Château de Sannes is one of the most sought-after locations for a wedding in Provence, and it’s easy to see why: the beauty of the venue, the different spaces available, lots of greenery, and very different settings within the same estate.
In July, I photographed N & A’s wedding at Château de Sannes, from the start of the preparations right through to the evening. In this report, you’ll discover a selection of images and the course of the day: secular ceremony, cocktail reception, couple’s photos, outdoor dinner, dancefloor and brunch/pool party.
In this report, I’d like to give you a glimpse of the wedding at Château de Sannes, with natural, luminous images.
Preparations: details, accessories and atmosphere
I like to arrive at the beginning of the preparations to photograph the details that tell the story of the wedding: the venue, the wedding rings, the stationery, the accessories, the dress, the flowers, the little touches of decoration. These are images that set the mood, and give substance to the story once the complete gallery has been delivered.
Then comes the bride and groom’s preparations, surrounded by their nearest and dearest. I love this moment because it mixes everything: excitement, emotions, laughter, and sometimes a little stress. Above all, I photograph what happens naturally: glances, gestures, interactions. Here, the idea is to keep a neat aesthetic while remaining faithful to the moment.
A secular ceremony in the shade of the magnolias
We held the ceremony in the château’s gardens, under the magnolia trees. It’s an ideal setting: elegant, shady, and very visually structured, which works perfectly in photos.
During the ceremony, I work as a reporter: I capture the arrival, the exchanges, the reactions of loved ones, the discreet emotions, the smiles, the tears. I alternate between wide shots to situate the place and tight shots to keep the intensity of the moments.
Cocktails by the pool: conviviality and group photos
After the ceremony, cocktails are served around the Château de Sannes swimming pool. It’s a key moment: the atmosphere eases, guests get together, laughter takes over, and spontaneous scenes ensue.
It was also at this point that we took a few group photos. My aim was to keep things quick, fluid and pleasant for everyone. A few simple, well-organized compositions, then back to the reportage so as not to break the rhythm of the cocktail party.
We took the couple’s photos directly at the Château de Sannes, taking advantage of the diversity of the settings on site. First, the French garden and pond, for an elegant and structured atmosphere, then the olive trees and lavender, with a more natural, typically Provençal feel.
I like this contrast, because it allows me to obtain a series of varied images with a couple’s photo session lasting 20 to 30 minutes. I give a few cues, but above all I let the couple live the moment: walking, getting closer, talking to each other. It’s these simple moments, between photos, that often produce the truest images.
Table shots, dinner details and pre-dinner drone views
Before the guests settle in, I always take the opportunity to photograph the “empty” dining area: the table settings, the decorations, the floral arrangements, the stationery, the lighting and the general atmosphere. These are invaluable images, because they show the work of the suppliers and the atmosphere as it was intended. On this wedding, I also took a few drone shots during the cocktail party, to get an overview of the château, the gardens and the atmosphere around the pool, before the evening was organized around dinner.
Outdoor dining in front of the château: an already festive atmosphere
The meal took place outside in front of the château. And the atmosphere was already very festive even before we sat down to eat: guests in top form, a collective energy, lots of laughter and spontaneous scenes that naturally followed one another.
Here, I like to balance two types of images: those that set the scene (the château, the tables, the evening light) and those that tell the story of the moment (the exchanges, the speeches, the reactions, the emotions). The caterer, Roland Paix, ensured a fluid pace of service, leaving plenty of room for what I love to photograph during a dinner: the interactions between guests, the surprises, and all those unforeseen moments that make an evening so special.
Wedding cake and party at the bergerie du château de sannes
After the meal, guests gathered in the sheepfold for dessert. It’s a moment that brings everyone together, and re-energizes the evening around the wedding cake. The cake, by Les Délices de Gladys, was the center of attention.
The first dance between the bride and her dad kicked off the emotional sequence, and then the bride and groom’s first dance really got the ball rolling. After that, the evening took on an incredible dimension: a full dancefloor, constant energy, and guests on their feet from start to finish.
Brunch & pool party at Château de Sannes
The following day, the wedding continued with a brunch/pool party at Château de Sannes. It was a much more relaxed atmosphere, with everyone taking their time: chatting in the sun, swimming, laughing, glasses in hand, and a calmer reunion after the party. For my part, I continue in report mode, capturing mostly spontaneous moments.
Wedding suppliers
Wedding planner: @cigalesetpetitsfours
Venue: @chateaudesannes
Bride & Groom: @nadine_ip
Catering: @roland_paix
Dj: @atelier.vinyle
Wedding cake: @lesdelices2gladys
Make up: @elodiesellito
Furniture rental: @be_lounge_officiel
Flowers: @atelierprairies
Live painting: @licia_live_sketching_event
Filmmaker: @thant_chay_steinbacher
Photographer: @nicolasterraeswedding
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