Loire Wedding - Eloise & Mark at Manoir de la Foulquetiere
https://vimeo.com/230769692
- ELOISE & MARK -
a MANOIR DE LA FOULQUETIERE WEDDING
This was my second visit to the stunning Manoir de la Foulquetiere, this time for the Loire wedding of Ellie & Mark.
As it was on my previous visit, the sun shone from start to finish.
Well, on their wedding day anyway, - the day prior was a bit gloomy for the cheese & wine tasting (excellent fun and so delicious).
Manoir de la Foulquetiere is owned, run and has been beautifully restored by the owner, Rosemary Conquest.
Rosemary's pride & joy are her flowers and although she did not make or provide the bridal party bouquets, her floristry is everywhere else and really adds something to the place.
The ceremony took place in the chapel and was conducted by the lovely Rev. Hazel followed by drinks & canapes on the lawn by caterers Brossard.
After the meal & speeches, a traditional French 'cake', a croquembouche ceremoniously arrived complete with fireworks.
Dancing took place outside with music provided by one of France's finest wedding bands, Rip-It Encore.
Above is the highlights slideshow and below a few highlights in a click through gallery.
Full international print ordering gallery available by clicking here.
Marry Me In France - Katie & Cedric
https://vimeo.com/230143757
- KATIE & CEDRIC -
a MARRY ME IN FRANCE WEDDING
Simon, it was a real pleasure to work with you and we so appreciated your kindness, good humor and willingness to pitch in (fixing my hair when needed etc !!)
The "photos" part of the day which can be a pain point was as smooth and efficient as humanly possible... that alone deserves applause :)
We are SOOOO HAPPY!!!!!! Absolutely brilliant.... can't thank you enough. You truly captured the emotion of the day, we cried just watching it. Merci, thank you, can't wait to see the rest xxx
Katie & Cedric
So where to start with this Marry Me In France wedding?
Well it was an Anglo-French affair, Katie being the Anglo bit and Ced the French.
It was blazingly hot, something it has not always been this Summer in South West France.
It was refined, it was fun and at times, a little crazy...
The ceremony took place at the tiny village chapel that 140+ people almost crammed into.
Hula Hoops (other maize based snacks are available) were involved.
Music was superb, as were the canapes & food.
The wedding planner (Kate) from Marry Me in France danced with the cake.
So as I said, refined, fun and at times, a little crazy, - as weddings perhaps should be!
Above is an extensive slideshow production whcih showcases more or less the entire wedding.
Below are a selection of highlights in a click through gallery (simply select the first image and go from there).
Full gallery with international print ordering facility available by clicking here.
La Vie En Rose Wedding - Anouska & Tom (Castelnau des Fieumarcon)
https://vimeo.com/227873508
- ANOUSKA & TOM -
a CASTELNAU DES FIEUMARCON WEDDING
Simon! They're utterly gorgeous! We love them and can't stop staring at them. You captured moments beautifully! We've loved seeing a few pop up on IG everyday as well - everyone has been saying how lovely all the pictures are! Thank you so much!
Anouska & Tom
There are days when you get all your ducks in a row. It's a Yorkshire saying.
I'm from Yorkshire, but I'm not sure how many people actually use this saying...
I prefer, 'when the planets align' or 'when the fat lady sings', and oh, did they align and she did indeed sing, all day and very very loudly.
That isn't to take away from anyone else's day, just that some either get it more right than others (by design), or just get luckier (such as the weather).
La Vie en Rose was the song that Anouska walked in to the outdoor ceremony at Castelnau des Fieumarcon last Saturday.
It literally translates as 'life is pink' or as we might say in the English language, 'rosy'.
Results in wedding photography are based on multiple factors, but the primary one's are; time, scenario, weather/light, but the primary one has to be time as without it, no other factor matters.
And that was the element that Anouska & Tom got so right. I may have had a hand in it as I advise all my couples at the earliest opportunity...
Scenarios we have less control over but again can advise.
The weather, - zero control, - we get what we are given. In this case, sunshine from start to finish.
Now us photographers don't really like bright sunshine as in clear blue skies unless it's later in the day and the timing of A&T's wedding could not have been better.
For an outdoor ceremony, you ideally need shade and for it to happen later in the day. Check.
For outdoor drinks, later still (obviously) and preferably not prior to 5pm when the light is harshest. Even later is better. Check.
For an outdoor meal, 'golden hour' and the time around it. Check.
The result is their unrepeatable wedding photography results & memories align and sign very very loudly.
Full gallery including international print ordering facility click here, otherwise click through highlights gallery below.
Molly & Cedric's Wedding Village Mariage
https://vimeo.com/227389249
- MOLLY & CEDRIC -
a CASTELNAU DES FIRMACON WEDDING
Thank you Simon, the photos are beautiful :)
Molly & Cedric
Molly & Cedric's 'Wedding Village' mariage took place at Castelnau des Firmacon AKA, 'The Wedding Village' as essentially that is what you get for 3 days.
I'm not sure if it's completely unique, but I have never heard or come across another in France so it's rare at the very least.
An entire ancient (but beautifully restored internally) hilltop village in the heart of the Gers countryside (which sleeps 70+) which is exclusively yours for the duration.
I love working at this place which is conveniently only 30 minutes from my studio and have photographed & filmed around 10 weddings here to date.
Molly & Cedric's Anglo/Belgian, but very international wedding was the latest and first time for me with the use of the chapel.
One of the beauties of this place is each time it's different with numerous options for indoor or outdoor ceremonies depending on the weather and your personal choice.
Ditto in regard to dining options, - smaller weddings intimate in one of the houses, larger in the dining hall or outdoors.
In short, you have options. Many options.
Molly & Cedric's option was for a full Catholic ceremony with mass in the chapel conducted by Father John.
Drinks & canapes on the lawn terrace and evening meal & speeches plus dancing in the barrel vaulted hall.
And the weather? I always mention the weather... Well it was not exactly scorchio but rather what us photographers would describe as 'photographers weather' which is bright, but quite a bit of cloud.
Floristry was by the ever excellent Faith Brennan at Le Coeur Savage.
A full gallery with international print ordering facility is available by clicking here and below is a selection of highlights in a click through gallery.
Tasha & Alex's Haute Vienne Wedding
https://vimeo.com/226131024
- TASHA & ALEX -
an HAUTE VIENNE WEDDING
Hi Simon, what can we say - aside from you are incredibly talented at what you do.
We absolutely love the videos they are great and so brilliant to look back on our day. Thank you so much for these!
Tasha & Alex
The forecast said rain. Heavy rain. And storms. Not exactly what you want for a largely outdoor, marquee based wedding!
It didn't happen. The sun shone and it was glorious for Tasha & Alex's Haute Vienne wedding.
Well until just after the first dance that is...but I'm getting ahead of myself again...
I initially thought that we were in the Limousin but I am reliably informed, no, Haute Vienne, so a Haute Vienne wedding this was!
We started the day prior with what I call a 'Meet, Greet & Eat' which is essentially as it sounds:
1: Meet the couple, Tasha & Alex and have a chat through the day to follow plus a 'practise' photo-shoot.
2: Greet as in low-key capture of the informal drinks reception.
3: Eat; - canapes on this occasion, but could equally have been a BBQ or hog roast or rehearsal dinner.
This all took place at the venue/hotel where most of the guests were staying, the fabulous Chateau de la Cazine where I have worked previously.
The bridal preps took place at the chateau the following day with ceremony taking place in the nearby small town of Arnac-La-Poste in church.
Tasha arrived with her father in a vintage 1960's Austin Healey sports car escorted by her 4 bridesmaids.
Then it was on to the Moulin de Lascoux nearby, the French home of Alex's parents.
Drinks reception by the pool in glorious sunshine? Check.
Meal & speeches in the marquee shaded by trees and not too hot? Check.
Open air dancing in the rain during a thunderstorm? Check.
Whaaaaaat?! Yes, the sky began to rumble and turn the colour of a fresh bruise. The wind began to whip the trees. The band ramped up the tunes and the guests broke out the clear umbrellas.
Fantastic.
The marquee, dancefloor and lighting was provided by La Bonne Fete, hair by Emma Willet, make up by Clare Jones, catering by The Event Kitchen and superb band, Rip-it Encore.
Full gallery including international print ordering facility available by clicking here.
Becky & Ed's Lot et Garonne Wedding
https://vimeo.com/225525312
- BECKY & ED -
a CHATEAU DE LISSE WEDDING
Every time I visit Chateau de Lisse, something has changed, been improved.
Well not every time as I shoot an average 3 weddings a year every year at this fabulous chateau venue, but every year.
Over the Winter, between in-house wedding planner Jo and the owners, some form of renovation or update happens.
It really is a different place to the first time I visited some 4 years ago, both inside and out.
Becky & Ed just knew it was the place for their 3 day wedding. The only thing they sadly did not get was beautiful weather.
At least, not for the full 3 days, but when it counted, when we really needed it, we got it. It often happens this way.
A 'Meet, Greet & Eat' BBQ happened on the Friday late afternoon/early evening with the wedding day proper on the Saturday.
The building itself can best be described as 'neutral stone' and the surrounding landscape is predominantly lush green.
So was the floral theme (white, green & clean) by one of my fave florists in France, Faith @ Le Coeur Sauvage, - perfectly judged and complimentary.
And the day itself? It's no secret, bridal prep is my favourite part of the day. I don't know why, - I'm a bloke, but it produces what I feel is some of the best imagery of the day.
The ceremony conducted by celebrant Moira Stephen took place in the ancient chapel by candle-light and the weather held off long enough for confetti & drinks outside.
Then after a brief couple of showers, we did actually manage a handful of family groups outside and some couple stuff in the sun.
Sadly, a decision (the right one) had already been taken to hold the meal inside which on one hand was a shame as the view & evening light on the terrace is superb, but at the same time the re-decorated (for last season) dining room is beautiful & light.
Dancing took place in the Salle de Dance with tunes by DJ Downsey.
Full gallery with international print ordering gallery available by clicking here!
Hugo & Paul's South East France Wedding
https://vimeo.com/223129578
- HUGO & PAUL -
a DOMAINE DU FOULON WEDDING
Hey Simon What an amazing day it was and thanks for being so bloody good and discrete and full of energy and being there with us. Still reeling on our honeymoon and can't wait to see the final result! Everyone commented on how kind, fun and cool you were! The kids want a camera belt just like yours! As do I!!! Anyway buddy hope you enjoyed it and sorry we didn't get to hang out more! Thank you. So much.
Hugo & Paul
555 + 1000's.
Two numbers that spring to mind in regard to Hugo & Paul's Domaine du Foulon wedding.
The first number is the altitude marker I saw on the way up to the Domaine near Greolieres in the hills above Nice.
It's a spectacular winding drive up from Tourettes-sur-Loup where I was staying and Hugo spent a lot of his childhood.
The marker post was by the side of the road at just about the same height as the venue unseen in the distance.
The 1000's we'll get to...
So a laid back 'Meet, Greet & Eat' (and drink) affair took place at an outdoor restaurant in Greolieres the evening before (a few pics below) and then the main event on the Saturday at Domaine du Foulon.
I don't think you can beat an outdoor wedding for atmosphere and for a photographer it offers so much more scope. A few challenges, but overall, more scope.
So there it was, - an outdoor ceremony (conducted by Miguel who also did the last ceremony I covered there), drinks, meal and dancing.
Oh and the band, Mister Kanish, just superb.
Finally, what were the 1000's?
Fireflies. I took a final long exposure night shot of the venue below the hills and a starlit sky. 1000's of fireflies were blinking on and off as I did so. One even made it in the car back to my hotel, lighting up every time we hit a dark area. This is the stuff that makes for memories.
Below is a 'click through' highlights gallery. Click on the first image and repeat. Full gallery including international print order facility click here.
Lucy & George's French Country Wedding
https://vimeo.com/222631324
- LUCY & GEORGE -
FRENCH COUNTRY WEDDING
Simon was fantastic! He understood exactly what we wanted, capturing some wonderful photos whilst being anonymous and allowing all our guests to get on with having a great time. He also got our images back to us extremely promptly.
Lucy & George
Wow.
Just wow.
Strip out most of the tradition & frippery and what you get is a properly laid back & beautiful wedding day.
Lucy & George did just this and the results speak for themselves.
I'll speak for them anyway...
No bridal prep. (No bridesmaids!).
No make up or pro hairdresser.
No formal attire.
The bride did not wear white. She wore red. And it wasn't a dress.
Pre-ceremony drinks reception with both bride & groom.
No grand entrance. No being given away by father. Married by a friend.
Married after 5.30pm which May-Sep in SW France is extremely wise. Could have gone later easily...
No formal family groups. In fact no posed photography at all, - even the couple stuff, - I left them to it.
Well maybe there was a period of less than 2 minutes when I might have said, "if you could stop there but otherwise carry on doing exactly what you are doing..."
6 shorter toasts split over the afternoon/evening, - mum's, groom, bride, best men...who sung it with a ukulele.
No DJ, band or pro lighting, - just cleared the tables, popped on some tunes and danced the night away.
Day after, - brunch, crepe caravan by the lovely ladies @ Babel Bouche and pool party.
Just brilliant.
Full gallery including international print ordering facility available by clicking here.
Leyla & Andy's Charente Wedding (a Marry Me in France wedding)
https://vimeo.com/222155772
- LEYLA & ANDY -
CHARENTE WEDDING
Hi Simon, just a note to say thank you for the awesome videos you created, we watched them a number of times last night and it really captures the day!
So many details that we forgot, didn’t see or didn’t remember it was fantastic to re-live it!!
Leyla & Andy
First a weather warning.
Cloud building to rain moving towards potential storms.
The first bit happened. The second also, but the third thankfully never materialised.
And then, late on, the sun did make an appearance allowing us a brief couple only session just before it got dark. Phew.
The venue was 'The Country Club' in the Charente area and is almost a mini village based around a 9 hold golf course.
This was my third Marry Me in France wedding of the year and this time with the expert 'can do' Kate.
The weather of course, dictated a large part of the day, at least in regard to what would take place where.
The planned outdoor ceremony & meal had to be rearranged indoors which was a little unlucky as we don't often get rained off in SW France.
But the one thing the weather did not do was dampen Leyla & Andy's day in the slightest and they loved the alternative arrangements.
The day culminated in a sparkler ring around the dance floor as the couple did their first dance.
Above is Leyla & Andy's 'Pure-Film' and below the highlight pics, a 'Photo-Film'.
Full gallery with international print ordering gallery available by clicking here.
Chateau Clerbise Wedding - Antoinette & Isaac
https://vimeo.com/221253493
- ANTOINETTE & ISAAC -
a CHATEAU CLERBISE WEDDING
What is it with the weather this year?
Time and time again, we seem to have been getting a similar pattern which is rain early on, enough to jangle nerves and then brilliant sunshine later.
And so it was at Antoinette & Isaac's Chateau Clerbise wedding in Charente.
There's one short word I'd use to describe this wedding and that is fun.
Fun to be at & fun to shoot. OK, slightly frustrating when it was raining early on, but nothing seems to get Antoinette down and she didn't stop smiling all day!
The plan then was for an outdoor ceremony in the ruins of an ancient chapel in the grounds.
Rain did not stop play, - it happened. Fortunately it was only light rain and at the time, you didn't actually notice it much.
The drinks reception that followed was at first inside until the weather finally broke and sunshine was the order of the day from that point onwards.
The wedding meal (fabulous food by Peter @ Lax & Co)and speeches took place outdoors and then a great first dance scenario also outside on the terrace followed by a sparkler tunnel.
Full international print ordering gallery available by clicking here!
Lindy & David's Hilltop Village Wedding (Castelnau des Fieumarcon)
https://vimeo.com/220652186
- LINDY & DAVID -
a CASTELNAU DES FIEUMARCON WEDDING
Mad Hatters. But that is tomorrow...
The last couple of days of May in SW France were hot. Very hot.
The last time I was up at Castelnau des Fieumarcon (known as 'The Wedding Village') the weather was a bit mixed.
Not this weekend though and more in keeping with this part of France and this time of year.
So what can I tell you about Lindy & David's hilltop village wedding...?
The ceremony itself took place outdoors on one of the top garden terraces and the couple were married by Lindy's father.
A drinks reception followed on the terrace next door with the wedding meal in the grand hall.
Pretty 'straightforward'. Then the Mad Hatters arrived...
Yes, the following day was full on 'Mad Hatters Tea Party' with everyone getting in the spirit.
A long shaded table was set out and decorated with all things 'Alice' and then they turned up.
Hatters, Alices, Queens of Hearts, Tweedle Dum & Tweedle Dee, Cheshire Cats, Caterpillars...
'Eat Me' & 'Drink Me' dainty cakes and drinks...
It was all quite magical really and a great idea for a post-wedding day event.
And that is what this place, Castelnau des Fieumarcon, is all about. It's THE Wedding Village and is never just about a single wedding day, but a series of days & events.
Full international print viewing & ordering wedding gallery available to access by clicking here.
The Mad Hatters Tea Party pics are here!
Abi & Jamie - Historic Chateau (a Marry Me in France wedding)
https://vimeo.com/218126314
- ABI & JAMIE -
a HISTORIC CHATEAU WEDDING
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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Abi & Jamie's full gallery including international print ordering facility is available by clicking here.
Kim & Ian - The Secret Garden (a Marry Me in France wedding)
https://vimeo.com/216977719
- KIM & IAN -
THE SECRET GARDEN WEDDING
"Everyone has that one detail that rings most important to them for their wedding. For us, that was the photography.
With Simon, not only were we not disappointed, but rather stunned with amazement!
Simon is a true master of his art! We can assure you, with him, you will not only receive a beautiful documentation of your day and special moments but also a genuinely great person with whom to share the day as well!
He graciously went along with us and our family for our half day adventure in the Dordogne area, not only capturing but aiding us in our silly endeavors as well!
By the wedding day Simon was and still is, an honorary member of our family. We will forever be grateful to him as we remember our time through his magical photos!
A thousand thanks and even more blessing to you and yours Simon!"
Kim & Ian
If the rest of 2017 is half as good as the first wedding of the 2017 season, this year is going to be pure gold, - the finest to date!
As a photographer, you never really truly know what you are going to end up with until it’s all done & dusted.
And by done & dusted, I mean; culled, edited, finished.
You get an inkling though… Sometimes it’s at the very first point of contact.
I get a much better idea though when we meet, but still, sometimes things can get in the way such as not so great planning/timings, really bad weather, locations that are not quite as great as they could have been.
It gets reinforced on the day but the proof of the pudding is always in the final result.
And so it was with K&I. “We love your view, technique and ability to truly document the day and think it would suit our needs perfectly! Please let us know if you are interested and available”. Was I interested?! You bet I was!
This wedding in association with Marry Me in France was expertly planned & coordinated by the talented Abigail Wells-Davies.
In fact all the suppliers were super-talented and a fabulous bunch who have all worked together at some point, more often than not, quite regularly. A wedding A Team.
And what about the venue, The Secret Garden? Superb. If you’d turned up on a dull wet day, it would have looked great. On the sunny Spring morning that I did, pretty fabulous. There is little point in trying to describe the place, - it appears as the backdrop throughout the day both in the pictures and in Kim & Ian's wedding film.
But what is it that actually makes a wedding? It’s not the pretty backdrop. It isn't ‘the stuff’. It is people. The people. Partly the team behind the scenes, but even more importantly, the couple, their family & friends.
Kim & Ian’s wedding was a smaller one and that is a good thing. 18 in total including 3 children so only the very nearest & dearest were there. Also, being Texan’s, the heart of rural Dordogne was a very exotic destination.
They embraced it all and were some of the most welcoming people I have ever worked for. These are the kinds of wedding I live for because when they let you in…and I mean, really let you in, - unrestricted, trusted, encouraged even, - the results just flow.
And that’s how it was. As always, I can try and describe the day in words, but that is not what I do. I describe the day in pictures and with the films I make. They tell the story of this day far better than any words ever could.
To Kim & Ian, you thanked me, but there is just as much thanks and credit due to you for making it happen in the first place, because without you, we would not be employed. Without people specifically like you, we would not be able to love what we do as much as we do. We all (and I think I speak to all of us involved) fell in love with you and your wedding. We can excuse you for the attempts at speaking French, but bravo mes amies!
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The production at the top of the page is a 'Pure-Film' combining filmed footage with soundtrack.
The production below is a 'Photo-Film' combining pictures with audio & soundtrack.
International print ordering gallery including the FULL set of images from both the day prior and wedding day, click here.
https://vimeo.com/217170521
And just when you thought there could not possibly be anything more from this wedding...
Au contraire, - Kim & Ian's 'Video Diary Room Experience', - the only part of the day neither of them took part in...and have no idea what to expect. I do ;)
https://vimeo.com/217974665
The Gers Wedding Photography of Livvy & Alex (Part 01)
[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/183652524[/vimeo]
GERS WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
The crazy beautiful wedding of Livvy & Alex.
Well it wasn't that 'crazy', but it was beautiful!
There are some weddings I absolutely hate to leave, but unless I've got a room next door, pitch a tent in the grounds, or sleep in the car, I have to.
Such was the case with Livvy & Alex's wedding. But I am getting ahead of myself...
It started with an enquiry maybe 9 months ago.
There are some enquiries which for whatever reason are never going to go anywhere. That's normal, - I can't book them all.
Then there are some enquiries that are dead certs in regard to becoming a booking.
Livvy & Alex's was one such enquiry, which is good, otherwise this post would not exist!
We had a chat on the phone one evening and that was that, we were set.
In the lead up to this wedding, everything pointed towards it being a perfect match of photographer and couple.
It's not all about having the grandest venue (though Chateau d'Arlens is certainly very fine).
It's not all about having the best suppliers. They didn't have any! (More in Part 02 in that regard).
It's ALL about the people. It always is.
If you don't like 'bad language' look away now, but the tattoo on Livvy's foot said it all; "bollocks to the wellingtons".
'Withnail and I' fans? You bet. Guess what? So am I!
Sometimes the stars align. At Livvy & Alex's wedding, they did once again.
Below, some highlights from the 1/2 day prior that some 90% of my clients opt for as it gives the perfect opportunity to:
Meet, usually for the first time, get to know each other so we are not strangers on the wedding day plus extensive background/landscape photo-shoot, relaxed couple only pre-wedding shoot followed by low-key coverage of evening drinks or similar.
Part 02 here.
"Simon was the only professional at our "handmade wedding" and we knew we chose the right guy from day one. He maintained a good level of contact on the run up with very helpful hints and tips and then blended in seamlessly to both the rehearsal dinner and the wedding. He even provided us with a small mountain of fresh figs from his garden which we used in our starter platters for the wedding breakfast. We were gently coached through some shoots but mostly he went into espionage mode. The results were fantastic, very natural photos that reflected our "home-made" theme while capturing us and our guests enjoying the celebrations. Very very happy".
Alex
Chateau d'Arlens Wedding - Livvy & Alex (Part 02)
[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/183647365[/vimeo]
CHATEAU D'ARLENS WEDDING
Following on from Part 01 of Livvy & Alex's Chateau d'Arlens wedding, is this, their actual wedding day.
So where to begin? How about the start of the day? Seems like a good place...
This was very much a DIY wedding. Other than 2 local ladies for washing up duties, other than myself, there were no 'suppliers' at this wedding.
Venue? Friends of the family, - the delightful Chateau D'Arlens owned by Sally and run by Ruth.
Flowers? That would be Sally, the bride and various family & guests.
Decor? Family.
Catering? Bride's mum (and legion of assistants).
Officiant? Alex's brother, Hugh.
Flypast? Sally's son.
Sorry, just realised I have fibbed. The sounds & light (sometimes called a DJ) in the evening was a pro job!
But EVERYTHING else was gifted, supplied and worked on by the Livvy & Alex 'wedding collective'.
Even I contributed with a basket of fresh figs from one of our trees that made up a part of the sharing platters.
And then there was the timing and the light...
If it had not been for *cough* me, suggesting the ceremony was delayed for 15 minutes, the couple would have been blinded by sunlight. But taking the decision to make the ceremony 5.15pm rather than 5pm made all the difference.
Then, if Mrs F. Nustedt had remembered to put the Potato D. in the oven on time, then the beautiful golden hour pics at sunset would not have happened...so thank you Fran, - something very special happened because of you!
And that is enough from me. Above, the highlight slideshow. Click here for full gallery link.
"Without doubt the best decision we made regarding our wedding. As soon as I found his website I knew I had found the style I was looking for.Friendly and professional throughout, he worked around us perfectly.When we received our photos I was blown away by the quantity and quality of them. I have no idea how Simon seemingly managed to be in a hundred places at once but he nailed it and we couldn't be happier. The only problem is trying to choose which ones to print, there's so many perfect images I suppose I shall have to wallpaper my house with them!"
Livvy
Gers Wedding - Willa & Freddie (Day 01)
[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/187656335[/vimeo]
GERS WEDDING
Day 01 of the Gers wedding of Willa & Freddie began at Platardon, a family home close to the village of Blaziert.
It was also my final wedding in France this year and one I was very much looking forward to.
Most of the weddings I photograph & film in France are civil or personal ceremonies but this one was a church wedding.
A church I have driven past many times as it's spire and the hilltop village can be seen for miles around.
So to get things started, we began with a meeting at Willa's parents pied a terre followed by a rehearsal at the church.
This was a good opp to see exactly how things would work including the arrival and departure of a very special wedding car.
Then it was back to Platardon for a relaxed couple only pre-wedding shoot before heading off to the nearby village of St Puy.
Chez Vous at St Puy was the selected venue for the evening meal involving B&G, parents, bridesmaids and groomsmen.
The setting was gorgeous, - outdoors, but covered by the old halle and beautifully lit.
I just did my usual thing of floating around in the background capturing the story as it unfolded.
The resulting pics will appear below within a few days, but for now, above, a short highlight slideshow.
Enjoy
Day 02, the actual wedding day now live and can be seen here.
South West France Wedding - Willa & Freddie (Day 02)
[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/187652720[/vimeo]
SOUTH WEST FRANCE WEDDING
So here it is, the main event. The plat du jour and the pudding all in one. Willa & Freddie's wedding day.
In a previous post, we took a look at the day prior. That post if you missed it can be viewed here.
For Willa & Freddie's South West France wedding day though, it was another glorious Summer's day.
The last of the year actually, - it's turned a little chillier since...but on that last weekend, blazing.
The above slideshow is just a 'taster' by the way, pics will follow soon and the proper production, - this is just to keep you amused...
The day started for me with coverage of the ushers lunch at the Vieux Pressoir Auberge with it's view of Blaziert.
The girls got ready at Willa's parents house Platardon where the reception would later take place.
The ceremony took place at the local church in the gorgeous hilltop village of Blaziert and afterwards, the couple left in a vintage Bentley.
A drinks reception followed on the terraces of the bride's parents beautiful garden complete with accordion player.
Catering was by familiar face Søren Hawes from Le Barbacane in nearby Lectoure.
And the first dance... Well that was special with 'those shoes'!
Full gallery including international print ordering facility available by clicking HERE
https://vimeo.com/192147630
Dordogne Wedding - Charlotte & Shanif (Day 01)
[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/187154819[/vimeo]
DORDOGNE WEDDING
The first thing we need to establish is which Chateau Pitray?
There are two and not so far apart.
Even I made the mistake...
Wind back the clock a few months...
I was shooting a wedding at another fabulous venue, Chateau Soulac and looking out over the valley and Dordogne river, I distinctly remember a beautiful building across the river.
You couldn't quite throw a stone and hit it, but as the crow flies, maybe 1km absolute tops.
No idea what the place was. Little did I know it was Chateau de Pitray.
And there it is right there, the 'de'. That is what differentiates:
Chateau de Pitray (our venue) from Chateau Pitray (not our venue).
I made my mistake when booking my accom. The place I chose was just 1 km away.
From Chateau Pitray...but around 20 from Chateau DE Pitray.
I discovered this when plotting my route after booking my accom.
I wasn't the only one, - various guests did the same.
And the bus driver bringing 40+ guests from Bordeaux airport.
We all got there in the end and that is what counts.
Plus it made a great story!
Above and below: A slideshow and pics from the half day 'meet, eat & greet' I did with Charlotte & Shan.
Day 02, the actual wedding day can be viewed by clicking here.
Full post and international print ordering facility available soon...
"Just wanted to send you a little email to say thank you so much for being so wonderful at our wedding! You were so nice to have there and so helpful, it was very reassuring to have your opinion which I trusted and so was great to have you around, especially before the wedding with the last minute details, the weather etc! Shan and I are very excited to see the photos which I know will be incredible, but for now just wanted to say thanks for being such a lovey addition to our wedding weekend, the photos online look amazing!"
Charlotte
Chateau de Pitray Wedding - Charlotte & Shanif (Day 02)
[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/187151382[/vimeo]
CHATEAU DE PITRAY WEDDING
So now we have established the correct chateau (see Day 01) we can take a look at Charlotte & Shanif's Chateau de Pitray wedding day itself.
First of all, the weather played fair. Previously, the forecast had not looked to great. But in the end, it was.
OK, a little cool for the time of year, but the rain forecast only came down towards the end of the meal!
The design, planning and organisation of this wedding was down to Yana at Peach Perfect ably assisted by her team.
Floristry was by the ever-excellent Faith at Le Coeur Sauvage
Music by Dordogne Wedding Music and catering by The Event Kitchen
The celebrant was Sarah Thomas and bar, decor hire & styling: Love Coralberry
The day began with both bride & groom prep coverage followed by the outdoor ceremony.
More than 50% of the weddings I cover in France take place outdoors (and why not? It's part of the appeal!) and the perfect setting was the ornamental stream & bridge.
Yana planned and executed a two-sided curved seating design based on the location.
The couple themselves took centre-staged on the red wooden bridge.
I circulated on the periphery in a 360 degree circle like a hawk. A hawk armed with some camera gear.
Then, almost on cue, the 1950's black Citroen Traction Avant arrived, a surprise for car-mad Shanif.
The three of us went for a brief shoot in the village street and then they went off for a little time by themselves.
Canapes, excellent food & drink, music, speeches, dancing etc followed.
A great wedding in a great location, - I can't wait for my next Chateau de Pitray wedding.
Might like to visit Chateau Pitray also... ;)
Full gallery including international print ordering facility available by clicking here.
"There are some things you simply need the best of for your wedding; a photographer is one them. Looking at Simon's portfolio only gives you half the picture (pun intended!). What you don't expect/realise when you hire Simon is his wealth of wedding knowledge. Yes, he is a fantastic photographer, but he also has so much wedding experience, just having him there made my wife and I feel so much more relaxed. I don't think he realised how many small details he helped us on. The Sneaky Sneaky character in Mr Deeds could be likened to Simon. You may notice him in the background taking some photos, then you'll see him a second later upstairs taking a photo out of a window, a blink later and he is 100 meters at the other side of the venue. Simon took some amazing photos, and when we received our photos after the wedding, it really took us back to the weekend. All in all, it's 10 out of 10 for Firehorse, I simply cannot understand why you wouldn't use Simon as your wedding photographer. His super chilled out/nothing to worry about demeanour and extensive wedding (100's++) experience make him the only man for the job".
Shan
Loire Wedding Photographer - Aimey & Ben (Part 01)
LOIRE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Pigs, dogs, giant balloons & popcorn.
Just some of my abiding memories of this wedding.
France is a large country with a landmass three times that of the UK.
This means that many of the weddings I cover here are 'road trips'. And I love a good road trip.
The Loire valley is an approx 5 hour drive from Gers, but on French autoroute and A roads, not a chore and the km's slip by.
Aimey & Ben had chosen Manoir de la Foulquetière close to the village of Lucay-le-Male as their wedding venue.
This property, almost like a tiny hamlet in itself, has been beautifully and lovingly restored by owner Rosemary Conquest.
The guests were staying both at the Manoir and across the road at the lakeside chalet park the largest of which where the evening pre-dinner drinks took place.
So, those pigs, dogs, giant balloons & popcorn...
On the animal side, there were 2 pigs; Rodney & Derek (think about it...) and 4 dogs (each set of parents and the B&G brought theirs).
The giant balloons lost one of their number early in the day on the actual wedding day and the popcorn was for the guests whilst the B&G signed the book!
Then there was the Trolls and the Cornish Rattler. I think you might need to visit Part 02 for more on that...
