Jazmine and Lambert discovered my work on Instagram through the wedding photos of Mathilde and Romain, which I had captured last year. After an engagement session in the rain in Bordeaux, I had the pleasure of meeting this couple from Los Angeles again for a traditional African ceremony the day before, followed by their wedding and symbolic ceremony on October 1st.

As always, I started the day by greeting the bride and groom before photographing the details of the dress, bouquet, suit, and carefully chosen accessories. Château de Garde, with its many elegant rooms, provided a variety of stunning backdrops to enhance these moments.

Lambert got ready in a lounge on the ground floor, accompanied by one of his groomsmen. For the occasion, he had chosen a white tuxedo, exuding undeniable elegance. Meanwhile, Jazmine prepared in the main suite with her friends and bridesmaids. After her makeup and hairstyling session, she slipped into her stunning gown.

The atmosphere was perfect for popping open a bottle of champagne and celebrating the start of this beautiful day. Before joining Lambert and walking down the château’s grand staircase, I took the time to capture some portraits of Jazmine, radiant and ready to embrace this unforgettable moment.

Lambert waits at the bottom of the stairs as emotion and anticipation start to take hold of Jazmine. She descends slowly, allowing this magical moment to be fully captured.

Jazmine, the first to see Lambert, approaches gently while he still has his back turned. Once she reaches him, she signals for him to turn around. Lambert, dazzled, discovers his bride in her stunning gown and can’t help but admire every detail. Their eyes meet, and they share a tender kiss.

After this intimate and emotional moment, I take advantage of the château’s elegance to capture some couple portraits in its breathtaking surroundings.

One of the most memorable aspects of this day was undoubtedly the rain! My couple, who had dreamed of beautiful sunlight for their wedding, unfortunately couldn’t enjoy the outdoor spaces as they had hoped.

As the symbolic ceremony approaches, the guests, elegantly dressed in black tuxedos for the gentlemen and black dresses for the ladies, take their seats under the covered pavilion.

The officiant announces Lambert’s arrival, and he makes a grand entrance with a touch of humor. Jazmine follows shortly after, escorted by her father, who walks her down the aisle to meet Lambert. The emotion reaches its peak, so much so that one of Jazmine’s bridesmaids can’t hold back her tears.

The couple exchanges their vows and rings before sealing the moment with a tender kiss, under the emotional gaze of their loved ones.

With the rain continuing, the guests then head inside the château for the cocktail reception, safe from the weather.

Safe and warm inside, my newlyweds kick off the cocktail hour with an elegant champagne tower. As hors d’oeuvres are served, we take advantage of the lively atmosphere to organize a few group photos in one of the château’s stunning salons.

Fanny Miller, the wedding planner and decorator for this event, then invites Jazmine and Lambert to discover their reception hall. The couple is in awe of the meticulous decor, which creates a warm and refined ambiance.

As the cocktail hour comes to an end, it’s time for the guests to enter the beautifully set reception hall, ready to continue this unforgettable day.

My newlyweds wait as the guests take their seats, then prepare to make a grand entrance. Jazmine and Lambert burst into the reception hall with infectious energy, greeted by a whirlwind of spinning napkins and the joyful cheers of their loved ones. They are ready to celebrate in style!

This lively moment is followed by an emotional one—a heartfelt and spirited dance between Jazmine and her father, bringing smiles to the entire room.

The evening continues with touching speeches, including heartfelt words from the witnesses and Lambert’s mother.

Before the cake is served, a special surprise awaits the guests. Taking advantage of a break in the rain, a breathtaking fireworks display lights up the château’s gardens, leaving everyone in awe.

With dessert enjoyed, the dance floor comes alive as guests join in to celebrate this extraordinary day until the early hours of the morning.

Want to see more weddings and heartfelt moments? Follow me on Instagram @xavier.b.photography! 😊