FRENCH FLAIR: ALISON & LUDOVIC'S WEDDING IN NORMANDY, FRANCE

The international shoot of Alison and Ludovic was one of my most epic photographic assignments to date. Getting the opportunity to shoot brides against the backdrop of 13th century old feudal chateau's was a rare treat indeed and a pleasure that is usually reserved for reading about in history text books.at school. Enjoy walking 'down the isle' of 11 centuries of history with me. 

                         Alison looking elegant and graceful as the stunning thoroughbred to her right.

 With the wedding in progress I shot this country scene, complimented by the old-fashioned clothing and charm of Chateau du Blanc-Buisson in the village of Saint-Pierre-du-Mesnil. Population: 108 (http://www.communes.com/haute-normandie/eure/saint-pierre-du-mesnil_27330/cartes-postales-anciennes,3.html)

The wedding party photographed with the imposing beauty of Chateau du Blanc-Buisson in the background. This beautiful feudal residence dates back to the late 13th century with buildings being completed in 1290 AD.  (http://www.normandie-tourisme.fr/Chateau-du-Blanc-Buisson/PCU/SAINT-PIERRE-DU-MESNIL/fiche-PCUNOR027FS00048-2.html)

 Chateau du Blanc-Buisson offered the most glorious stone courtyards surrounded by rambling roses. Many chateaus and properties in the region are made up with stone as there are large quarries, known as Caen stones.

 The serenity and peacefulness of the Haute-Normandy countryside resplendent in the faces of Alison and Ludovic.

Chateau du Blanc-Buisson's timber walls very typical of houses/ castles seen around Normandy and pictured in postcards from this area. Interestingly, some houses have what is called a corbelling structure, allowing more space to be added to the upper floor as they used to pay taxes according to the ground floor area, the first floor was usually bigger and hence needed to be supported. http://www.french-property.com/property/basse_normandie/orne/insight/

One of my favourite 'chilling out' wedding pics, especially at a time when weddings are so often accompanied by stress and time management commitments of the day.

Vintage fashion: One just has to look at the guests wedding attire to spot country of origin. Notice how the English bride is surrounded by woman sporting hats. The history of woman's hats is a fascinating story. www.vintagefashionguild.org/fashion-history/the-history-of-womens-hats/

Its 'a dog's life' here in France at Chateau du blancbuisson (www.blancbuisson.com)

Getting 'side-tracked' amidst the pomp, splendour and beauty of this historic property

Chateau number two: The wedding celebrations continued at the magnificent and grandiose Chateau La Ferte-Frenel, a historic property in the heart of Pays d' Ouch. Population: 701 (chateau.fertefresnel.free.fr/index_en.php)

The Chateau's prestigious staircase andgreat hall, included work by the architect Stores, plus paint decorators who worked under Delacroix as well as the artist Gordon for paintings to be found around the property. Classic abundance and a very high quality ensemble.

Bride and groom flanked on either side by two very happy and proud fathers.

One of thee most ornate vantage points from which I have ever photographed a wedding speech session. The original eighteenth century French style gardens can still be seen today, with features like moat bridges, a serpentine lake, a pond, balusters, flowerbeds, avenues, various species of age-old trees and topiaries such as yew benches spread over twenty hectares, as well as eighty hectares of grounds, woods and forests. 

Versailles style parquets (geometric mosaic of wood pieces used for decorative effect) wainscoting from the end of the seventeenth century, Louis XV fireplaces, and paintings have been well-preserved. In my imagination,  it was akin to doing a shoot for Napoleon himself.

Love the 'naughty' school boy scene in this image

     A perfect petite appetizer or mise en bouche, prepared by the Marigotiere restaurant located in Notre Dame du Hamel who celebrate the flavours of Normandy. (www.moulin-marigotiere.com)

A selection of Foie gras (French for duck or goose "fat liver"  that has been specially fattened) prepared by the Marigotiere restaurant. French cuisine at its finest.

After dinner, guests were entertained by Magic man Eric Springfield from his Magie-martprod company. (www.magie-martprod.com/). There are few activities that can transform adult curiosity, awe and wonder to to the level of a innocent child like magic.

The grandiose Chateau La Ferte-Frenel being appreciated by one solitary guest. Penny for your thoughts?

My Hotel du Paradis featured here on the right hand side, with the local Mairie which is French for town/city hall or the mayor's office on your left. I will never forget this shoot just before midnight as the only person accompanying me was a French speaking, cigar smoking stand-byer watching, in complete silence my ever move with suspect curiosity(http://www.booking.com/hotel/fr/ha-tel-du-paradis.fr.html). One cannot forget the morning scenes of Frenchmen walking down the street, everyone sporting a fresh baguette underneath their arms.