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...
Manoir de la Foulquetiere Wedding - Aimey & Ben (Part 02)
MANOIR DE LA FOULQUETIERE
Relaxed, sunny, elegant, fun. Dogs, pigs, giant balloons, Popcorn. Cornish: Rattler, sea shanties, people... The Loire Valley.
That is some combo and just a brief summary of Aimey & Ben's wedding at Manoir de la Foulquetiere.
Relaxed: As is the case with most weddings in France, they tend to be so because they are spread over more than one single day.
Sunny: From start to finish which is pretty essential when most of your wedding takes place outdoors!
Elegant: Oh so very.
Fun: With a capital F. (I didn't mention previously the outdoor games and frisbee!)
The dogs: For family dogs, one of which was the ring-bearer.
Pigs: The owner Rosemary has two, Derek & Rodney.
Giant Balloons: There was a casualty after a few hours. The yellow one decided to end it's own life. Possibly assisted by the sun...
Popcorn: For those utterly tedious moments when the couple sign the book, give your guests a personal box of popcorn!
Cornish Rattler: It's a cider. It's strong. It's a Cornish thing.
Sea Shanties: Every wedding ceremony should have one.
Cornish People: Almost as great as those from Yorkshire and on this particular day, maybe better...
The Loire Valley: and Manoir de la Foulquetiere itself is of course just a perfect place for a wedding.
Special mention in regard to the day and evening music courtesy Alex Crowe.
Full gallery including international print ordering facility here and in case you missed it, Part 01 was here.
https://vimeo.com/191125566
The Alpes-Maritimes Wedding Photography of Gemma & Lee (Day 01)
[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/178020593[/vimeo]
THE ALPES-MARITIMES WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY OF GEMMA & LEE
Winding roads. Seemingly endless winding roads. That is my abiding memory of the Alpes-Maritimes wedding photography of Gemma & lee.
The winding roads AND fabulous time & memory I have of their wedding that is.
Most of the weddings I cover are adventures. Adventures because France has a land area almost 3x that of Britain. There is usually a fair bit of travel!
Adventure because something like 85% of the weddings I cover are at new venues.
There is always something special about that first visit. It's not that repeat visits are not welcome, but you can never again get that 'first time feel'.
And so it was with Gemma & Lee's wedding at Domaine du Foulon, Gréolières approx 1 hour North of Nice.
I chose a hotel for my 3 night stay nearly 2 hours North of Nice. That proved to be a mixed bag.
Mixed because the scenery was spectacular. Mixed because it meant 80 minutes rarely getting out of second gear on relentless mountain switchbacks.
Ah...but it was all worth it. Adventure!
Domaine du Foulon has been owned by ex-pat Brits Nick & Mia (and their three dogs) for 12 years. It is a huge, 4 stories in parts, family home with I think 13 bedrooms?
Tucked away discreetly in a valley just below the charming village of Gréolières, it is surrounded by mountains & forest.
If you are looking for nightlife, you need to create your own.
It's rare I don't do these 1/2 day prior visits as they add so much value to the whole 'wedding photography experience'.
I rarely have the opportunity to meet couples prior to their weddings other than the day prior.
This 1/2 day prior allows for that, - a chance to get to know one another better, have a proper recce, pre-shoot and relaxed documentary coverage of whatever is going on.
Come the wedding day, we all know each other and I can slip seamlessly into the background of the event.
Part 02, Gemma & Lee's actual wedding day can be viewed by clicking here.
The Domaine du Foulon Wedding of Gemma & Lee (Day 02)
[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/178018639[/vimeo]
THE DOMAINE DU FOULON WEDDING OF GEMMA & LEE
Following on from Part 01 of Gemma & Lee's Domaine du Foulon wedding is this, Day 02, their actual wedding day.
The over-riding tone for Gemma & Lee's wedding was low-key and fuss-free.
They got that. First the location. It's moderately remote.
Gréolières is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France approx an hour North of Nice.
The house itself is set within the forest and mountain slopes just below the village.
It's a very tranquil and peaceful spot. As my previous post stated, if you want the nightlife, head an hour back South to Nice!
It's very much my kind of place though. Relaxed and laid back and especially because the core family were there for a week and not just a day.
It makes all the difference, these 'weddings combined with a vacation' and makes a significant difference I feel in regard to the whole wedding experience.
So low-key and fuss-free as previously mentioned was what was planned and what happened.
Relaxed prep. OK, slightly over-ran, but the celebrant Miguel was not rushing off anywhere. And neither were we.
Relaxed drinks on the terrace. Relaxed meal & speeches outdoors. Relaxed dancing back on the terrace when the light got low.
Relaxed I think was the key word and it was great and no fuss, no drama, - the results speak for themselves.
Full international gallery with print ordering facility available by clicking ici.
Helen & Barthelemy's Lectoure Wedding (Part 01)
[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/175385089[/vimeo]
HELEN & BARTHELEMY'S LECTOURE WEDDING
Helen & Barthelemy's Lectoure wedding began and finished at the fantastic Chateau de Malliac.
I'd been looking forward to this one before they even booked. How so?
We have had a family owned home in Gers (the village of La Romieu to be precise) for over 15 years.
Then we (that is Julie & I), decided to buy our own house in the region and at the time of writing, complete on that within the next 2 days.
It is approx 10km from Chateau de Malliac which will be my closest grand venue. So obviously keen to work there!
And what an introduction to the venue. Most of my clients book the 1/2 day prior coverage option. It adds so much more to the overall coverage.
In the case of Helen & Bart, due to another commitment, this was not going to be possible. So introductions happened on the day of the wedding.
This is rare and when it does happen, I'm always slightly...not nervous, that would be the wrong word, but simply wondering what 'they' will be like?
I needn't have had any concerns, Helen is Irish. So are her family. I was given the warmest welcome and made to feel part of it immediately.
And that's a big thing. I am primarily a 'documentary' photographer, - that is other than a handful of portraits and a couple of family groups, I'm mostly hands off.
An observer, the proverbial fly on the wall and a storyteller. But to get the best story, you need to be closest to the action and it's hard to do that if you are not on the inside.
After the bridal preps and some background pics of the venue, the morning's somewhat murky weather lifted.
The SW France sunshine began to blaze on the golden fields (sunflowers) this region is noted for as I headed to St. Gervais in Lectoure.
Lectoure is possibly the most gorgeous small town in the region. An ancient fortified spa town perched on top of a hill, it can be seen for miles around.
And there I met Bart the groom. Another warm welcome from him and his family. This Irish/French union was going to be a good one.
Then the ceremony. The cathedral is pretty massive and the ceremony although solemn, equally uplifting with a group of Helen's friends singing various pieces.
Helen is a former opera singer, - she picked the pieces. One of them I have used in the slideshow production below.
And then it was over and the 150+ wedding party spilled out into the square before a friend's grey Citroen 2CV whisked them on to the wedding venue for Part 2.
Helen & Barthelemy's Chateau De Malliac Wedding (Part 02)
[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/175380986[/vimeo]
CHATEAU DE MALLIAC WEDDING
Following on from Part 01, here is Part 02 of Helen & Barthelemy's Chateau de Malliac wedding.
After their spectacular wedding ceremony (is spectacular the right word for a church wedding?) at St. Gervais Cathedral, Lectoure, we returned to Chateau de Malliac.
The bride & groom arrived in a grey Citroen 2CV. One without a handbrake, but that's another story...
Now most drinks receptions/cocktail hours I have been to have lasted no more than 2 hours.
This one lasted a little longer. More like 4+ hours. In 30+ degree heat.
If that sounds like a negative, it isn't as rather than a few trays of canapes, a continuing flow of canapes combined with the starter course happened.
Accompanied by the local bandas comprising 20+ members.
And it wasn't that hot under the shade of the trees either.
I can't even remember all the choices, but chef David Chaves would complete one and then move on to another.
There was also an oyster bar served on a bed of ice in the prow of a boat.
And then, we moved on to the dining hall barn where an impromptu dance off happened.
And duck and dessert and more macarons than I've ever seen in one place.
Multiple speeches, more dancing, doves and a rendition of the Irish rugby anthem (plus an Irish favourite 'Dirty Old Town' in French!).
In conclusion, one of the liveliest, most fun weddings I have been to. Brilliant.
Below, a slideshow and pics. Enjoy. Oh...and full international print ordering gallery available by clicking here.
"From the moment we first saw Simon’s website we knew we were on the right route for finding our wedding photographer but the deal was sealed when we spoke with Simon, he was so relaxed and helpful and very enthusiastic about shooting in France! He exudes calm and professionalism and for a bride, this is comforting!! During the day, Simon stayed in the background and was non-invasive throughout but when we saw the pictures it is obvious he was everywhere, he did not miss a trick. We love how Simon captures intimate, precious moments without invading your privacy and how he catches the expression and laughter of those he photographs. We have had so many compliments about the photographs. Thank you so much, Simon. Simon est un vrai professionnel et ce fut un immense plaisir de l’avoir a notre marriage. Les photos ont une vrai ame et refletent tout a fait cette journee fantastique. Bravo Simon et merci"
Helen
Ellie & Dean Day 01 Blanche Fleur Wedding
[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/174344249[/vimeo]
BLANCHE FLEUR WEDDING
Ellie & Dean's Provence Wedding Photography (Day 02)
[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/174362482[/vimeo]
PROVENCE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
Following on from Day 01 of Ellie & Dean at Blanche Fleur, is this Day 02 of their Provence wedding photography.
The location was Blanche Fleur, a complex of self-catering accommodation on the site of an old disused mill.
The moment I walked through the gates, I guess I got the same feeling they did on their first visit, - this is going to be a great place for a wedding!And with 3 days in which to capture it, in the promised 30 degree plus Provencal sunshine... Well it was always going to be a bit special and so it was.
Someone recently said to me,"Your work that you do in France is a bit special. Even more 'sparkle' than the work you do in the UK. I think it's because you love working there more?"I think they were/are right.
I think there are other factors also including:
The locations; this year, 80% of my work is at brand spanking never visited before venues.But surely familiarity is better? It can be, but also no.There is something extra special about a first visit to a new venue.No preconceived notions or ideas (and I never look at anyone else's work at a venue. Ever.)
The 1/2 day prior coverage option that around 90% of all clients take up.This makes for an even better set of results from the wedding day.Combining a thorough recce with an on-site meeting with a pre-wedding location shoot plus low-key documentary coverage of the evening such as;outdoor meal, BBQ or as was the case here, pizza van!
Sunshine! It's not guaranteed of course, but with the majority of my weddings in France taking place May-Sep and more towards or in the South, we get a lot more than the UK.
A full international picture viewing/print ordering gallery can be accessed by clicking here!
And so Ellie & Dean's Provence wedding day... See below, slideshow and pics can tell the story of their day far better than I can with words!
SUPPLIERS AT THIS WEDDING
Venue: Blanche Fleur, Chateauneuf de Gadagne, Provence
Dress: Pronovias, Allison-Jayne of Bristol
Caterers: Meffre Traiteur
Celebrant: Alison Phillips
Croissants & Crepes, Day 03 of Ellie & Dean's Epic Provence Wedding
[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/174351517[/vimeo]
DAY 03 OF ELLIE & DEAN'S EPIC FRANCE WEDDING
So here it is, Day 03 of Ellie & Dean's epic Provence wedding.
All good things come to an end as they say and it's one (like so many) I didn't really want to leave.
Day 03 was a wind down down that combined a crepe brunch with a pool party and water polo match.
It's been superb from start to finish, but then I can't recall a wedding I have been to in France that hasn't been.
Day 01 including pre-shoot, informal drinks and pizza van can be viewed by clicking here.
Day 02, Ellie & Dean's actual wedding day can be viewed by clicking here.
And so to conclude, one final production and series of highlights from Ellie & Dean's wedding at Blanche Fleur.
Julie & Ross's Chateau Soulac Juillac Wedding Day 01
[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/172871622[/vimeo]
JULIE & ROSS'S CHATEAU SOULAC JUILLAC WEDDING
OK, they have waited long enough. I'm normally a bit quicker than 2 weeks getting stuff up,but I had to fly back and forth from France twice and shoot a 3 day wedding so it's taken a couple of days extra.
The pics on this page are from the day prior to Julie & Ross's Chateau Soulac Juillac wedding. We had a meeting and did arelaxed 'practise' pre-shoot at exactly the same time as we would be shooting it for real the next day.These are great to do because not only does it give us more time to get to know each other,but for me to see how any couple interact together. It's also useful to maximise the time inregard to what will work where according to the time of day and light.
Then it was down to a local restaurant for a meal & vin. Plenty of vin! Sadly I had to drive so limited vin pour moi.
I've also included a highlights showreel (below) and for full actual wedding day, click here.
Enjoy
Julie & Ross's Chateau Soulac Wedding (Day 02)
[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/172906733[/vimeo]
JULIE & ROSS'S CHATEAU SOULAC WEDDING
WHAT HAPPENED
SUPPLIERS AT THIS WEDDING
Venue: Chateau Soulac
Hair & MUA: Carey Hawkins
Band: Tomorrow
My excellent 'not a hotel'!: L'Ostal en Perigord
Christina & Adam's Gascony Wedding at Chateau de Lisse
[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/171201151[/vimeo]
CHRISTINA & ADAM'S GASCONY WEDDING AT CHATEAU DE LISSE
It's fair to say that this South West corner of France (if not all of France actually) has not had quite the gorgeous weather that early Summer normally brings and so it was for the Gascony wedding of Christina & Adam. It wasn't terrible, stayed dry and was sunny even as their wedding day progressed, but it was not hot...which for a wedding day is maybe a good thing.
I think this was either my 6th or 7th wedding at this stunning venue, Chateau de Lisse, expertly run by Jo and her team.
For Christina & Adam's wedding, I met up with them the day prior for a pre-wedding type shoot around the grounds and chateau in order for them to get a sense of what we could achieve on the actual wedding day and this was followed by a meal at a restaurant in nearby Nerac.
THE WEDDING DAY
On the wedding day itself, Christina wore an especially fabulous to photograph Madeline Gardner wedding dress with hair & makeup by friend and bridesmaid Jade.
After a ceremony conducted in the chapel by Father William, the guests were provided with sunglasses for the drinks reception. Sunglasses? Surely they brought their own? Ahh...see pictures! (Just for a bit of fun, Christina & Adam provided a table of colourful sunglasses. I had my eye on some gold one's, but somebody nabbed them before I could get my hands on them).
Flowers were by Faith from La Couer Savage, catering by Jean-Marc @ Chateau de Lisse and the excellent band, Bright Lights, possibly the best wedding band I have come across to date in France (yes, that good!)
And the first dance? Well I witnessed and photographed it the day prior when they had a practise and then on the evening of their wedding, it went down a storm. Possibly even rivalling it, then friend and bridesmaid Simone sang 'Valerie' by Amy Winehouse live with the band.
All in all, a great wedding, a joy to photograph & film and the results...well the results can show that far better than I can describe the day in words, so without further ado...
(Full gallery including international print ordering facility available by clicking here)
"Where to start?!..... I can't recommend Simon highly enough. He photographed and videoed our wedding in June in France. He immediately made us feel at ease and afterwards many of our guests commented that they felt the same. He fitted in as though he was one of the guests which resulted in fantastic natural photos of everyone. During the getting ready shots my bridesmaids forgot he was even in the room. Lovely manner with the kids too.Oh and the photos and video are brilliant!"
Christina
SUPPLIERS AT THIS WEDDING
Venue & Catering: Chateau de Lisse
Dress: Madeline Gardner
Flowers: La Couer Savage
Band: Brightlights