Destination Wedding Photography in France

Le Manoir du Bout du Pont (Lot-et-Garonne)

Sophie + Tim

A handful of times a year, I travel to photograph lovely couples getting married in Europe. I love being a destination wedding photographer as it gives me an opportunity to see new places, even for a short while, and change the scenery! This time I was invited to join Sophie and Tim for their French wedding in Le Manoir du Bout du Pont. (Technically, I found, the venue is based in Lot-et-Garonne, but is a stone throw from the better known Dordogne region where we met for a pre-wedding dinner and an engagement shoot).

It is true that the light in Southern Europe is different! Plus those warm tones of stone buildings, historic towns, so many châteaux, and summery weather even in October! France is one of my favourite countries to visit, too. Last year I was in Provence and this year I landed in Bergerac and drove through vineyards to Eymet to meet Sophie and Tim and their guests for delicious French food the day before.

I had an amazing time working as French wedding photographer. Here is what Sophie and Tim said why they booked me to photograph their wedding in Le Manoir du Bout du Pont:

I’d first become aware of Jo at my friend Sophie’s wedding earlier in the year, and immediately knew she’d be right. It was a no-brainer – I loved her unexpected compositions and how the people she captures look like themselves.

Here are a handful of photos from that day.  You can find out more about the couple’s reasons for organising a French wedding, their funny first date and sing-along outdoor wedding ceremony!

Love Story – success of online dating!

We met very romantically (not) – on Bumble. Tim proposed by recreating our first date in our living room – complete with dodgy shorts and tie-die picnic blanket which I’d almost rejected on that first date. We were only engaged for six months before the wedding as we were both so keen to get on with it!

What made you choose Le Manoir du Bout du Pont for your wedding in France?

Tim’s family live in the Dordogne so that, along with the promise of better weather and wine, made it a no-brainer.

Wedding outfits

I never thought I’d go for a long white gown but when I found my dress it just felt right. I was comfy in it – I felt like myself. The hairpiece is a nod to Greece as I’d have got married there if I’d had my way!! Tim wore blue suit by 

French wedding style?

It was all quite thrown together. I’m a designer so deliberately made our wedding feel quite un-designed and not too ‘put together’. The ceremony was held outside near historic Pigeonnier with reception drinks in front garden of the manor house. Tim’s Dad made funny signs that he put around the lawn. We also had some games and inflatable toys for children. The evening dinner was hosted in stone wall barn – full of rustic charm that we matched with simple table decorations including assorted fabric napkins and herbs in pots. Tables were named different nicknames of our cat.

I did use an old, out-of-use, French typeface for the printed stuff though. Just couldn’t help myself. I made a bunting from old maps to represent our love for travel. The wall behind our head table featured Tim’s shorts he wore for our first date and a tie-died blanket he brought for our picnic.

Sing-along outdoor ceremony beside historic Pigeonnier

We did a sing along to ‘This Must Be The Place’ by Talking Heads in our vows. We knew it would be a bit awkward as it’s not the easiest to sing, but it’s a special song for us. The ceremony was conducted by our friend Nigel who had been so committed to his duty that he had taken a celebrant course!

First dance song and party

This is the Day by The The. We’d played this in a spontaneous kitchen disco the first time we went away together (to Lille), and I think that was the moment when we knew this was it.

All of our DJs were friends – Peter Andre aside, they knew what music we loved because they know us. My friend Mark also did backing guitar of Tim and his Dad’s rendition of Father & Son which was priceless.

What was your favourite part of the day and why?

The moment I walked up the aisle and saw Tim. It was like no one and everyone else was there all at once. So surreal.

Words of wisdom for couples planning their wedding?

Be yourselves. 

Be a bit selfish. 

Laugh. 

And wear comfy shoes or you’ll get glass in your feet on the dance floor!

 

Credits and inspiration board:

Photography: Joasis Photography

Venue: Le Manoir du Bout du Pont

Wedding planner: Louise Ham Handmade Events 

Dress: Lena Medeyoff  – from Heart A-Flutter bridal in Hackney

Flowers: Agnes Laye

Shoes: Anthropologie

Suit: Aquascutum

Make up: Kelly Nicolle

Hair: Kerrie Langfield

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Joasis Photography is destination wedding photographer covering weddings in France and the rest of Europe. Contact us to chat about your plans to marry in France!