At Le Grand Belly in Rochefort-du-Gard, Marjolaine and Marius married on a weekday, with one wish: to savour their day. They shared their schedule and guest list with me; we talked it through early, then went over every timing a week before. Their words after the wedding: “thank you for letting us enjoy it 100%”.
Getting ready, the outdoor ceremony, portraits and the party at Le Grand Belly.
GETTING READY AT LE GRAND BELLY
Beforehand, I had asked Marjolaine to keep the invitation, menu and place cards, to photograph them with the rings, the shoes and her white bouquet by RbyJordan. In the rooms at Le Grand Belly, Chantale Poulin was finishing her hair while Marius fastened his last buttons.
THE OUTDOOR CEREMONY
Beneath the pergola, guests took their seats on the benches. I had suggested stopping the music during the speeches: every word carried, and their loved ones’ faces say it all. Marjolaine read her vows, followed by the exchange of rings and a kiss beneath the petals.
COUPLE PORTRAITS
Marjolaine and Marius wanted to enjoy their guests and dance as early as possible. A year before, I had scouted Le Grand Belly in a heatwave and worked out the time of the golden light with an app that accounts for trees and buildings. On the day, a short session was enough, in the right place at the right moment, along the cypress and lavender avenue: they loved their portraits, and danced early.
GROUPS & COCKTAIL
Group photos were taken in front of the stone façade, in the order planned with the couple: everyone knew when to step in, with no waiting. The couple then joined their guests in the garden for the drinks reception by Safran et Cannelle. I made the most of the late light for a few images with their friends along the avenue.
DINNER & EVENING CELEBRATIONS
The order of the evening had been set in advance with Patsby DJ and the caterer: slideshow, first dance, interlude, then the cake surrounded by sparklers. Under the string lights, Marjolaine and Marius danced among their friends, who were singing. I stayed at the heart of the party, from close-ups of glances to wide views of the floor.
A WEDDING AT LE GRAND BELLY IN ROCHEFORT-DU-GARD
At Le Grand Belly, preparations, the ceremony under the arbour, portraits and the party take place in different spaces. We plan the photographs around each setting and the light. Send me your wedding date in Rochefort-du-Gard. Explore weddings at Domaine de la Grangette and at Mas Nouveau for other celebrations in the South of France.
PLANNING YOUR WEDDING AT LE GRAND BELLY?