My first day as a Wedding Photographer

The first solo wedding is certainly one of the those that remain engraved in the memory of a Photographer Ad Vita aeternam.

For me, this first wedding was Françoise and Christophe’s, the very day after I turned 30! Also, the day after my last day in a safe environment that I had known for 9 years: the university and lab. We can therefore say that between these two events and this first weeding, I lived 24 hours of renewal.

But let's get back to our topic... So, Françoise and Christophe have been my neighbours for a few years, they have two little twins full of energy and after an earlier civil marriage, it was time for their religious union.

So, one evening on my way home from work, I ran into Françoise and we started chatting until...

"We're planning the church wedding, I can't take it anymore, I'm running around all the time"

"Do you want me to do the pictures for you?"

(Haggard gaze) ..." Huh!?"

…. Yes, my own neighbours didn't know I was taking pictures... So, first lesson learned: when you start in being Professional Photographer, you have to say it!

After having presented them some wedding pictures (to which I had been invited) and other events I had covered, Christophe and Françoise told me it was ok, they would take me for their wedding...

So there, in my head, it's like: "What am I doing!? It's rubbish! Am I going to make it? I mustn't forget this and that "... Absolute calm, as you can see!

But then, when the machine has started, you don't go backwards!

Let's go for the wedding preparation...

So comes the D-day, and always this thought that goes around and around on this morning of August 31st: "I hope I'm going to make it...". Because yes, the photographer's biggest fear is to disappoint the bride and groom on delivery.

So, let's go for the hairdressing session... And Ô Chance, it was the first time for the hairdresser too! Being as tense as each other it relaxed us and she did a great job as you can see.

And, it has to be said, she was not helped by the weather, which was hot and heavy all day long... But her hair held up impeccably, even roughing up the back of the convertible car that served as a coach for our heroes of the day. Then, once the hair was done, it was time for make-up.

And finally, it's off to go for a quick bite to eat before everyone arrives. Then come the first big moments: the bride and groom putting on their day's clothes.

The First-Look

On this wedding, the goal for me was to distract everyone while they were getting dressed because Françoise had made believe everyone that she would marry in an every-day dress. The wedding dress was thus a well-kept secret from her, her best friend and me... I suggest you to see the reaction of Christophe who was expecting to see his wife in a more classic suit:

This reaction, Françoise was sure that Christophe wouldn't have it...

"You know, he doesn't care about clothes and he's not emotional at all"

"We'll see, I'm going to do a First-Look to get him in condition, at worst it won't do anything"

... And the result was beyond my expectations!

Françoise was overjoyed to see the man of her life reacting so well to her super surprise, I was able to take the photos I wanted.... It was TOP! So I suggest you to play this little game of the first look at your future wedding, you will get memories that will remain forever in your mind!

To the church

Then comes the time of the church. This wedding had the particularity of being a double event (even triple!): it started with the baptism of Helena and Tom. Because yes, even if it was a first wedding for me, we might as well go all the way in the difficulty, no!?

So, some tense and photos but at that moment, it was launched, I was in it, nothing could disturb me anymore! I also want to salute the kindness of the officiants who offered me to go to the altar during the ceremony, something that, I think, is no frequent!

Then, once the baptism is over, a short "fresh water" break is more than necessary on this hot August day. And we bring everyone back home... Then it's off for the walk up the groom's alley and then Françoise's.... And the stress that comes back… "This one must not be missed... This one either in fact... But this one too". But as before, once it has started everything is ok... Here we go, looking everywhere, looking for an emotion, a look, an aesthetic, the wedding is only "secondary", the important thing is to be on the alert and look everywhere to look for THE photograph that will capsize the hearts of the bride and groom by browsing the photo book, this little furtive moment that will crystallize for them the emotional intensity of this day.

Gradually the ceremony goes on, then comes the end of the service and the exit from the church.

Mistake for me: I had not asked what was planned. Preoccupied by my photos of the bride and groom, I discover the guests and the bubbles at the same time as I take their exit... Well, this is where Darwin applies: adapt yourself!

End of the Church ceremony, it's time to get some photos of the couple and then go to the restaurant

But no rest for the brave, we've got 10 minutes top to take some pictures in the little woods next to the church, so... GO, GO, GO!

Then it's time to leave for the restaurant Le Colvert which hosts the wine reception and the evening. The place is really nice with a beautiful tree in the middle of the garden.

This restaurant is really very good and in a pleasant setting. I recommend it to you if you come around!

It's time for group photos and aperitifs! Then follows the meal much calmer to finish by the wedding cake around midnight.