Abi & Jamie - Historic Chateau (a Marry Me in France wedding)

https://vimeo.com/218126314

- ABI & JAMIE -

a HISTORIC CHATEAU WEDDING

"Simon, wow!  What can we say?  We have gone through all the photos this evening and have been completely blown over by them.

You have captured the day (and the day before) perfectly, showing us at our most personal and intimate but also at our most fun and joyous.

Never have we seen such a range of human emotions captured in one series.  Thank you, thank you and thank you again".

Abi & Jamie

My last visit to the Historic Chateau was 6 or 7 years ago. I think it was my second ever wedding in France.

For around 6 weeks prior to that September wedding, the weather had been glorious.

The day of the wedding, the planned outdoor wedding (ceremony & meal) had to be moved inside.

Well it looked like lightning was literally going to strike twice. And to an extent, it did...

It was a bit gloomy and threatening the evening before Abi & Jamie's wedding, but sufficiently decent for me to get an extensive landscape/architectural shoot safely in the bag should the next day prove to not be so great as forecast.

We awoke to torrential rain. The forecast didn't look great. Maybe a break in the afternoon. Maybe the evening could be OK...

Many if not most, come to France to both get married outdoors and eat outdoors. It's a major part of the attraction.

It wasn't looking likely and as charming as the on-site chapel is, you can really only cram in 30 max before the photographer has zero room to manoeuvre .

BUT THE WEATHER GODS SMILED ON ABI & JAMIE!

The weather began to break just prior to the ceremony and it was blue skies & sunshine allowing that outdoor ceremony, albeit courtyard rather than garden.

After that, the odd shower had guests diving for cover in the large barn during the drinks reception and the decision was made to host the meal inside (as you have to make a decision in these cases and just go with it).

It was all utterly superb. The planning and organisation by Sue Christie from MMIF ably assisted by Sarah Ball. The caterers, the flowers, the lighting...another team that were superb to start with.

I personally believe that you have 2 options when it comes to organising and having a wedding in France. Either go totally DIY and ditch most of the 'frills' or use an experienced planner such as MMIF. The best weddings I have had the privilege of attending have always fallen into one of these two categories, - fully organised or pared right back. Both have merit.

Finally, thanks to Abi & Jamie for choosing me in the first place and then as equally important, trusting me and making me part of the 'inner circle' of your wedding which is the key to the results I achieve.

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