Charlotte & Chris Dordogne Chateau Wedding (Marry Me in France)
So we ended on a real high in both Charlotte & Chris's wedding in general and with the weather which was glorious.Being a photographer, I will complain that is was too sunny...but then we are never 100% happy with the lighting which keeps us on our toes!
https://vimeo.com/239081147
- CHARLOTTE & CHRIS -
a HISTORIC CHATEAU WEDDING
And so we reach the final wedding of the 2017 'Summer' season.
Still have one more in December, but the 'a wedding every weekend since April' time is over!
It's been a great season, the best yet. I don't know how, but every year does improve upon the last and so it has been for the last 17 years.
So we ended on a real high in both Charlotte & Chris's wedding in general and with the weather which was glorious.
Being a photographer, I will complain that is was too sunny...but then we are never 100% happy with the lighting which keeps us on our toes!
This wedding was again in conjunction with the planners I work with a lot, Marry Me in France and it's always fun to work with the team.
The ceremony itself took place in the idyllic setting of a small woodland at the end of the formal rose garden and could not have been more perfect.
In fact, I'd go as far and say it was the best outdoor location for a ceremony this year. Perhaps a little contrasty for the time of day, but otherwise pretty perfect.
The drinks reception took place in the full sunshine of the Indian Summer that we have been having and the meal inside as this time of year, it's just a little too cool once the sun has gone down to be sitting outside.
Above is a highlight slideshow production from Charlotte & Chris's day and below, a few highlights with full international print ordering gallery available by clicking here!
Steff & Charlie's Chateau Wedding in France (Chateau de Lisse)
And so we come to the 3rd and final of this season's weddings at Chateau de Lisse.Cooler than expected, with the odd spit & spot of the wet stuff, but nothing that affected the day.
https://vimeo.com/238257091
- STEFF & CHARLIE -
a CHATEAU DE LISSE WEDDING
And so we come to the 3rd and final of this season's weddings at Chateau de Lisse.
Cooler than expected, with the odd spit & spot of the wet stuff, but nothing that affected the day.
Steff wore Caroline Castigliano and the bridesmaids blue.
Charlie a blue & green suit with bow tie by Lewes Bow Ties.
Flowers were by the ever fantastic Faith @ Le Coeur Sauvage.
Plus there was a mariachi band! The band were actually friends of the couple so guests, but in the evening, transformed into their alter egos...
Up above, there's a multimedia slideshow production. Watch it!
Below, a selection of highlights.
The full gallery with international print ordering facility is available by clicking here.
Enjoy.
Victoria & Jamie's French Chateau Wedding
Victoria & Jamie's French chateau wedding took place at one of South West France's most beautiful venues, Chateau de Lisse.This was my second of three visits to Chateau de Lisse this year and I think my 9th to date.
https://vimeo.com/236713739
- VICTORIA & JAMIE -
a CHATEAU DE LISSE WEDDING
Victoria & Jamie's French chateau wedding took place at one of South West France's most beautiful venues, Chateau de Lisse.
This was my second of three visits to Chateau de Lisse this year and I think my 9th to date.
Every year it just gets better and better as each Winter, another improvement job is carried out either on the building itself or with the grounds.
And the setting is fabulous. I'm not sure exactly why this is, but our area (I live just 30 minutes away) is not France's greatest tourist destination by far (though we have a lot of good stuff do see & do here!) but does attract a lot of weddings. The latter bit I do understand, - we have some exceptional venues and scenery, plus generally the weather!
And speaking of 'the weather', anyone who lives in SW France will know that we have had a bit of a mixed bag this year, but all good for Victoria & Jamie with their chapel, but outdoor dining wedding day.
Makeup was by Lizbeth and flowers by Faith For makeup & flowers, Lizbeth and Faith are amongst the very best in France.
Otherwise time to let the pictures do the talking because they can always tell the story of the day far better than I can!
Slideshow production above and a selection of highlight pics below in a click/swipe through gallery.
Full gallery including international print ordering facility is available by clicking here.
Manoir de Clenord wedding - Tamasine & Paul
What is perfection? Is there such thing as a 'perfect wedding'? Well all I can say is that if this one wasn't, it was as close as you can get.OK, it could have been 5 degrees warmer. It could have been 30 minutes later in the day. Err, I'm struggling now...
https://vimeo.com/235706330
- TAMASINE & PAUL -
a MANOIR DE CLENORD WEDDING
What is perfection? Is there such thing as a 'perfect wedding'?
Well all I can say is that if this one wasn't, it was as close as you can get.
OK, it could have been 5 degrees warmer. It could have been 30 minutes later in the day. Err, I'm struggling now...
The thing about weddings as a wedding photographer is you never really know what you are going to get and then achieve until the actual day.
Or the day before...
Initially, I wasn't sure what Tamasine & Paul's Manoir de Clenord wedding would produce.
I had not met them before. Nothing unusual in that, - I meet less than 5% of clients prior to the booking stage. I was going to be working with a planner I had never worked with, the lovely Nicole at Pure Expressions Events and at a new venue I had never visited before.
As I said, none of that is in any way unusual and as every wedding is as unique as every couple, you never know what it's really going to be like until you get there.
As with ALL weddings, the singlemost important factor is not where, or what or even really why, but WHO.
We all played a part but in the end, all weddings in my experience and opinion come down to the couple. They either want you there, or tolerate you. If it's the latter, the whole day becomes a salvage job. If they actually want you, it's a joy. Folks either work with you...or they do their own thing. The former produces everything, the latter can be a struggle.
So I met Tamasine & Paul the day prior. We had a meeting and chatted through the day. We looked at some stuff and we went out for a play to take some pictures. I knew then at that point their wedding had the potential to be right up there if only the weather played fair the next day...
And somehow it did. Despite every forecast projecting an afternoon of doom & gloom which is not what any wedding needs never mind an open air ceremony.
The rest of this story is in the slideshow production above and in the highlight images below. Full gallery with international print ordering gallery available by clicking here.
Gers Marquee Wedding - Becky & Chris
Finally, the day arrived! I had been looking forward to this one for some time having met both Becky & Chris plus Becky's parents earlier this year.And being just down the road literally (well 40 minutes), it beats 6 hours each way in the car!
https://vimeo.com/234823713
- REBECCA & CHRIS -
a GERS CHURCH & MARQUEE WEDDING
Finally, the day arrived!
I had been looking forward to this one for some time having met both Becky & Chris plus Becky's parents earlier this year.
And being just down the road literally (well 40 minutes), it beats 6 hours each way in the car!
The forecast however looked grim... Rain all afternoon. Unceasing rain without respite.
The day did start out very gloomy indeed. I was greeted in the temporary car park opposite Becky's parents by a very large German Shepherd and instinctively thought he was a security dog.
I then thought, "why would you need a security dog in the rural French countryside?" and then, "why is he soft as a brush?"
It turned out no one knew where this dog came from and he later joined the party for the duration of the drinks reception, quietly hoovering up crumbs or lying down at guests feet!
Anyway, I digress, 'The Wedding Dog' as I called him was not the main event...
After covering the start of the Groomsmen's Brunch at a nearby house, it was off to the local church of Poo Dragon. Sorry, Pouydraguin.
It was gloriously sunny when the boys and guests arrived, but by the time Becky did, the rain was falling.
It didn't last though and by the time the ceremony ended, conducted by a family friend, the sun was out and sticking two fingers up at the weather gods like an English archer at the battle of Agincourt, stayed out. All afternoon. More or less, - there were a couple of drops...
But then it absolutely lashed it down as everyone arrived in the marquee for the meal & speeches.
Post meal, it was into the barn for the dancing. There was some superb design going on in there plus throughout the whole wedding day as you'd expect from a talented interior designer.
Above is a slideshow production from Becky & Chris's Gers marquee wedding with a selection of highlights below.
Full gallery including international print ordering facility available by clicking here.
Chateau Lacanaud Wedding - Heather & Cameron
Eymet in the Dordogne, was the location for Heather & Cameron's Chateau Lacanaud wedding. Well just outside anyway, - I never actually saw or went into the town.The weather was the story of the year, sunny but not quite as warm as it normally is.
https://vimeo.com/233809808
- HEATHER & CAMERON -
a CHATEAU LACANAUD WEDDING
Eymet in the Dordogne, was the location for Heather & Cameron's Chateau Lacanaud wedding.
Well just outside anyway, - I never actually saw or went into the town.
The weather was the story of the year, sunny but not quite as warm as it normally is.
But that is not a bad thing as you get the ambience without literally dripping like a tap all day.
And a good thing to that the weather was good as this was a totally outdoor wedding, ie, ceremony and drinks and eating and dancing.
The whole day was planned and executed to perfection by wedding planner Sarah Thomas at 'And The We Got Married'.
From the big picture to the smallest detail (and yes Sarah, I got a picture of your signs for the ladies & gents!) it all went exactly as planned.
Fantastic floristry from Faith at Le Coeur Sauvage and excellent band, The Maida Vales.
The catering was superb (hog roast for main) and the whole day was a delight to be part of.
Above, an extended highlights slideshow production.
Below, a few highlight pictures with full gallery including international print ordering facility available by clicking here.
Claire & Nick at 'The Wedding Village' (a Marry Me in France wedding)
https://vimeo.com/232811913
- CLAIRE & NICK -
a MARRY ME IN FRANCE WEDDING
My 4th wedding of the year at 'The Wedding Village' was that of Claire & Nick with 'Marry Me in France'.
MMIF weddings are always amongst the best and so this one was with planner Laurence.
Proceedings started the day prior with a 'Meet, Greet & Eat' including mobile pizza van.
We have been experiencing a slightly 'up & down' period of weather in SW France recently and so it was for Claire & Nick's wedding. Sunny, but not exactly scorching hot as it can be.
The first thing planner Laurence and I commented on along with manager Anneli, was that we had never seen the village decorated so much. The pictures will give a few clues!
There's not much more I can say with words as the pictures tell a much better story than I ever can...
Click here for the full gallery including international print ordering facility.
Chateau La Gauterie Wedding - Charlotte & David
https://vimeo.com/231259263
- CHARLOTTE & DAVID -
a CHATEAU LA GAUTERIE WEDDING
Sunday 20th August saw me back to the Dordogne for Charlotte & David's super-sunny Chateau La Gauterie wedding.
This was my first visit to the venue which is absolutely gorgeous with fabulous grounds and expertly run by owners Rupert & Sarah.
The theme was 'carnival/fairground' and when I arrived, Dave and his team were at work assembling the travelling fair stalls & games they had built themselves.
Hook-a-duck, whack-a-rat, tin can alley, candyfloss machine...it was all there.
The day began however with an outdoor ceremony followed by ribbon cutting and confetti.
Drinks on the lawn followed and the fair opened.
Dinner was informal and buffet style in the marquee.
All in all, a great day and a lot of fun.
Below are a selection of highlights in a click-through gallery with full international print gallery available by clicking here!
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.
Firehorse Photography Books
FIREHORSE PHOTOGRAPHY BOOKS
Hot from the printers (at least that was the case at the time of writing this) is the first batch of 2017 Firehorse Photography books!
We believe a book is the single best investment you can make in regard to the presentation & preservation of your wedding day memories.
Research shows that couples who only receive a disc or digital download, rarely do much (if anything) with it, ie, spend thousands...and have nothing to show for it.
Good intentions and all that, but life moves on and it does become a chore the longer you leave it, to that point it does not happen.
Having a book does need mean having some huge cumbersome album that lives on top of a dusty wardrobe, but something that lives on a bookshelf or a coffee table.
In a book, pictures live. On a disc, they die.
Who knows how long technology will last and in a few years, that digital download may be lost or that USB stick simply no longer works.
The book lives forever though and you see things differently with a book because you actually see and not swipe!
That's one of the fundamental differences. We live in a digital, swiping/clicking world where everything (well many things) are ephemeral and fleeting.
A book though is solid. It's physical. It's tangible. It has texture. It has a smell. It forces interaction & engagement.
A book is forever.
On that basis, ALL our clients receive a book as part of our services. Well a book or a box of prints, but most choose the book as it's a very portable and neat format.
We offer 2 sizes as illustrated, - our standard 'F' book and our larger 'X' book.
The 'F' book also doubles as a 'parent book' and is a replica of either your F or your X.
Below, are Kim & Iain's set of X book for themselves and a pair of F book scale replicas for their parents.
To find out more or any questions, feel free to ask!
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!