Jennifer & Alexander’s Intimate Celebration in Provence
There’s something timeless about getting married in the South of France — the way the light moves through the trees, the scent of lavender in the air, and the effortless romance of ancient stone villages.
For Jennifer and Alexander, their elopement at the Gorges de Pennafort, near Callas, was more than just a celebration of love. It was the union of two families and two worlds — Colorado and Provence — meeting in a setting as beautiful as their story.
As their France elopement photographer, I had the joy of documenting a day filled with soft light, deep emotion, and the intimate beauty that only a family-centered elopement can hold.
From Colorado to Provence: A Love That Travels
Jennifer and Alexander’s wedding story began in Colorado, where they were first married in a private ceremony surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Rocky Mountains.
Their first wedding was deeply personal — a celebration of their love story, shared with their closest friends and Jennifer’s family. But Alexander, whose family is from France, had always dreamed of celebrating their marriage again in his home country, surrounded by his family.
The idea of a second ceremony — intimate, natural, and deeply meaningful — began to take shape.
I was contacted by Jennifer, Alexander’s fiancée, who was looking for an English speaking wedding photographer in the south of France. Jennifer was looking forward to this wonderful opportunity to share these happy moments with Alexander’s family and friends and would also be the start to the couple’s incredible honeymoon. I was so excited to be their photographer!
The couple wanted a location that felt authentically French, yet peaceful and secluded, away from the bustle of the Côte d’Azur.
After exploring different venues, they found the Gorges de Pennafort, a breathtaking natural gorge in the Var region of Provence, just outside the charming hilltop village of Callas. These areas are located in a region of France called the Var.
The dramatic cliffs, the winding river below, and the soft Mediterranean light created a setting that felt untouched — a secret corner of the world, perfect for an elopement with family.
The Setting: Gorges de Pennafort, South of France
Nestled between Draguignan and Callas, north of Saint Tropez, the Gorges de Pennafort are one of Provence’s hidden treasures.
Carved by the Endre River, the gorges are framed by steep limestone cliffs, lush greenery, and cascading waterfalls. It’s a place that feels both wild and romantic — ideal for couples seeking a private, nature-filled celebration.
For Jennifer and Alexander, the Gorges represented something symbolic: the meeting of strength and softness, of roots and adventure.
Portraits in Callas: Provençal Charm
We decided to begin the day in nearby Callas, a centuries-old Provençal village, oozing with French charm, something Jennifer said really appealed to her, as she wanted her French wedding to reflect the beauty of the area. Accompanied by their parents, I photographed the couple before their ceremony and also captured some precious family moments.
One of my favorite locations was this little square with a beautiful fountain. Despite the fact that the sun wasn’t shining (a rarity in Provence), and we even had a little rain, the town of Callas was still gorgeous and the light, stunning. With its colorful buildings as a backdrop, I had so much fun walking around the village with the bride and groom and their families.
The couple was greeted with enthusiastic “Vive les mariés” from the townspeople. In French this means “Long live the newlyweds!”
It’s an expression you hear often in France when a couple has tied the knot.
Callas was so quaint, as if we had stepped into a scene from a romantic film. From Callas, it was time to head to the ceremony location.
The Ceremony: Intimate, Emotional, and Full of Light
After the bridal photo session in Callas, we drove to the nearby Hostellerie Pennafort, a 4-star hotel and restaurant. It was here that Alexander’s family would gather, and that there would be a brief ceremony.
Jennifer and Alexander chose to keep their French elopement ceremony beautifully simple. Just their immediate family gathered — with a beautiful lake view and the red cliffs in the background.
Jennifer wore a pretty white pleated white dress, timeless and understated, that moved gracefully in the breeze. Her hair was beautifully styled and modern, and showed off her great cheekbones. Alexander wore a colorful pinstriped blazer and navy slacks.
We all gathered on a private spot on the hostellerie grounds, as family gathered informally surrounding the couple. Their vows were spoken softly in French — a beautiful reflection of their lives together across continents. There was laughter, tears, and quiet joy. The intimacy of the moment made every word feel sacred. I was so impressed that Jennifer had learned French for the occasion and the family was delighted!
As their South of France wedding photographer, I worked quietly around them, capturing the emotion as it unfolded naturally.
After the Ceremony: Champagne and Family Moment
Once the vows were spoken, the family gathered for a small champagne toast overlooking the gorge. Glasses clinked and the air was filled with that unmistakable mix of joy and nostalgia that follows a wedding ceremony.
I was so happy to meet the family and capture family memories for the bride and groom. They were bathed in the love of all of these beautiful friends and family.
It’s these moments — joyful and heartfelt — that make elopements and weddings in the South of France so special. Without the rush of a large wedding, there’s time to breathe, to be present, and to savor each second.
The Light of Provence
For any elopement photographer in France, the light of Provence is a dream. It’s soft, golden, and painterly.
At the Gorges de Pennafort, the cliffs reflect warm tones that shift throughout the day . From pale pink in the morning to honey gold in the late afternoon. In Callas, the stone walls and terracotta rooftops create a beautiful contrast that enhances every photograph.
Why the Gorges de Pennafort Are Perfect for an Intimate Elopement
If you’re dreaming of an elopement or small wedding in the South of France, the Gorges de Pennafort offer everything you could want. Breathtaking scenery, peaceful seclusion, and authentic Provençal charm.
Here’s why it’s such a magical location for couples:
- Seclusion and Serenity: Away from the crowds of the Riviera, the Gorges offer total privacy for intimate vows.
- Versatile Backdrops: From rugged cliffs and forest paths to elegant nearby villages like Callas and Bargemon, you’ll have endless options for portraits.
- Proximity to Michelin-Star Dining: The nearby Auberge des Gorges de Pennafort is ideal for a post-elopement meal or a romantic overnight stay.
- Golden Provençal Light: The quality of light here is extraordinary — soft, warm, and luminous, perfect for photography.
- Accessibility: Located just over an hour from Nice or Saint-Tropez, the Gorges are easy to reach while still feeling wonderfully remote.
Planning Your Elopement in the South of France
For couples considering a similar experience, planning an elopement with family in France can be beautifully simple. Here are a few recommendations based on Jennifer and Alexander’s day:
- Choose a Meaningful Location: Think about places that hold emotional or cultural significance — like Alexander’s French heritage in this case.
- Keep the Guest List Intimate: With fewer guests, you’ll have more freedom to design a day that feels true to you.
- Time Your Ceremony with the Light: Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography at the Gorges.
- Work with Local Vendors: From florists to private chefs, local artisans can add a touch of Provence to your day.
- Hire a Photographer Who Knows the Area: A photographer familiar with Provence’s unique landscapes can help you find the most beautiful and secluded spots.
As someone who specializes in romantic and light-filled elopements across France, I love helping couples create days that feel both effortless and intentional — whether it’s on the cliffs of the Gorges de Pennafort or in the streets of Paris.
Reflections from Jennifer and Alexander
When I spoke with Jennifer and Alexander after their day, they described it as “the perfect blend of family, nature, and love.”
“We wanted something simple but meaningful,” Jennifer said. “Our first wedding in Colorado was about us starting our life together. This one felt like coming home — celebrating with Alexander’s family in a place that means so much to him.”
“It felt like two worlds coming together,” Alexander added. “Hearing our vows in French, surrounded by my parents and the landscape I grew up with — it was emotional in a way I didn’t expect.”
Their words perfectly capture the heart of what makes destination elopements so powerful. When you remove the distractions of a big wedding, you’re left with the essence of what matters most: love, connection, and place.
A Photographer’s Perspective
As a South of France wedding photographer, days like this remind me why I love what I do. Every elopement is a story — not just of two people in love, but of cultures meeting and families blending.
The Gorges de Pennafort, with their quiet majesty and natural beauty, have a way of grounding the moment. Standing there with Jennifer and Alexander, I was struck by how love can feel both intimate and infinite all at once.
It’s the kind of day that stays with you long after you pack up your camera.
Final Thoughts: The Beauty of an Elopement with Family
Elopements don’t have to mean “just the two of you.” Including family — as Jennifer and Alexander did — can add incredible depth and emotion to the experience. Parents, siblings, or even a few close friends can bring warmth and grounding to an otherwise quiet celebration.
At the Gorges de Pennafort, surrounded by nature’s grandeur, this small family gathering felt perfectly in balance. It was intimate yet full of joy, emotional yet effortless. A reflection of what modern elopements in France can truly be.
For couples dreaming of an elopement that blends family, travel, and timeless romance, Provence offers everything. Breathtaking scenery, elegant simplicity, and light that feels like a blessing.
Are You Dreaming of a South of France Elopement?
If Jennifer and Alexander’s celebration speaks to you, I’d love to help you plan your own unforgettable day in Provence. Whether it’s the Gorges de Pennafort, the lavender fields of Valensole, or a hidden coastal village, France offers endless possibilities for romance and beauty.
As your South of France elopement photographer, my approach is to create images that feel effortless, timeless, and true to you. I strive to capture not just how it looked, but how it felt.
Let’s create something beautiful together.
Contact me today at www.karinaleigh.com and tell me your dreams!
