Sylvain and Aurélie
If being responsible for the photos of a close friend's sister's wedding is already a great responsibility, documenting the wedding of two close friends is even more so.
I met Sylvain in my first year at engineering school, and Aurélie a year later, at the same school. They kissed for the first time on Charles Bridge in Prague. And on October 2, 2021, 3,720 days later, they finally said "I do" in front of all their loved ones, in the beautiful mountain setting of La Bourboule, in the heart of the Sancy massif in Auvergne, which they love so much.
Aurélie got ready at her home in Clermont-Ferrand before heading to the Domaine de Fohet, where Sylvain got dressed with his groomsmen, almost on time. Despite this delay, he still took the time to toast with them (and with me too, a privilege of being a photographer-friend).
Once ready, we headed to the heights above the estate to take some first look photos and couple photos with a sublime view of the Banne d'Ordanche and the surrounding volcanoes.
The secular ceremony then began, with the landscapes of Auvergne still in the background. It was in this setting that the emotion was felt, first through the moving speeches of their parents and witnesses, but also through a small gesture from each of their guests. Their loved ones were invited to give them a marble accompanied by a note, symbolizing what each person brought to the couple. The vase filled with marbles will remain as a reminder of this powerful moment of exchange.
Next comes the reception, hosted by "public storytellers" who recite anonymous messages left by guests to the assembled crowd. These humorous moments lead to a delightful misunderstanding involving a red dress...
As the sun began to set, the newlyweds returned, full of energy, to their reception hall decorated with a theme of Auvergne volcanoes, hiking, and nature.
Once the meal was served, I became a guest again. I took a few photos, of course, especially of the first dance, despite my brain being a little "foggy" (and so, no, the photos aren't blurry, but it took me a little longer than usual to figure out the lighting). I also got to photograph my first champagne fountain, which received a WPJA award.
Then, when the dance floor filled up, the evening took a different turn, with costumes perfectly suited to listening to Johnny... But from that point on, the photos become a little more private!
Documenting the wedding of close friends for the first time convinced me of the importance of getting to know the bride and groom as well as possible before the wedding: I was able to take photos that best describe my group of friends. Whether it's their usual expressions, the fact that they send back the champagne to ask for a new bottle of Henri Bardouin instead, knowing who they are helps to document their story. Obviously, I won't be able to know you as well as my group of friends I met during my studies. But the more you tell me about yourselves, the better I will be able to tell your story.
Photographs of the secular ceremony in Auvergne
Providers of secular ceremonies in Auvergne
Dress: Place des Mariés, in Clermont-Ferrand
Caterer: Création Gourmande, in Clermont-Ferrand
DJ/Entertainment: A2MC sound system, in Puy-de-Dôme
Florist: Atelier végétal, in Joze, between Clermont-Ferrand and Vichy
Makeup: Marina Donatella, in Clermont-Ferrand
Hair styling: Hairdressers in Clermont-Ferrand
Estate: Domaine de Fohet
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