itself was conducted by owner Linda with music from a string duo and a live rendition of ‘Your Love Is my Love’ by bridesmaid Alice, making this one extra personal.
CHAPTER 06 - DRINKS RECEPTION
Confetti, champagne tower, canapés, polaroid camera, a handful of family group pics, - very relaxed and not too hot today, and after the Summer we had, very welcome!
CHAPTER 07 - EMMA & TOM
This kind of thing need not takeover the entire drinks reception or take too long, but 15-20 minutes max (out of a typical 2.5 hours reception) is the norm with me.
CHAPTER 08 - MEAL & SPEECHES
Great food + the bit where a few folks stand up and say nice stuff about the couple.
Sometimes a chance to do a short second couple session of 5-10 minutes during Golden Hour…
CHAPTER 09 - CAKE, SPARKLERS, PARTY!
This chapter of any wedding day rarely needs words, - the video and pics tell this story much better!
CHAPTER 10 - INFLATABLE RACING, POOL GAMES, BBQ
And breathe. Well over breakfast anyway and then it was time to get those inflatables blown up ready for a race on the river!
The winner? One of the venue dogs!
Followed by pool party and BBQ.
THE JEFFERIES - BORDEAUX - 4 DAY WEDDING
Hi Simon
Wow. Speechless.
Amazing! It’s more than I ever expected, you captured it perfectly!
Wayne is a harsh critic and he absolutely loves it too. The editing is perfect!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
Shannon & Wayne
DAY 01 - LE GABRIEL, BORDEAUX
(Welcome Party)
One of the most over-used words in the English language today is ‘epic’.
If ever a wedding was deserving of the title, ‘Epic’, it might just be this one, that of Nevada USA couple, ‘The Jefferies’, Shannon & Wayne.
Taking place at 5 venues spread over 4 days, it delivered on many levels; the planning, the execution, the attention to detail, the people…just perhaps not the weather, but that one we have no control over.
But to begin, let’s start at the beginning with Day 01 and their welcome party.
I say ‘day’, but the results from this, photo and video, were captured within a time period of around 1.5 hours in the evening only.
And the weather? Let’s just say the entire 4 days were a bit of a mixed bag ranging from beautiful sunshine, through one rain storm and quite a bit of grey.
Some of the key suppliers involved in this part of the wedding were:
Wedding Planner: Virginie Civel from littleBIG and her team (all 4 days)
Venue: Le Gabriel
Florist: La Bicyclette
DAY 02 - CHATEAU SEGUIN & SAINT-ÉMILION
(Wine-tasting & Al Fresco evening party)
The busiest of the 4 days for sure…
It began with a casual lunch and wine-tasting at Chateau de Seguin before a bus trip to the beautiful small ‘wine town’ that is Saint-Émilion.
At Saint-Émilion, the specific location was Les Cordeliers, a 700+ year old former Franciscan convent and now leading wine producer in the region.
From there, it was back to Seguin for a second evening party with live music, food trucks and 360 degree Photo Booth.
On this day, we really experienced the most mixed weather and although we saw some sunshine in and around Saint-Émilion, it was a mixture of sunshine and light rain showers back at Seguin. And a storm was brewing and indeed dumped some of it’s content on the location, but we escaped the worst of it.
Some of the key locations and suppliers for Day 02 were:
Venue: Chateau de Seguin
Wine-Tasting: Les Cordeliers
Musicians: Just Mad Music
Food Truck: Les Pastavore
Food Bike: Casamama
Barmen: French Barmen
360 Photo Booth: MyEvent360
DAY 03 - HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL, BORDEAUX
(Wedding Day)
And on to ‘The Big Day’ itself…
Again, I say ‘day’, but this was an evening event with ceremony originally scheduled for 8pm but ended up being around 9.30pm which makes it my latest ever ceremony (latest as in latest in the day, rather than a bride being late!) to date.
However, getting close to mid June and the longest day, it doesn’t get dark in South-West France until after 10.30pm.
Other than the prep, the entire event; informal pre-ceremony gathering followed by ceremony and then after-party, all took place on the Yacht Club roof terrace of the hotel with it’s spectacular panoramic Bordeaux city views.
Some of the key suppliers for the day were:
Venue: Hotel Intercontinental Bordeaux
MUAH: Iman Be
Florist: Silk Flowers France
Celebrant: Blanca Bertely
DJ: Yohan Sati
DAY 04 - CHATEAU PAPE CLEMENT
(Brunch)
And finally, to conclude this truly epic wedding adventure in South-West France, a very chilled brunch at Chateau Pape Clement on the edge of Bordeaux.
Fabulous catering by Apicius, but what else can I say about this wedding other than it’s the kind of event and booking I exist for.
‘Perfect’? There is no such thing to a photographer/videographer (at least not this one!) because there is always something ‘more’ that could have been achieved, but the reality is every wedding day to us creatives has flaws, but if we can achieve a result like the one showcased here…and the client is happy, then we have played our part.
There are so many elements that need to come together and combine (including the weather!) and the entire team on this one, did the business!
Fin.
MEGAN & JAMES - CHATEAU RIGAUD - 3 DAY WEDDING
DAY 01 - RIVERSIDE BISTRO EVENING PRIOR GATHERING
This post is going to be a big one as this was such a big wedding. Maybe not that massive in terms of total numbers being around the 100 persons mark, but so much going on…
This 3 day event began with a welcome party down by the River Dordogne at Chateau Rigaud’s private and exclusive riverside bistro with open air (but covered to the elements) deck. The last time I was here, there was a storm and the rain was relentless, but not today.
The Chateau Rigaud Riverside Bistro has it’s own chicken rotisserie and the chef’s are Michelin trained so you know the food this weekend is going to be pretty good!
DAY 02 - WEDDING DAY
Sunshine with some cloud cover was the order of the day and that’s just perfect for a wedding in South West France.
It just so happened that the British & Irish Lions were on tour this Summer in Australia and there was a match on so groom prep was conveniently split between the two halves.
Meanwhile, over with the girls, hair for this one was by Laura Cawte and makeup by Orelden and flowers by in house florist Jilli.
The ceremony took place at church nearby and has some spectacular views being perched on a hill surrounded by vineyards. The Rev. Barrie Green conducted the service and then one of the stars of the show took over, - a red Renault 1964 Caravelle from Bordeaux Classics, whisking Meg & James back to Rigaid for their double drinks reception.
Yes, double drinks reception and this is something of a feature for weddings at Chateau Rigaud starting with a shorter champagne ‘welcome’ event on The Quad followed by a longer ‘Aperol & Oysters’ session on the rear terrace overlooking the fields. It works really well with some live cooking!
The barn was set for the meal and always looks spectacular with dancing later to Magnolia Band from the UK.
DAY 03 - SUNDAY LUNCH & POOL PARTY
Or as it’s known at Chateau Rigaud, ‘Rosé All Day’!
Dare I say, this is possibly my favourite thing at a weekend wedding at Rigaud, - the Sunday lunch is just divine. I have honestly never had a better Sunday lunch anywhere than the one here.
Rigaud are renowned for their food, but I think this is their crowning glory. And then there is the unlimited help yourself ice cream machine. Say no more.
Plus lawn games and an obligatory pool jump to conclude my coverage. What a wedding, - just fabulous from start to finish and what weddings in France are all about, - good location, great food and happy people just having a good time.
And more Aperol Spritz. There is no such thing as too little Aperol Spritz!
SALLY & SHAE - CHATEAU RIGAUD - 3 DAY WEDDING
Good Evening Simon!
Where to start… We think you have done a simply incredible job of highlighting our special moments on our special day. We are still wiping the tears and excitement away. As a bit of time passes these gorgeous shots and video will digest and get even better we are sure.
Thank you for doing such a great job in video & stills with avoiding our sensitive moments and giving us great joy viewing this.
Kind regards,
Sally & Shae Davies
Day 01/03 - 4th Sep 2023
(Day Prior Welcome Party)
3rd visit for a 3 day wedding at Chateau Rigaud, - will it be 3rd time lucky with the weather? The last 2 visits were a bit wet! We shall find out soon enough but it started bright at least for Australian couple, Sally & Shae’s intimate wedding in South West France.
The 3 day event kicked off with a Welcome Dinner at nearby Chateau de Sanse, somewhere I had visited for a similar event just a few months back. They do weddings there themselves so worth a look if you are still in the planning stage…
This was another ‘smaller’ wedding totalling just 25, but pure numbers, small or large don’t make much difference to any wedding as we shall see…
Day 02/02 - 5th September 2023
(WEDDING DAY)
Yes, it was a case of 3rd time lucky, - wall to wall sunshine for all 3 days!
Sally & Shae’s wedding day began with an actual legal ceremony at the local marie which is quite rare for a destination wedding, most couples electing to do the legal part in their own country. And for anyone not having attended a legal ceremony in France, it’s more a formality than any kind of celebration or a wedding ceremony. That part comes later.
Hair and make up was by Laura Cawte (for the second wedding in a row, along with the celebrant and DJ!) up in the tower room with Shae and the men downstairs accompanied by some rather fine Japanese whiskey. (I may have had a small one…)
The outdoor ceremony was conducted by Cherry from Bride Buddy, as above, for the second time just a few days after our last meeting, with personal vows which really add something to any ceremony.
A double drinks reception followed, the first being a champagne tower ‘mini’ reception in one location before heading to the rear terrace for another with cocktails and live canapé open fire cooking based around sausages and oysters. Live keyboard music and evening DJ, Damian Keys.
Then it was meal (always superb at Chateau Rigaud as is the service, - the best I have consistently experienced at any venue in France, - it really is in another league to anywhere else), speeches, dancing, sparklers and fireworks.
Day 03/03 - 6th Sep 2023
(ROSE ALL DAY)
Well perhaps not quite all day, but from early to late afternoon at least! Chateau Rigaud do this particularly well. It’s more a very fine buffet style Sunday lunch accompanied by rose, but other beverages are available. As were strawberry daiquiris and serve yourself ice cream from the machine. As many as you fancied. Might have had two myself…
And that was it, 3 days, each distinct and memorable and I look forward to my next visit :)
