Weddings in France

Part I of Jenny & James Chateau de Lisse wedding in this beautiful area of the Lot et Garonne department in South-West France.

This was the 5th wedding I have shot at this venue but the first I have also filmed.

When Jenny & James, a pair of New York creatives, first contacted me, I knew their wedding was going to be something a bit special.

A couple of other clients had also planned outdoor weddings at this venue, but the weather dictated otherwise, but this time, it came off…but I’m getting ahead of myself, – first there was Day 01.

Day 01 comprised a ‘meet & greet’ for friends & family arriving from all over the US and then an exclusive couple only shoot around the grounds before a pig roast and evening ‘open mic’ speeches.

All very relaxing and fantastic late afternoon/early evening light.

Part II follows here, but for this post, a selection of highlight pictures below:

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Following on from Part I of Jenny & James Chateau de Lisse wedding is Part II, their actual wedding day.

I use the word ‘day’ in it’s broadest sense as this was the latest starting ceremony I have covered in 15 years/600+ weddings with a scheduled start time of 6pm.

In the end it was 6.20pm, but in the late afternoon/early evening sunlight in an idyllic location by the lake below the chateau conducted by Jenny’s brother Jeff.

The meal was also outside on the terrace at 8.30pm and followed by speeches at table and dancing in La Salle de Dance.

Some weddings require little description. This was one of those weddings and the results speak for themselves.

They spoke to Jenny & James for sure…

Full gallery with international print ordering facility available by clicking here.

Simon!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
These are amazing. We are completely floored!
Jenny & James

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My post in regard to this wedding is a little different this week.

Normally, I struggle to whittle a finished set of over 500+ finished images down to ‘just’ 150 or so (for the blog post) and it’s an agonising process as every image that makes the final cut, is an integral part of the story.

A question that is sometimes asked is “can you tell a story in a single picture” and the answer is both yes and no.

Yes in that it depends upon what that ‘story’ is and if it’s a single image that defines a moment (or short period or event) in time, it can be done, but in many cases, only to the photographer or the client/subject.

In regard to a wedding day, I’d say no, it cannot be done.

For instance, I could define Fin & Dom’s Castelnau Des Fieumarcon wedding in a single image…to me, but it almost certainly will not define it to anyone else for the simple reason, you (unless you are the B&G or a guest!) were not there and so do not have your memories to add to this single image.

But this single image could define their wedding for me:

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