MARIE & THIBAUD, A WEDDING IN SAINT-RÉMY-DE-PROVENCE
Marie and Thibaud married at Monteux town hall before welcoming their guests to Manade de Caillan, in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, at the foot of the Alpilles. They chose me on a recommendation, and we met in Carpentras to shape the day. Their schedule was demanding, so we refined it together, minute by minute.
GETTING READY, FROM CARPENTRAS TO LORIOL
Thibaud got ready at his grandmother’s home in Carpentras, Marie at a friend’s house in Loriol-du-Comtat. I arrived early at Thibaud’s to set a calm pace. Beforehand, I had asked them to gather the details that matter: dress, jewellery, rings, bouquet, cufflinks. Thibaud put on his uniform for the town hall; Marie, moved, let a tear fall before leaving.
THE CIVIL CEREMONY IN MONTEUX
Outside Monteux town hall, a private first look opened the afternoon. For the rings, brought by their godchildren, I had invited them to take their time, hands turned towards me. A few portraits inside while the guard of honour formed, then an exit under olive leaves.
BY CARRIAGE TO THE SYMBOLIC CEREMONY
Then on to Manade de Caillan in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where the couple arrived by horse-drawn carriage, escorted by gardians on horseback. I had planned to photograph the room untouched, before the guests arrived. Beneath the floral arch, the ceremony led by Rémi brought both families together for the sand and ribbon rituals, performed slowly.
COUPLE PORTRAITS AT MANADE DE CAILLAN
I had set the portraits for the moment the light softens over the manade. A few minutes by the carriage, then along the paths and under the trees. I guided them discreetly, a place, a direction, then let them live the moment. The low sun and Marie and Thibaud’s closeness did the rest.
GARDIANS, DRINKS RECEPTION AND EVENING
The manade’s gardians, the drinks reception, then a joyful bouquet toss, true to the couple. An entrance under sparklers, the witnesses’ game, then the first dance. Their words on seeing the gallery: “The photos are beautiful and perfectly capture the atmosphere of the day.” The next day, they invited me to their brunch, camera-free.
GETTING MARRIED IN SAINT-RÉMY OR THE ALPILLES?
Getting married in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the Alpilles or near Avignon? Let’s discuss your date and photography timeline. Explore a winter wedding in Sainte-Cécile-les-Vignes and a ceremony at Le Grand Belly, near Avignon, for other settings and light.