Elopements are moving from a trend to the mainstream. Couples today are choosing a wedding ceremony and wedding day that’s right for them, and for many couples, eloping is the perfect way to get married. Intimate, personal and so emotional, focusing on the love between the bride and groom, free from distractions worrying about the caterer, the florist, the family members and friends, and if they’re having fun or not, there’s no better place to elope than in Provence. That’s why as a Provence elopement photographer, I was so thrilled to photograph this elopement photosession for a lovely couple who wanted a very intimate in special wedding in France.
It All Starts with a Video Call
My goal as a Provence elopement and wedding photographer is to make the wedding day so smooth sailing that the bride and groom don’t have to do a whole lot. Being that I’m living in the region, as an American, and English speaking, I can provide excellent recommendations to couples visiting from all over the world, and I specialize in working with English speaking couples who want to get married in France.
In this case, I met with this bright and energetic couple from Calgary, Canada, Asia and Evan, on a WhatsApp video call. Asia told me that she loves France, and comes back as often as she can. Evan loves traveling to Europe too. They envisioned an intimate elopement ceremony, just the two of them, in a beautiful spot. By the time we’d talked, they’d already found their dream location in Gordes, a beautiful home not far from the old village, perched on a rock, with epic views and a swimming pool. The couple told me they wanted to have lovely memories to capture their special day, and we discussed photo locations as well as logistics, such as a makeup artist, flowers, and an officiant.
Each couple is unique. Some brides elect to do their own makeup. Some brides love a floral bouquet fresh from a florist, while others prefer to bring their own silk flowers. Some couples love to read their vows just to each other, while other couples love the thought of having an officiant or celebrant craft a meaningful ceremony for them that makes it feel “official”. As for music, some couples love the thought of having a violist, or even playing a memorable song from a Bluetooth speaker for their first dance.
This is what is magical about eloping in France, you can design it anyway you like, you have complete freedom!
Asia and Evan told me they’d love to have the ceremony at their Airbnb, which is often possible. Afterward, we planned for a beautiful wedding photoshoot in the stunning village of Gordes, and because the couple were visiting during lavender season, a visit to the lavender fields too.
We sealed the deal with a YES and then we began planning, as I gave Asia and Evan a number of resources to begin planning. I did not disappear after that conversation, but kept in contact regularly up up until the big day, to ensure everything was in order, answer any questions they had and be a trusted resource. I’m not just a wedding photographer, but a helpful resource, so you never feel alone.
The Ceremony with a Beautiful View
I arrived early, around 6:30 am to the home where Asia and Evan were staying during their time in Gordes. It was absolutely lovely, with two bedrooms, a nice kitchen, and a beautiful pool and small patio. And the view–the view was simply spectacular! We decided that if we moved a few chairs around, we could make enough space for the ceremony with a view of the valley, and I’d have enough room to photograph the ceremony, too. After a bit of re-arranging, everything was set!
A lovely makeup artist, Camille, who I’ve worked with before, joined us and made Asia even more beautiful and gave her a Hollywood glam look, fresh faced and natural. During this time, I photographed the preparations and spoke with Evan, the groom, who I learned was a hockey player and was so lovely to chat with.
Then it came time for the ceremony, it’s always so exciting! Evan was already dressed, but I captured a few photos of him in his linen suit, and then captured the bride in her dress. Asia wore a stunning silky gown, that was the utmost in glamour! We began the ceremony with Asia walking out of the house onto the deck, where her groom was waiting.
One of the very best officiants from Paris, Angela, had joined us, and she had prepared a touching and moving ceremony. With a view of the hills and stunning stone homes of Gordes, Angela reminded the bride and groom what brought them here, their love of each other, and their love of travel and discovery.
Angela stepped aside to allow Asia and Even to read their vows, and this is where it got tricky for me as their photographer. Their vows were so heartfelt and sweet, that I found myself crying. I didn’t break down sobbing, but it was impossible not to have tears flowing, and the bride and groom did as well. This is what’s so special about intimate elopements, other than the officiant, if you have one, and the photographer (which you should always have to capture these precious memories), you have the privacy to cry, to say what you want, without judgment, and without the world looking over your shoulder. It’s so amazing!
Tears dried, the ceremony came to a conclusion with a ring exchange, and then the final pronouncement of the couple as married! Time for celebration!
Wedding Photoshoot Around Gordes
We met our driver, Patrick, who took us to the beautiful Gordes viewpoint upon a rock, to photograph this incredible village. It’s a very popular spot, always loaded with people taking photographs. Most don’t stay long, but on this day, a few French tourists had set up chairs and were painting the landscape. No worries, though, because there’s plenty of room for photos and it’s one of the nicest views of the this historic village.
We walked then down an asphalt path for more gorgeous views of the village, stopping many times along the way. Finally, to the bottom of the trail where we came across the lavoir, where they used to wash the clothes. I love this area because it’s shady and cool, and who doesn’t like the sound or sight of water?
Then, back up the hill to the top, not an easy task, but well worth it. We stopped many times along the way for beautiful wedding photos. Often, tourists would shout “Vive les mariés!”, which means “long live the bride and groom. Other tourists who spoke English offered their congratulations. When you get married in France, you’re a star!
Back to the top of Gordes, in the center of the village, we stopped at one of my favorite spots in Gordes. A pretty door and a colorful wall, which make excellent portrait stops. We rested for a bit, and then hopped in the van for our next stop, the incredible lavender fields of Provence!
Wedding Photos in the Provence Lavender Fields
We drove to a nearby lavender field that was just stunning, and buzzing. Literally. Thousands and thousand of bees spend their days pollinating the lavender. What does this mean? You’ll be sharing your lavender photo shoot with bees everywhere. Gasp! I know! I used to fear the bees too, but after photographing many couples over the years in lavender fields, being in the fields myself, and speaking to other photographers and tour operators, the bees are never a problem. They have work to do and aren’t concerned with us. That said, some people still have fear of bees, and that’s completely okay. We can still create beautiful lavender photos from the edge of the fields.
A Visit to Lacoste, a Provencal Hilltop Village
Our lavender field landed us just below a tiny but gorgeous village in Provence, in the Luberon Valley, called Lacoste. There are only around 400 people who live here year-round, and the village is tiny, with one street, but it’s really scenic! There’s a chateau on the top of the hill, where the infamous Marquis de Sade once lived. Sade was a writer and political activist, and had been imprisoned at for his spicy novels and (let’s say, the old version of “Fifty Shades of Grey”). The castle has been restored by famous French fashion designer Pierre Cardin and is open to visit.
On this day, the view from the top and the castle provided a stunning backdrop for Asia and Evan’s wedding photos. We then descended a stone path and stopped at several viewpoints along the way, where you could see lavender fields in bloom. It was actually the first time I’d visited Lacoste, so it was a real treat for me too!
We really enjoyed our time in this small town, and had our grand finale photo outside the entrance gate. Then it was time to head back to Gordes, where the bride and groom would be celebrating with a gourmet lunch at Airelles Gordes, La Bastide, a 5-star hotel and restaurant, to be followed by a nap and dip in their pool!
I enjoyed meeting Asia and Evan so much, and capturing their love story in this beautiful place! I wish them so much joy and happiness for years to come, and many more adventures in France!
Karina Leigh Photography
It’s my joy in life to photograph beautiful couples in love in beautiful places, celebrating their love story, their future, and helping them to plan the most special of days. If you’d love to elope in Provence, or another part of France, don’t hesitate to reach out for more information. See you soon!
