For this autumn wedding, I met Olivia and Corentin at the charming Domaine de Valmont in Barsac. Despite uncertain weather, my couple kept their smiles and started their preparations with good spirits.

First, I joined Corentin, accompanied by his best man, to capture a convivial moment between the guys. I took care to photograph his suit and the accessories he had carefully chosen for this special day. Once the two friends were ready, I headed to Olivia, who was in the middle of her hair and makeup.

With the help of her bridesmaids, I transported her dresses—one for the civil ceremony and the other for the symbolic ceremony—to one of the beautiful suites of the Domaine. I took the opportunity to capture every detail of her outfits, as well as her original bouquet, partly made of Legos.

Once her hair and makeup were done, I photographed Olivia in her first dress, ready to experience this unforgettable day.

The time for the civil ceremony arrived. Corentin eagerly awaited as Olivia descended the stairs. When he saw her, their eyes lit up, and they exchanged a tender kiss. My two lovebirds were now ready to unite before the Mayor.

We walked to the town hall in Barsac, as the rain began to fall gently.

Corentin enters the town hall on the arm of his parents, closely followed by Olivia, accompanied by her mother. After a personalized speech by the Mayor, the couple exchanges their vows and signs the register, followed by their witnesses.

The rain, which had calmed down, returns. But this doesn’t stop my newlyweds from making a triumphant exit to the warm applause of their families.

On her big day, Olivia chose two dresses: one for the civil ceremony and the other for the outdoor ceremony in the park of the Domaine.

Before putting on the second dress, Olivia had a surprise for her husband: she decided to cut her hair for the first time in a long while.

While Corentin and the guests enjoyed the return of the sun to set up the benches under the trees, Olivia discovered her new look, which was beautifully enhanced by this transformation that suited her perfectly! I took the opportunity to capture a few portraits of her, showcasing her fresh appearance.

Olivia’s mother and sisters then entered the room and saw the bride, sharing a beautiful moment of emotion.

With the arch and benches now in place, Corentin waits at the end of the aisle, his heart full of emotion. A “flower man” announces Olivia’s arrival as she walks down the aisle with her father.

Corentin’s eyes light up, filled with emotion, as Olivia signals him to turn around. When he sees his wife in her new dress and fresh look, the surprise is complete!

The speeches and anecdotes from friends follow, bringing laughter and a few tears of joy from the guests. A friend of the couple then brings the rings, and Olivia and Corentin exchange vows and rings under the tender gaze of their loved ones.

The ceremony ends with a passionate kiss, as the guests form an honor guard to celebrate their union.

After a few group photos, we take advantage of the last rays of sunshine to capture the couple’s photo session.

The Domaine offers a variety of backdrops: the ponds, the bamboo grove, and the gardens allow us to create different atmospheres and play with the light. I alternate between posed photos and candid shots, capturing natural and spontaneous moments.

We then head back to the cocktail hour, where a duo of musicians awaits the newlyweds to kick off the evening.

After my newlyweds were lifted in the air, night finally fell. An illustrator began sketching the silhouettes of the guests, while the duo of musicians set the mood and got everyone dancing. Both young and old were swept away by the beats of both recent and classic hits.

I take this opportunity to capture the atmosphere of the evening, snapping a few photos of the room and its décor.

As the guests take their seats, Olivia and Corentin make a memorable entrance into the room. The evening is filled with slideshows and speeches, including one from Olivia’s father.

The bride then surprises Corentin with an unforgettable dance. After cutting and serving the cake, Olivia shares an emotional moment with her father as they dance together. They continue with several dances before ending on a slow song.

Corentin takes over, and the newlyweds open the dance floor under the watchful eyes of their guests. Before long, everyone joins them to dance and celebrate the day well into the night.

If you’d like me to capture your wedding memories too, don’t hesitate to contact me and follow me on Instagram: @xavier.b.photography!