France wedding : Astrid and James

“Thank you so much!! they are amazing. 

(I may have cried a little…)

I have worked with many photographers throughout my professional career and I can honestly say you are the most talented I have ever met. The light, the mood, the people – you managed to capture everything perfectly without us ever feeling that you were there – very discreetly and with a great eye. Merci ;)”

Continuing the celebrations in Le Crosic, after a relaxed garden gathering on Friday, Saturday was the main event.

Astrid and James were married at the stunning Église Notre-Dame-de-Pitié Church. This beautiful Church that dates back to 1494, had also been the backdrop for the previous day’s garden party as it stands proudly over the home of Astrid’s parents. Today it provided the perfect setting for a personal ceremony and obviously there were few excuses for the bride to be late. Afterwards friends and family gathered on the streets outside the Church to cheer the married couple as they exited. A French tradition, this was a spectacular site and a truly joyous occasion.

The reception was to be held on the beachfront and what better way for the guests to travel there than on the local road train. Astrid, James and a few other’s chose to stroll through the town, and on to the beachfront.  Once at the beach, we were all inked with bespoke tattoos (luckily temporary, as I’m not a fan of needles), treated to an array of beautiful food. The champagne and Guinness representing the national tipples of choice (James is Irish!), began to flow. Speeches, more food (and more drink) followed as the sun began to set and the party began.

No first dance was planned, but as a surprise James joined the band (over from Ireland) and serenaded his new wife with a bit of Elvis. Then the dancing kicked into overdrive. It seems the French and Irish together can have one heck of a  party.

Some of my favourite images from Day 2 below. To see what happened on the Friday, check out my previous blog post.