LILY & SEB - MULTI-VENUE DESTINATION WEDDING FRANCE
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!!
JADE & ALEX - CHATEAU NAUDOU
Hi Simon,
Wow! Thank you so much for capturing our special day in such a way. We have watched the video maybe 5+ times and the photos are just amazing! We are so pleased!
Fully appreciated your tips, we followed them to a tee and had the best time going through the photos.
Jade & Alex
PART 01 - THE MORNING
It’s pretty rare these days for me to start coverage of a wedding on the actual day of the wedding because with something like 19/20 events, I’m usually covering the day prior. But as Jade & Alex did not have anything planned for this day, coverage started early on the wedding day itself.
And what a start. The first thing I like to do with any venue whether it’s my first visit or I have been there many times, is an extensive site recce and landscape/architectural establishing shoot. On this particular morning, as is often the case at this time of year (September is the best month for a wedding in France in my opinion and this was the very end of the month), things are getting quite autumnal with fabulous early morning mists.
But just before we get to those pictures, some mentions…
This wedding was planned and coordinated by Jo from The Impeccable Pear. To date, I have done something like 20+ weddings with Jo at numerous venues throughout South West France.
On hair and makeup, are two other familiar faces, Nikki and Kelly plus floristry by Claire from Busy Bee.
PART 02 - THE CEREMONY
Something like 50% of the weddings I attend have a pro celebrant which means approximately 50% do not.
I think it is especially important if nothing is happening the day prior and there is not going to be any kind of rehearsal, that a pro celebrant becomes a must, because this part of the day, doesn’t ‘just happen’. And there’s no second opportunity.
I’ve worked with Michelle Roberts before and once again, she delivered another well planned and executed ceremony for Jade & Alex and it went without a hitch. The pics speak for themselves how it all came together…
PART 03 - THE AFTERNOON
Supporting the ceremony entrance in a musical capacity was guitarist Pete McGrane and he carried this over into the afternoon celebrations.
Otherwise, there was a confetti tunnel and champagne tower to kick things off with canapés etc by the other half of The Impeccable Pear, Le Chef Impeccable, Jean-Marc (Jo’s husband).
PART 04 - THE EVENING
Food & Speeches
Lighting, lighting, lighting…is often what weddings come down to. In terms of both the atmosphere and the result photographically and in video.
On that basis, I am going to list another supplier for the day who took care of the lighting for the speeches, me. ;)
Find your seats, eat some scrummy food and listen to some amusing stories and anecdotes, plus fit in a brief golden hour shoot with the couple.
Followed by a sparkler entrance, cake with fireworks and dancing with DJ, sax and drumming from Mixology.
PART 05 - THE BBQ
And then to bring us back down to Earth from the hype trip that was Jade & Alex’s wedding day, we had a BBQ and poolside gathering.
That isn’t to diminish in any way the day after, but very little could compete with how that day prior unfolded.
I never truly know how any wedding is going to pan out until it actually unfolds, but suspected this one was going to be a little bit ‘extra special’ simply because of Jade & Alex.
I cannot stress enough how important it is to be on the same page and have mutual trust. Having met the couple in Paris earlier in the year for coffee, a chat and a practice photoshoot, I was pretty confident that this one was going to be a banger.
It was. It banged from start to finish.
CHARLOTTE & TOM - CHATEAU GASSIES - BORDEAUX
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.
INDIAN WEDDING FRANCE - LAUREN & KAL
DAY 01
MEHNDI
Back in 2020 and 2021, I had 3 Indian weddings in France booked. But then Covid struck and all 3 were cancelled. Not postponed, but cancelled as in never to happen in France and this was something I was pretty sad about as I very much enjoy an Indian wedding whether it be Hindu, Sikh or as in this case, Bengali Muslim.
Back in the UK, I used to enjoy a few of these every year, but there are not so many taking place in France, so when Lauren & Kal came along saying, “hey Simon, would you like to come to our Indian Wedding in France”, I leapt at the chance.
BTW, if you look closely at any of the signage etc, the groom’s name will read Chotan, but he goes by Kal, hence the title of this post.
This was not just one single wedding, but two with a different flavour of wedding on the Friday and that can be seen by clicking here. This side of things took place over an additional 2 days with Day 01 being the traditional mehndi sometimes known as a ‘Henna Party’.
And that is exactly what happened, henna for the ladies while the men…well the men played table tennis and did most of the cooking. Until Kal’s mother Salihar turned up and took charge of the kitchen. Up to that point and beyond, best men Zia and Muj did a great job.
Everything over the 3 days took place at Gites La Colombiere in Dordogne, about 1 hour from Bordeaux.
As the sun went down, it was time to eat followed by a ‘how well do you know the B&G’ quiz hosted by the bride herself and was a lot of fun.
Above, we have a film/video of the henna party and below, some highlight pics and below that, Day 02, the second wedding day.
DAY 02
WEDDING DAY
Technically Day 03 of the events in France but Day 02 of the Indian Wedding.
It started off as they tend to, with some prep with makeup by Anais from Sunset Life. With the ‘other wedding’, the focus was a little more on the bride. This time, the groom had some extra focus.
The entire creation and set up for the ceremony, as with the Mehndi yesterday, was 100% hands on and DIY with everyone working like troopers for many hours to create the setting.
The caterers came in and did their thing, but otherwise this was very much a ‘family & friends’ affair.
Immediately after the ceremony, food was served followed by some speeches and then it was time for the event many had been waiting for, the holi colour fight!
The only problem with colour fights is they only last 2 minutes so as a photographer/filmmaker (and the official timekeeper!), it was flat out for 120 seconds trying to grab as much footage as possible with minimal kit damage and preservation of my eyesight. There were no casualties.
HOLLY & HENRIK - A CHATEAU LA DURANTIE 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!
EMILY & CHRIS - JERSEY 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.
HANNAH & RAPHAEL - CHATEAU DESTINEE
Hi Simon!
We love the video and the photos and we cried and laughed watching it, they are truly special.
Thank you so much!!
*
This one was a bit special… Most of them are, but sometimes, everything aligns, either by accident or design, more so than on some other occasions. Your best bet is still in the planning (the design) and then everything else on top can be considered a bonus. Let’s get this one started…
THE VENUE
The first time I visited this venue was in September 2016 and it was actually the first wedding I covered as a resident of France. I had previously travelled over 30 times from the UK for weddings in France, but this was the first that did not require a flight!
Back then, it was called something else and under different ownership. The new owners have extensively updated and in some areas, transformed the place. Below is a series of pictures that highlight this fabulous place that sits quite literally, on the bank of the Dordogne river. Chateau Destinee is without question, one of my favourite venues for a wedding in France…and I do not say that about every place I visit!
Special mention to my guide and associate for some of this shoot, Cooper the dog!
THE WELCOME PARTY
After a brief ceremony rehearsal (skip at your peril), it was a ‘night market’ style food & drink, meet & greet welcome party for all.
The forecast was a little shaky as it has been for so much of the first half of the 2024 wedding season in France, but as has also been the case on most occasions, keeping fingers crossed seemed to do the trick.
Special mention here to Tom Smith performing several live sets during the evening. Incidentally, Tom was one of the very first ‘Wedding People’ I met in France, prior to moving here full-time.
STRAW HATS & BOW TIES
(Groom Prep)
↓
BRIDE PREP
As per almost every wedding (and post I make), still and probably always will be, my favourite part of a wedding day to capture.
I don’t know why, (because I am a bloke), but I like the details, the moments, the face painting etc…possibly because (as a bloke), I don’t do any of these things on a daily basis so there is still some magic in it for me…
Special mention to Laura Cawte on hair and makeup today.
FIRST LOOK
It’s not often the first look between a father and daughter is as special as this and at some weddings, neither party seems that bothered about it even happening at all, but for those that do appreciate this kind of thing, this one earned it’s own special chapter in this wedding.
CEREMONY
We scouted 3 potential areas the day prior and chose the one featured below.
Intimate, shaded and with a great entry point for a final touch of theatre.
All florals today by Jenny Fairbanks; bridal bouquets, ceremony arch, table deco later…
CHAMPAGNE & CANAPES
A champagne tower is always a bit of fun and live music is not necessarily a must, but really does add something a bit special.
The location, timescale and ambience took care of the rest…
HANNAH & RAPHAEL
(Session 01)
TABLESCAPES & SPEECHES, PLUS MARSHMALLOW EATING CONTEST
Yes, you read that correctly. The speeches were genuine, interesting and just the right length, but all who were there, would agree that the marshmallow eating contest between Hannah & Raphael was the highlight of this part of the day. The win went to the bride!
Special mention to the Chateau Destinee in house catering team who provided superb food and service.
And yay, nothing taller than a wine bottle on the top table which was also single-sided and straight and absolutely zero large parasols. Quadruple yays if you are a fellow videographer, you will know EXACTLY where I am coming from 🫡
COUPLE SESSION 2
(Golden Hour)
SPARKLERS & CAKE
Proof that it does not need to be…and is better if it isn’t, fully dark for sparklers.
But you DO need ideally the biggest/longest sparklers you can source!
COCKTAILS - DANCING - PICK YOUR OWN DISCS
SOPHIE & JOSH - CHATEAU DE SAINT-MARTORY
Welcome to the highlights from Sophie & Josh’s wedding at Chateau de Saint-Martory.
WELCOME PARTY
Where it all begins… Well not quite, - I met up with Sophie & Josh back in March for a pre-wedding ‘get to know each other a bit’ coffee & shoot in Paris.
It’s not always that easy for some of my more international clients, ie, those from say the US or Australia to do such a thing, but for those UK and EU based, the option exists and it DOES make a difference on the wedding day itself.
So the Welcome Party… Something I would always suggest is, if you can, do something at the venue and not out at say a restaurant. Getting it in, such as a BBQ, or buffet, or food truck or mobile pizza van is just perfect. A table for drinks and sometimes some live music, is all you need.
THE VENUE
This was my third visit to Chateau de Saint-Martory, approx 1 hour South of Toulouse and close to the foothills of the Pyrenees so it’s pretty easy to get to. Unless you live in Normandy when it’s a 900km drive. Each way. But hey ho, I genuinely love the place and the welcome is always warm from owner JF.
It’s quite a ‘fairytale’ type of chateau and sits on the edge of the Garonne river with great options for an outdoor wedding or should the weather be less than favourable, options for that also.
THE WEDDING FILM
The ‘highlights’ of the time I spent at Sophie & Josh’s wedding telling the full story of their event.
There is also a full ceremony video and full speeches video, but neither are featured here as they are a bit long with a combined length of around an hour!
PREP
And still (and probably always will be) my favourite ‘creative’ part of the wedding day itself.
I probably spend around up to 3 hours dipping in and out of Bride & Groom prep, depending on the set up, often bouncing between the two.
That time spent is often around 25% of the entire wedding day coverage so can produce a lot of material!
FIRST LOOK
First look with Dad and then the girls.
These moments are fleeting but are pretty special.
THE CEREMONY
I call it ‘One Tree Hill’ after the US TV series (not that I have ever seen it) and the hill is more a slight rise, but it’s a perfect location for an outdoor ceremony.
A little stage management the day prior with a ceremony rehearsal ensures that not only does the ceremony LOOK amazing in the results, it WORKS perfectly because the two things are inextricably linked.
Anyone who thinks they do not need to do any kind of rehearsal…well best of luck.
I think we pretty much nailed it here with ceremony conducted by a close friend which seems to be a main and welcome trend this season.
CONFETTI
Confetti does not normally get it’s own chapter in one of my blog posts, but in this instance, I thought it deserved it!
DRINKS RECEPTION/COCKTAIL HOUR
As per all my posts, please please please, do not take that last word too literally. Too many times I receive a timeline for a wedding (and it’s NOT my wedding, but it would be remiss of me not to advise!), but sorry, 1 hour is ridiculously too short. If it’s less than 2 hours, it’s pushing it, - really tight as around 50% of the results I will produce come from this time including; candid guest pics, drone shots, family groups, couple session, tablescapes, never mind any video set up if you are going to have even one single speech prior to the meal.
Have 2-2.5 hours as was the case here and just enjoy it rather than look back and wish you had taken more time!
THE COUPLE
You can probably tell from the lighting that the weather wasn’t exactly stellar on this particular day, but we kept the faith and despite a little bit of rain prior to the ceremony, there was not a single drop the rest of the day and the sun even poked it’s head out, albeit briefly, around 9pm during speeches!
TABLESCAPES, TALKING BITS & FOOD
Doesn’t really need any explanation or elaboration from me, - the pics can speak for themselves.
It did get really black whilst I was shooting the details and I did think it was all going to possibly be moved inside…but the black cloud moved on!
EVENING PARTY
To quote a current popular saying, “OMG”.
Normally, there’s a first dance and then some more dancing and really late on, some shenanigans, but in this instance, the shenanigans started immediately with a mic grab and unplanned karaoke.
Live music by Schmooze Events who also provided live sax during the drinks reception and sang Sophie’s entrance to the ceremony.
FINALLY
Just a quick thanks to Sophie & Josh for trusting me.
X
VICKY & TOM - CHATEAU DE PUYRIGAUD
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.
GABBY & LUKE - THE MAJESTIC CHATEAU (a MARRY ME IN FRANCE 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.
JENNIE & DAN - 3 Day Destination Wedding at CHATEAU DE BOIS RIGAUD, Auvergne (Photo & Video)
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!
HANNAH & GARY - 2 Day Destination Wedding at CHATEAU DE MALLIAC, Gers (Photo & Video)
Hi Simon,
Oh my goodness where do we begin! We’ve been looking at them all for hours and watching and rewatching the video.
It’s brought it all back just how perfect the weekend was and thank you for capturing it so beautifully!
We honestly couldn’t have asked for a better photographer/ videographer extraordinaire.
Thank you so much again
Hannah & Gary
It was one of those…
One of those being one that I suspected was going to be at least ‘quite good’.
It was more than that…
The first booking I took for Chateau de Malliac in Gers, SW France, I lived over 1000km away in the UK. By the time that wedding came around, we had been planning to move to France and had bought a house just 10 minutes away.
When Hannah & Gary booked me for their wedding, we were still living in that house, which would have been handy, being just 10 minutes away, but we had moved. We had moved just over 700km North to Normandy to be precise, so it was a bit of a trek.
But not really (a bit of a trek) as this was the first of 7 weddings on the road from the very first day of September to the very last day.
It was a great start…
The start for Hannah & Gary was an informal Welcome Party’ which is a fairly typical event for a destination wedding as it gives everyone a chance to check in, catch up and relax so that the wedding day itself can be more relaxed.
Below are a selection of highlight images from that evening.
And so to the main event and the wedding day itself…
The forecast said wall to wall sunshine and in fact, although it rained quite heavily on a couple of days in September in SW France, each of my 7 weddings had glorious sunshine from start to finish.
I made a post about it a year or so back, why September is my favourite month for weddings. You can read that here if interested.
The days tend to start cooler and the sun sets earlier making for more atmospheric conditions at the peripheries of the day. Such was the case at Malliac on the 1st of September with a layer of mist coating the valley floors which added something especially with the drone. Another advantage of having an on-site photographer/videographer who is up before 7am to capture such things. Try getting that in your 8 hour fixed package…
The ceremony took place in a specially selected location that would both maximise the backdrop of the chateau whilst providing the maximum shade for what was going to be a pretty hot day in the low to mid 30 degrees Celsius. This was the first of two back to back ceremonies conducted by Cherry from Bride Buddy with accompanying violinist and piper, it being a 50% Scottish wedding which will become apparent from the photos & video very quickly.
Drinks on the rose garden terrace followed after confetti and a champagne tower with catering throughout the day by Jean-Marc, Le Chef Impeccable with on the day coordination by Jo at The Impeccable Pear ably assisted by her team.
Floral stuff, glassware, cutlery, tables, chairs…basically all the hire, was by Jenny Fairbanks at Our Fabulous Things.
Evening party with DJ Damian Keys with accompanying sax plus MUAH Laura Cawte.
As is typically the case, I won’t waffle any further but instead, encourage you to simply view the results!
DASHA & HARRY - 2 Day Destination Wedding at CHATEAU DE LACOSTE, Dordogne (Photo & Video)
Hi Simon,
Wow! Thank you so much for this - we're completely blown away by the website and all the pictures are so beautiful!!
We're so grateful again for all your help, advice, and effort throughout our wedding process!
Dasha & Harry
DAY 01
THE DAY PRIOR
The Grande Finale, the final wedding of the season…and it did not get off to the best of starts…
What should have been a 2 hour journey ended up taking 5 hours as a flat tire within 5 minutes of setting off, caused something of an issue.
But even with the +3 hour delay in getting there, it was the day prior and not the wedding day and everything was covered, so drama averted!
I had been looking forward to this one all year and had high hopes and expectations that it would be a cracker. And so it proved to be.
Anything specifically?
Yes. Three things mainly: The location, the weather and the opportunity to have another crack at the place as my last visit…well let’s just say it was not the greatest planning or execution of the plan and some of the choices for the location of key chapters was just bizarre. Sorry, I tell it like it is and it was a wasted opportunity but quite a few years back and so very much looking forward to having a better opportunity.
Dasha & Harry’s wedding took place at Chateau de Lacoste in Dordogne and has some of the, if not the, best views of any wedding venue that I know.
This venue is very much about the outdoor space and the view (something the last visit here got spectacularly wrong, but I won’t go on about it…)
The evening prior consisted of several key ingredients; friends, family, burgers (by the Green Garage food truck), hot air balloons, spectacular views and golden hour, concluding with some pre-wedding informal speeches from Harry’s 3 siblings.
DAY 02
THE WEDDING DAY
I started early. I usually do. It’s one of many advantages of having a motorhome, staying on site and providing multi-day coverage. It means I can be there as late as I like and as early as I wish, the latter being especially important at this time of year, the end of September and the views that are available.
It started misty as it tends to at this time of year in this region of deep valleys and you can hear the hot air balloons before you actually see them as they suddenly break through the mist. Obviously you need to be on top of a hill for this to happen and Chateau de Lacoste is on the top of a hill!
So my day began with about an hour of mist, sunrise and balloons, before the sun rapidly burned away the mist and by that time, the balloons had all gone.
The drone for photo and video tends to come next, usually before the catering truck and florist van etc.
Then, bride and groom prep precedes ceremony and…need I go on? It’s a wedding, - you know the score and the pics below and video above, can tell this story better than I can other than:
HAIR: Eleanora
MUA: Bob Bradley
FLORIST: Le Coeur Sauvage
CATERER: The Event Kitchen
DAY MUSIC: Laura Springham
EVENING MUSIC: Mixology Sax & DJ
MARQUEE: La Bonne Fete
And last, but very not least, SPECIAL MENTION to Kate Whittle at Kate’s Weddings, the planner and coordinator of the entire event.
THE JEFFERIES - 4 Day Destination wedding BORDEAUX, SW France (Photo & Video)
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.
AYAKA & PHILIPP - 2 Day Destination Wedding at CHATEAU SOULAC, Gironde (Photo & Video)
Hi Simon,
We’ve watched the video twice now and just started going through the photos. Thank you so much for all you have done, it’s absolutely incredible! This will help us to cherish the memories so much more!
Best regards
Ayaka & Philipp
Ayaka & Philipp’s Wedding was one I was especially looking forward to and it did not disappoint. Well the weather did slightly as it was gloriously sunny the day prior for the welcome party at nearby Chateau de Sanse but started wet on the morning of the wedding day itself and was not looking good…
The ceremony was inside in the ‘secret barn’. What secret barn? Well as the planner Lou of Handmade Events said, “the other barn, the one by the pool”. I have only been to Chateau Soulac 4 or 5 times but did not know there was another barn as it’s never been used at any wedding I have ever done there and I assumed on previous visits, it was just a storage place. Well now I know that Soulac has 2 barns!
So it was umbrellas to the barn but soon after the ceremony started, the rain stopped and did not return. It was too late and risky not to eat in the other barn (rather than outdoors as planned), but it’s a good barn so…
This was a very international wedding with the bride being from Japan and the groom from Germany but as neither speak the other’s language, English was the language of the day. Which is useful for me when editing their Wedding Film as I can’t speak either.
And why was I looking forward to this one especially? Apart from being one of my favourite venues, Japan is No. 1 on my bucket list and I love Japanese culture and aesthetic so was hoping for some kimonos at the very least. And we had that with Ayaka and her mother the day prior and from guest and musician Kay, on the wedding day itself. That is him performing live at the start of the Wedding Film above during speeches in the evening.
I think I’ll let the pics do the rest of the talking now other than some supplier mentions below as we had an especially good team on this one…
VENUE: Chateau Soulac
PLANNER: Louise Ham, Handmade Events
FLORIST: Fleurs de Reves
CATERER: David Chambaud
HARPIST: Sophie Clavel
BAND: The Moovers
AURELIJA & MARIUS - 2 Day Destination Wedding at CHATEAU LE PORDOR, Loire Atlantique (Photo & Video)
Hi Simon,
I rushed to get home today just to see these photographs with Aurelija. And they are absolutely stunning!!! No words..really.
We both like to thank you so much for all the work you've put into this event and hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. Everything went smooth and effortless from start to finish. It was a real pleasure to work with you and we will recommend you in an instant to anyone we know that's planning a wedding in France.
Best Regards, Aurelija & Marius
Lithuanian bride. Romanian groom. Guests from both countries and Scotland. In France. With a British wedding photographer/filmmaker. I guess this is what they call an ‘international wedding’?!
And who says small(er) weddings cannot offer and deliver everything a large(r) wedding can?!
This one certainly did and is a perfect example of a proper full and fun day with exactly 20 guests.
And for me, despite living and working full-time in France, only my second wedding in Brittany (despite living right next door in Normandy) and first visit to the special place that is Chateau du Pordor.
The evening prior was a hands on DIY pizza & wine evening and the sky was a bit dull and grey, but the forecast for the actual wedding day was better…
And so it was with sunshine from start to finish and not too hot.
It’s not often I can go to a wedding these days and say, “well that is a first”, but we had one at Aurelia & Marius’s wedding with the bride arriving by a boat rowed by her father.
The intimate ceremony took place in the woodland by the lake with the B&G leading the guests back to the chateau for champagne & canapés.
The meal, speeches and games (yes, this wedding had games including ‘The Shoe Game’) took place in the main hall with cake to follow before moving outside for a sparkler entrance to the first dance.
A great wedding from start to finish and a privilege to be part of. Not too many mentions (suppliers) to list as this was very much a ‘hands on’ and ‘in house’ wedding with; venue, planning and DJ all in the family/the venue, so just florist: Atelier Aimer and catering: Edouard Set.
SALLY & SHAE - 3 Day Destination Wedding at CHATEAU RIGAUD, Gironde (Photo & Video)
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 :)
