In summer time, for a brief few weeks, the landscape in Provence, France comes alive with a fragrant purple flower known around the world for its beauty, the lavender plant. It’s the dream of many couples to get married in the lavender fields of Provence, to say their special vows to each other, and to start their married lives together. I was so thrilled to capture this touching elopement ceremony for this wonderful couple. An elopement photoshoot is so special, and experience that will be treasured forever.
Planning a Lavender Elopement Photoshoot
Visiting a foreign country comes with many worries. What if I don’t understand them, what if they don’t speak English? What if I don’t know where to go? How will I ensure I have the elopement experience I dream of? That’s where I come in! As an expert professional elopement photographer in Provence and the South of France, I help couples from all over the world plan and pull off their enchanting wedding days. From helping couples plan their ideal location, to sharing my trusted vendor resources for an officiant, flowers ,and more, and of course, to create the most gorgeous photographs ever–I have my couples covered from A to Z! Plus, as an American, English speaking wedding photographer in Provence, there’s no language barrier for English speakers, my aim is to make each elopement simple for my couples, so that they can just enjoy their special day.
I was contacted by Alexis and Peter, a lovely young couple from Ohio, USA. They told me they dreamed of getting married in a lavender field, and as it turned out, they’d be visiting France during the lavender bloom, which is quite short, and usually runs from the end of June to mid-July. They’d decided they’d love to speak their vows to each other, in a very intimate and private setting. They told me an elopement was appealing to them, because the thought of a grand production back home was just not them. Instead, they’d have a party for friends and family upon their return to the US, and cherish their time in Provence together.
The couple told me they’d be staying in Gordes, one of the most beautiful villages in France. Alexis explained that they’d love some wedding photos in the village, too. What a great idea!
Now that the details were discussed, all Alexis and Peter needed to do was pick out their outfits, their vow booklets, rings, and get married in Provence!
Sunrise in Gordes
The morning of the big day, a private driver picked up the bride and groom from their hotel, which was quite close to the famous scenic overlook in Gordes. Our aim was to get there at sunrise, to capture their beautiful start to the day with the sun coming up over their shoulders. This required we get to the scenic overlook quite early, 6:00 am.
When we arrived, there was already a large group of people sitting on the rocks, waiting for the sunrise, and another woman with a camera who’d been there already for hours, she told us, and this was her big moment to capture the sunrise. But no worries. I explained that the bride and groom would also love some photos with the sunrise, and since it’s a public spot, we all have to share the space. It all worked out, and the images with the sunrise were magnficent!
Heading to the Lavender Fields of Valensole
After the sunrise elopement photoshoot, we headed by private van to the plateau of Valensole. While there are plenty of beautiful lavender fields close to Gordes, we opted to go further afield. Valensole is a town, and outside of the town are lavender fields everywhere, the most famous lavender fields in France, I’d have to say. We selected a gorgeous field with a mountain in the backdrop, and then the bride and groom entered the fields.
One thing to keep in mind in the lavender fields are bees. Bees are everywhere, so if you’re afraid of bees, it’s not a good idea to go into the field. That said, the bees cause no harm, they’re busy pollinating and pay people zero attention. In all the years I’ve been visiting the lavender fields of Provence, I’ve never heard of anyone being stung, and my fear of the bees is no more, either. It can be shocking for some people to see so many bees in one place, honestly, it’s not a problem.
Second, this is nature, so on this day, all the neighborhood spiders had been spinning their webs in the lavender, and there were a lot of spider webs to pass to get into the fields. Again, not a big deal, but if you hate the sight of spiders, you’ll want to know this. Also, the soil is rocky and hard to walk on, this is nature, after all.
But, the lavender fields, despite the bees, the spiders and the rocks, are 100% worth it. Their beauty and fragrance are intoxicating and the images I took of Alexis and Peter are among my favorites.
Wedding Ceremony in a Lavender Field in Provence
Once the bride and groom had found a great spot, they, in private, said their vows to each other. Rather than using cell phones, or writing on a piece of paper, they ordered simple, yet elegant vow booklets, which they had embossed with their names and wedding date. This is a perfect keepsake and something to cherish forever.
This couple was so sweet! They met when Alexis went to the store in which Peter was working. They fell for each other quickly, and have been a couple ever since. They were kind and so in love, and so happy to be in the south of France. It was such a delight being a part of their day!
For the vow exchange, I kept my distance, to give the couple privacy, and when they’d exchanged their vows, we started the wedding photo session in the lavender fields, and it was like heaven!
After we’d finished in the lavender fields, and we were glad to get there before the sun got too high and it got too hot, we made the scenic drive back to Gordes. This drive can take up to one and a half hours, but it’s so beautiful, with mountain and forest views. We even saw a hot air balloon!
Newly Married Photoshoot in Gordes
The newlyweds made a quick stop back at their hotel for a change of clothes. Alexis changed out of her elegant and timeless gown, and slipped into a cute short dress, and Peter changed out of his stylish suit into a more casual look.
We then walked around the gorgeous village of Gordes for many stunning photo opportunities. There are so many beautiful viewpoints to stop and soak it all in! On this day, it was even market day, which added a special touch to what had been a truly magnificent day.
I was so incredibly filled with joy to have met Alexis and Peter, to learn more about them, share information about France with them, and wish them well on their honeymoon, which would be on the French Riviera. It’s such an honor and blessing to meet couples like Alexis and Peter, and to play a part in their epic love stories.
Karina Leigh Photography
Elopements in Provence are a dream true, and I’m thrilled to play a part in making that dream come true! If you’d like to learn more about eloping in Provence or the French Riviera, please contact me.
