CLAIRE & YOHAN, A CIVIL WEDDING IN THE VAUCLUSE
Claire and Yohan chose to marry in two stages: first the civil ceremony in Carpentras, surrounded by around fifty loved ones, then the religious ceremony later, in another region. For this first chapter, they wanted elegant, natural images, nothing staged. I am based in Carpentras: I know the town hall, the streets of the old town and the road to Mazan by heart.
ARRIVAL AT CARPENTRAS TOWN HALL
We met in front of the town hall and its carved façade. Yohan was waiting with his friends, in a burgundy velvet jacket and bow tie. Claire arrived in a Lili Pellegrino gown chosen at Gloria in Biarritz, her hair styled by Bel'lissime ô Naturel in Mazan, carrying a bouquet of red roses and freesias by Exotica Fleurs in Avignon. I stay discreet to catch the first glances and smiles.
THE CIVIL CEREMONY IN THE WEDDING HALL
Claire and Yohan walked in side by side, beneath the chandeliers, between the rows of their loved ones. During the ceremony, I take my position ahead of time to keep faces clearly visible without ever disturbing the registrar. They had chosen not to have confetti: as they came out, the guard of honour formed by their guests was all it took for the joy to burst out.
CHÂTEAU DE MAZAN, A QUARTER OF AN HOUR FROM CARPENTRAS
Then on to Mazan, fifteen minutes away by car, and its 18th-century château in the heart of the village, between Carpentras and Mont Ventoux. Before the guests arrive, I photograph the venue and the details that tell the story of the day: the gardens and their cypress trees, the champagne ready for the drinks reception, the set tables, the crystal chandelier. Claire and Yohan also took a moment for themselves on the château's doorstep.
DRINKS RECEPTION AND GROUP PHOTOS IN THE GARDENS
About a dozen group photos were planned. As I advise every couple, their witnesses took charge of calling people over: everyone knew when to step in, and the groups followed one another without any waiting around. The result: more time to enjoy the drinks reception, and spontaneous images, like Claire lifted high by her friends on the lawn or the bouquet toss in the gardens.
COUPLE PORTRAITS IN THE CHÂTEAU GROUNDS
For the couple portraits, we had planned half an hour in the grounds. The spots were chosen in advance according to the afternoon light: the lawn facing the façade, the gravel path, the pool lined with cypress trees, the frame of the great doorway. A few simple pointers, then I let them live the moment. Claire's words when she discovered her photos: “They're stunning! Now we can relive this beautiful moment!”
GETTING MARRIED IN CARPENTRAS OR THE VAUCLUSE?
A civil ceremony at Carpentras town hall, a reception at a château or a bastide between Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail? I am based in Carpentras: let's talk about your date and how the photography will unfold on your day. You can also discover Estelle and Guillaume's wedding at Château Bois d'Arlène in Sarrians, and Sabine and Jonathan's wedding in the Alpilles.