Poitiers wedding photography – Liv and Marcus's wedding day

DESTINATION WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY IN POITIERS

You don’t get married every day! So choosing the perfect venue for your wedding day can be really hard, Gites de Vanzay is my now go to recommendation for destination weddings. The venue is stunning, the team are great and the area has such a lovely relaxed vibe to it, perfect for any wedding day.

GITES DE VANZAY WEDDING VENUE

Like many English Couples, Marcus and Liv decided on a destination wedding. The venue was the stunning Gites de Vanzay, a classic French Farmhouse in South West France. I know the owner Ryan and shooting there is always a pleasure. Ryan and the team are expert hosts and couples often hire the venue for the 3-4 days and make it a full on occasion rather than just a day event.
The eve before Liv and Marcus's family had a pre wedding party, I arrived in time to catch a few of the guests enjoying a few last beers before bed, and of course to meet the couple before their big day. Marcus and Liv booked me for my documentary photography style, as they wanted something very relaxed that would capture the relaxed feel of their day.

THE BIG WEDDING DAY AT GITES DE VANZAY

I woke up nice and early on the wedding morning to get some photos of the whole family, having a continental style breakfast together, by the pool in the beautifully manicured garden. I was lucky enough to catch the preparations for the day in full swing, whilst they transformed the already beautiful courtyard into something spectacular. The florist had gone all out to create a floral masterpiece - surrounding the grand barn doors, to create the most beautiful back drop, where the couple would marry in a matter of hours! The rustic style tables were stunningly decorated and fitting for a French Farmhouse Wedding! Gites de Vanzay has a lot of space! Liv and her entourage had hidden themselves away in the dedicated Bridal Suite.  On my way, I stopped to photograph some of the guests relaxing by the pool. The light was perfect, and I remember thinking even then that the shoot was going to be special.   I spent some time with Liv and her bridal team as they, along with Nancy, the hair & makeup artist prepped for her grand entrance.  I love shooting the bridal preparations. The key to getting the most from these scenes is not to get in the way and let the morning flow. Liv and Marcus had opted for a humanist ceremony, again one of my favourites. There’s something special and beautiful about ceremonies where the couple are free to express themselves beyond the norms of convention.

EVERYONE IS READY - TIME FOR A WEDDING AT GITES DE VANZAY

I was there as Tasha the celebrant arrived and I bagged some lovely shots as the guests mingled. The weather could not have been better, the sun was shining and sky a deep blue. I remember eying the fridge full of cold beers with envy, but I kept my head. Of course, I was there when Liv did the big reveal. Its one of my favourite parts of the day, there is always such great emotion.  I got some brilliant reaction shots from her parents and the bridesmaids. She looked stunning, the bridesmaids did too. As Liv emerged at the entrance of the farmhouse, it was like a scene from a movie, Marcus’s reaction said it all… The celebrant led Liv and Marcus through a touching ceremony, a memory that will stay with everyone forever.  Perhaps it was the weather, perhaps it was the champagne or delicious canapés or perhaps it was the location, but something had loosened the British stiff upper lip. Soon everyone was holding hands, hugging, smiling and even dancing, there were warm smiles and warmer tears. It was a magical event. 

THE WEDDING PARTY STARTED AT GITES DE VANZAY

Following the impressive charcuterie style meal, it was time for the speeches and I set myself up ready to catch the laughs and the tears as the punchlines and tear-jerkers came in quick succession.  By now, the party was well-lubricated, and I remember thinking the photos were going to look great. It almost feels like cheating when the shots come so naturally! 
As the evening thundered on, the adults hit the dance floor as I shot the Conga in full swing around the grounds. Well, you can take the Brits out of Blighty, but you can’t keep them out of the pool it seems! I was really lucky to capture the mass spur-of-the-moment decision to jump into the pool. Some went in their trunks, others in their formal attire. But Liv and her bridesmaids went one better and took the plunge wedding gowns and all. What a laugh.  Love what you do they say, and I do… I love every little moment. I get to spend my time watching and collecting memories of people having the best days of their lives. Who could ask for more than that? I had so much fun capturing Liv and Marcus’s wedding at Gites de Vanzay. This wedding was a masterclass in chilled out outdoor weddings, where everything had been thought of and taken care of. An amazing couple, with amazing guests at an amazing venue!   Are looking for an experienced Gites de Vanzay wedding photographer to capture your day with beautiful storytelling images.  Then feel free to get in touch