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A destination wedding at Château de la Couronne
Meet Caitie and Will at their must-see French chateau wedding in Marathon, France. Back in September, I had the honor to be their wedding photographer in Château de la Couronne, one of my favorite wedding venues in South Western France. This was my fourth wedding there, will share the other ones soon!
Love how laid back the wedding was – with Will and most of the guests chilling out in the swimming pool and Caitie getting ready upstairs. Loved the photo shoot outside the chateau in the village of Marathon. Thank you guys for being amazing on the day! It was special for both you and me. A big thanks to the staff of Château de la Couronne for all the help on the day, it was wonderful, as always.
You should know that this region is the second hottest region in France. Because of that this pool is a perfect hide away from the french heatwave during summer weddings.
Caitie getting ready seemed very calm and relaxed.
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A thoughtful wedding-day plan
I loved these groom’s boxer shorts with their names and wedding date on them. It definitely will help Will to remember their wedding day anniversary. What a smart wedding idea.
Caitie prepared a very special wedding gift for Will. Their adventure scrap book. All of their memories and sentiments all together in one book. This is certainly the perfect wedding gift.
Love these old ruins on top of the hill in Marthon.
The visual character of Château de la Couronne Wedding comes from the relationship between the people and Charente · France. I keep the wider setting in the gallery, but the photographs are led by reactions, movement and the small exchanges that make the celebration personal.
The gallery is edited as a complete sequence rather than a collection of isolated highlights. Establishing photographs, close documentary moments, portraits, details and evening frames work together so the result still makes sense years later.
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The bridal veil and portrait sequence
This is a very special moment when the veil is being attached to the bride’s hair. Veil has been this mysterious symbol of brides for many, many years. Did you know that the added benefit of the veil from ancient times was to hid away brides from evil spirits. Maybe that is why I always feel a bit emotional during this process.
As the weather was just right for an outdoor wedding, every seemed to enjoy the ceremony in the garden at the front of the Château de la Couronne. The ceremony started with this cute fairy-like flower girl with adorable floral wreath on her head scattering pink rose petals. Maybe one day she will be the bride too. Then came gorgeous Caitie. They changed their wedding vows and rings. The Kiss. Photos and the party can go on.
Indoor alternatives are part of the plan, not an emergency substitute. Historic interiors, staircases, window light and covered spaces can produce some of the strongest photographs when the weather changes or daylight disappears early.
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The complete celebration in Charente
We went for a quick photoshoot to the nearest village. Marthon is very small french village but it had everything we needed. Some french style photography spots, empty street and the perfect light.
Château de la Couronne – recommended wedding Venue in France
French chateau wedding - American wedding in France, Janis Ratnieks
Marthon – a great place to be a wedding photographer in France
Tells us the date and location of the wedding.
This was a touching moment, Katy had prepared an album of their memories together!
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How I would plan the photography here
The most useful photography plan for Charente · France protects the real flow of the celebration first. Portraits are kept short and placed where the light and movement already make sense.
For destination weddings, I also look at travel between venues, access, the ceremony direction, indoor alternatives and whether a second photographer would make the guest coverage stronger.
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Loire Valley wedding photographer
Château weddings, gardens and multi-day celebrations.
Château Challain · Loire Region
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Château Challain wedding photography
Explore château challain wedding photography and related real weddings.
Château Challain wedding story.
Explore château challain wedding story and related real weddings.
Château du Lude wedding.
Explore château du lude wedding and related real weddings.
Château d’Artigny wedding.
Explore château d’artigny wedding and related real weddings.
France wedding photographer.
The main France destination wedding photography page.
Planning a wedding like this in France.
An American destination wedding in the French countryside, photographed across the château, gardens and evening reception.
The photographs are arranged as a chronological edit, moving from the opening part of the celebration through the ceremony, portraits, dinner and evening atmosphere where those parts were included in the original story.
Yes. I photograph destination weddings across Charente · France and the wider France cluster. Coverage is planned around the venue, guest count, travel, light and the number of events.
Yes. Welcome events, rehearsal dinners, the main wedding and day-after gatherings can be photographed as one consistent story.
Tell me what you are planning in France.
Send the date, venue, guest count and the events you want photographed. I will reply with availability and a clear recommendation for coverage.
