Dans les bons mots de Google Translate, je voudrais à dire bravo à Céline et Thomas. This was my first time shooting a wedding in France, at Manoir des Prévanches, and it was brilliant. A stunning venue nestled in the Normandy countryside. A gorgeous and welcoming couple. And 180 very friendly French people. What more could you ask for?
Manoir des Prévanches is a beautiful chateau and manor house just outside Paris. I met Céline and Thomas there the day before their wedding and we wandered around, the two of them clearly excited and possibly a little nervous about the following day. We’d skyped before hand and I knew they were going to be great fun to work with. And luckily their English is a lot better than my French. The wedding day arrived and I headed to the chateau to see some of the preparations. Everything went smoothly and before I knew it we were at the church. The priest told me in French what I could do – and what I couldn’t do. He realised I was only understanding about 10% of what he was saying so he stopped and said “when I pull this face at you (he did an over exaggerated happy face) then you do as you please… but if I pull this face at you (cue an over exaggerated scowl) then you stop for a few minutes!”. Easy!
I made it through the ceremony with no scowls and then it was back to the chateau, with Céline, Thomas and I crammed into a bright red Fiat 500. Great fun :)
Shortly after everyone else arrived and the party got into full swing. After a few hours in the sunshine it was time for food and Céline and Thomas made an awesome entrance to dinner, amidst sparklers and cheering and whooping and napkin waving. The tradition in France is that some of the guests prepare surprises during the meal, so we had friends announcing slideshows and games, and then before long it was time for dancing. Céline and Thomas had help on the day from ‘Monsieur plus Madame’, a French wedding planning and styling team. Cedric from M+M was there all day and then became a superstar DJ for the evening party. Amazing.
So here it is, a lovely French Destination Wedding. Enjoy!
Brilliant story telling and stunning imagery. Awesome mate!
Awesome sauce all round matey! Loved going through this, truly excellent work! One thing though, sparklers inside a wooden clad barn?!!! You wouldn’t get that in the UK!!! Keith Lard would close them down in the blink of an eye!