EMILY & PIERRE-LOUIS
Emily and Pierre-Louis live in England. They married at Du côté de chez Swann in Aix-en-Provence, surrounded by their families and friends who had travelled from across the Channel. Their schedule was written in English. We had met a few weeks before at Pierre-Louis’s father’s estate, where we later made their portraits.
GETTING READY AND THE FIRST LOOK
Their request was clear: no staging of the dress or jewellery, spontaneity first. So I followed Pierre-Louis at his parents’ home, then Emily at Swann, without arranging anything. For the first look, Pierre-Louis waited with his back turned. Emily walked up, he turned around, and they embraced before heading to the ceremony.
THE SECULAR CEREMONY IN PROVENCE
Pierre-Louis arrived with his mother, Emily with her father. Beneath the trees, family and friends took turns at a lectern set on a barrel. The ceremony was both funny and deeply moving: focused as I was on my framing, I couldn’t help laughing during the speeches. Their vows, written in English, are kept in close-up, through to the exit beneath the petals.
COUPLE PORTRAITS AMONG THE OLIVE TREES
Emily and Pierre-Louis weren’t at ease in front of the camera and above all wanted to enjoy their guests. So I adapted the timing: a short session at the family estate I already knew, among the olive trees, by the wooden railing and the pool. Only a few images, but they’re the ones they loved most.
THE COCKTAIL & WEDDING RECEPTION
After a long aperitif, the couple made their entrance as napkins twirled above everyone’s heads. Speeches and games slipped in between courses, then the cake arrived with sparklers. I was able to follow the whole day, from getting ready to the dance floor, where their friends ended up carrying Pierre-Louis in triumph.
A WEDDING PROJECT IN THE HEART OF PROVENCE?
Planning a wedding at Du côté de chez Swann or in Aix-en-Provence? Send me your date and venue so we can plan your photographs. Explore portraits in the Alpilles and a ceremony at Le Grand Belly for two other weddings in the South of France.