Amélie & Kevin and their guests, dressed formally for their wedding at the Ferme Saint-Anne in Langres, are happily blowing soap bubbles indoors, with the focus on the sparkling bubbles and everyone’s delighted expressions.

Kevin and Amélie, Secular Ceremony at the Ferme Sainte-Anne in Langres


HAUTE-MARNE · 2025

KEVIN AND AMÉLIE, A SECULAR CEREMONY AT THE SAINTE-ANNE FARM IN LANGRES



Kevin and Amélie finally got married in 2025. “Finally,” because Kevin had already been a best man four times, and this time it was finally his turn (see below). As for me, I’d already had him as my best man twice, so this is the third wedding I’ve photographed within their circle of friends. I know the faces, some of the inside jokes, and how the parties will unfold. There’s something special about working with a group where everyone already knows each other: a sense of trust that lets you be exactly where you need to be, without having to go out of your way to blend in.

I also knew before I arrived that the day would end at Ferme Sainte-Anne. I got married there, under those very same trees. I can see them from my window. It’s a place that means a great deal to me.

In August, the Haute-Marne is beautiful. About a hundred guests, including some thirty children, two ceremonies, and a group of friends determined to make it a memorable occasion.

A man in a blue suit stands inside the Ferme Sainte-Anne, near Langres, holding a handwritten sign in French about serving as a wedding witness on multiple occasions, complete with checkboxes and handwritten details—perfect for a secular ceremony.
SAINTE-ANNE FARM

A charming estate at the foot of the ramparts of Langres. A natural, sloping orchard, a vaulted stone hall, an on-site guesthouse, and spacious outdoor areas. This is where I got married myself.

ADDRESS

Sainte-Anne Farm · Langres · 52200 Haute-Marne

gite-sainteanne.fr

@fermesteannelangres

STRENGTHS
  • Secular Ceremony in a Natural Orchard
  • View of the ramparts of Langres
  • On-site lodging (vacation rental)
  • A stone-vaulted room for the evening
  • Spacious outdoor areas
  • Up to 80–100 adults at a reception

Under Amélie's Parents' Linden Tree

I arrive at Amélie’s parents’ house mid-morning. There’s that quiet moment before everything gets going: the introductory session, a few portraits, some time to settle in. Their garden has an old linden tree that dominates the space and brings back childhood memories for Amélie.

Kevin is there with the witnesses, all dressed in suits. They’re laughing under the trees. It’s the start of a long day, and everyone knows it, but the emotions are already running very, very high.


The Mother Who Says Yes

The town hall in Orbigny-au-Val is a small village near Langres. The room is packed: 80 adults and 35 children. Amélie’s mother is the deputy mayor, and she’s presiding over the ceremony. She holds the document on the wooden table, with Kevin and Amélie standing across from her. The look they share at one point is the kind of thing you can’t stage. The kind of moment you want to remember for the rest of your life—and pass on to your children.

The kids, by the way, are moving around, whispering, and getting up. It’s joyful and a little chaotic. Everything I love. Everything that matters.


The Orchard That Brings People Together

In the middle of the afternoon, on a mild summer day, everyone gathered under the orchard at Ferme Sainte Anne for the non-religious ceremony. That orchard, of course, is where I got married in June 2023, on the most beautiful day of my life. And every day, from the office where I’m writing these words, I can see it.

The slight slope of the terrain allows the bride and groom to see everyone’s faces. Behind them, cows graze in the meadow, and the ramparts of Langres are visible in the distance. The secular ceremony at Ferme Sainte-Anne has a setting that speaks for itself.

Kevin’s brother presides from a wooden podium, with the guests seated in evening attire around him. His stress, just as he’s about to speak, is palpable. And yet, he masterfully weaves words and silences together to lead a beautiful ceremony. He’s really stressed. . The ceremony has two distinct tones, and both are just right. The emotional moment comes when the couple’s daughter speaks: in a lavender dress, a white bouquet in her hand, and her words brimming with emotion. I’m not the only one with stinging eyes. The bursts of laughter, meanwhile, come from bananas, Yu-Gi-Oh! cards, or vials of Limoncello that appear at just the right moment.

There’s also Kevin and Amélie’s godson. Now a teenager, he was the reason they met—on the day of his baptism. I’m not sure if he remembered it at the time, but today, there’s little doubt that he’ll ever forget his role in the ceremony.

Kevin's brother at the wooden podium, guests seated in evening attire, secular ceremony at Ferme Sainte-Anne
Guests wearing heart-shaped sunglasses, reception at Ferme Sainte-Anne in Langres

The C3, the Magician, and the Reception

The reception at Ferme Sainte-Anne features several distinct areas. Guests move freely between them. Small groups form and break up; not everyone is crammed into the same spot. That’s exactly what makes it possible to truly personalize your reception.

The surprise of the day: the groom’s witnesses arrived in an old Citroën C5 with the front right door stuck shut and a 50 x 70 photo of Kevin taped to the hood—a photo I’d taken at a previous wedding. I felt a little proud. As for the C5, it’s just a hair’s breadth away from passing its vehicle inspection: with brakes, a door that opens, turn signals, and a few bulbs to replace, and we should be good to go. Amélie loves the gift.

Heart-shaped sunglasses make their debut. Amélie is lifted into the air by friends while the guests, wearing colorful hats, watch. The DJ performs magic tricks among the trays of canapés.


The witnesses' Citroën C3 with the door open; Kevin and Amélie's wedding at Ferme Sainte-Anne
Amélie and Kevin share a romantic kiss in the garden of the Ferme Saint-Anne in Langres, surrounded by greenery and lush trees on their wedding day.

Bubbles, mini-basketball, and slippery tiles

Guests arrive at the evening event amid a shower of soap bubbles. Kevin and Amélie walk through the door, with guests blowing bubbles all around them. Visually, it’s magnificent. But liters of soap on the tile floor—that’s a whole different story.

The evening takes place beneath the vaulted stone ceilings adorned with string lights at Ferme Sainte-Anne. The activities are tailor-made: Amélie is good at tennis, and Kevin is a basketball fan. There’s a mini-court and a mini-hoop. Amélie gets ready to shoot, while Kevin and the guests cheer from beneath the arches. A contest for just about everything.

That’s always what makes a great party: when the entertainment is about the bride and groom, people really get into it. Kevin and Amélie are a perfect example of that.

Amélie kisses Kevin on the cheek—a tender moment between the newlyweds—wedding in Langres

Our wedding photos capture how we felt on that special day… emotion, laughter, celebration, and love!

Amélie


Any questions?

The orchard at Ferme Sainte-Anne has a gentle natural slope that allows all guests to see the bride and groom without having to stand up. Behind the ceremony area, the view extends to the ramparts of Langres and the surrounding fields. It’s a setting that’s both intimate and open, requiring no additional decor. For a non-religious ceremony in Haute-Marne, the space is ideal: no restrictions tied to a place of worship, pleasant natural acoustics, and late-afternoon light that sets the mood perfectly.

I usually arrive before the preparations begin, at the couple’s home or their family’s home, and I stay until the evening. I’m often there for 10 to 12 hours. At Ferme Sainte-Anne, I’m very familiar with the light at different times of day, the angles, and the available spaces. This allows me to be in the right spot just as the key moments unfold. The photos are delivered via a private online gallery within a few weeks of the wedding, with unlimited access for as long as you’d like.

Yes, and that’s one of the venue’s real strengths. The outdoor spaces are large enough for children to move around freely without disrupting the ceremony or the reception. The orchard provides shade, and the grounds are accessible. For Kevin and Amélie, there were 35 children among the guests, and everything went smoothly. That’s the advantage of a venue with plenty of open space.

Amélie and Kevin kiss outdoors at their wedding, while a young girl in a pink dress wraps her arms around them from behind on the grassy field at Ferme Saint-Anne in Langres.

Wedding Vendors

Oliver, Wedding photographer

Hi, I'm Oliver, and I've been a wedding photographer since 2018, and a wedding photography trainer since 2024.

My approach is documentary, fun and creative, and I give my all to help you keep the memories of the ones that matter.

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Irmice walks down the aisle of the church in Pierrecourt on her father's arm for the religious ceremony

Irmice and Clément, a wedding in Haute-Marne

A Country Wedding in Pierrecourt: When the Sunflowers of the Haute-Marne Bloom with Love

Okay, Irmice and Clément didn’t hold their entire wedding in Haute-Marne—since Pierrecourt is on the other side of the border—but it’s practically the same thing. And the scenery you’ll see is the same!

That morning, I met up with the beaming couple right at City Hall for their civil ceremony. It was a small gathering, but already full of emotion! With their union sealed, we headed off to celebrate with family at Irmice’s family farm.

A real, joyful mess as we get ready!

The atmosphere there is already completely wild! A really lively bunch, bustling about in every direction amid children’s squabbles, blaring music, and thunderous laughter. The kind of chaotic commotion that has you already looking forward to the fun to come.

Amid all this joyful commotion, I spot Irmice putting on her gorgeous dress with her grandmother’s help. It’s a touching scene, full of tenderness and emotions shared across generations.

Sunshine and petals for a radiant ceremony

The ceremony itself takes place at the church in Pierrecourt, which the bride and groom have beautifully decorated. It’s hard not to be moved by the floral arrangements of sunflowers and greenery, bathed in soft, subdued light. It’s an emotional moment for everyone.

Tug-of-war—and strap-of-war

Back to the farm to celebrate this union with everyone. Their first challenge as a married couple? A giant game of tug-of-war! Unfortunately, the rope chosen by our two lovebirds ended up snapping prematurely. So here’s an important tip: a webbing strap is much stronger than a regular rope. And it also lets the kids jump rope!

Sunset over the sunflowers of Haute-Marne

After this lovely, convivial interlude, it’s time to head to Corgirnon for the rest of the festivities. A magnificent little wine-growing village, tucked away in the heart of the Haute-Marne countryside. It’s the idyllic setting for a leisurely stroll that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside!

Among all these natural treasures, one scene in particular takes our breath away: vast fields of sunflowers that seem to be reflecting the last rays of the setting sun. It feels as if we’re in an Impressionist painting, capturing the warm, shimmering hues unique to this region.

Upon arriving at the community hall, the newlyweds walked in bathed in the magnificent light of a late summer evening.

A wild all-night party in Haute-Marne

And what a celebration! Between the delightfully hilarious speeches by the guests, the bride and groom’s choreographed routine, and their fiery first dance, the atmosphere quickly turned into pure madness.

The party stayed packed from then on until the end of the night, fueled by a DJ who was twice as energetic as usual and a dance floor that was absolutely packed!

Brides and grooms-to-be, if—like Irmice and Clément—you’re looking for a bucolic and festive countryside setting for your big day, the Haute-Marne region is home to many unique venues where you can create wonderful memories!

Would you like to see some more wedding photos?

Oliver, Wedding photographer

Hi, I'm Oliver, and I've been a wedding photographer since 2018, and a wedding photography trainer since 2024.

My approach is documentary, fun and creative, and I give my all to help you keep the memories of the ones that matter.

Contact me

Are you getting married in Haute-Marne or somewhere else?

Let's talk about your wedding photos!

Please contact me!

Oliver Saillard, wedding photographer in Dijon and throughout France.

Wedding in Chalindrey

Oliver Saillard, wedding photographer near Chalindrey

As a wedding photographer in Langres since 2018, I’ve naturally had the opportunity to cover several weddings in Chalindrey. That was especially true for my very first wedding!

And yes, the photo of the children lying on the floor—which you’ve probably already seen on my website or social media—was taken in the recreation room at Chalindrey!

I also photographed Amélie and Ghislain’s wedding at the Chalindrey Church before they headed to La Ferme Sainte-Anne at the foot of Langres.

If you’re getting married soon in Chalindrey, in Haute-Marne, or elsewhere, perhaps I could be your wedding photographer?

Océane and Clément: A Railroad Workers' Wedding in Chalindrey

What’s the first stereotype that comes to mind when you hear the name Chalindrey? The train station? Railroad workers? That’s right! Océane and Clément are two railroad workers from Chalindrey, and they decided to get married there on July 24, 2021. Just goes to show, stereotypes can be spot-on sometimes.

Before meeting up in Chalindrey, Clément’s day began in the charming village of Chaudenay, at his parents’ house, where he got ready.
Océane, for her part, started in Chalindrey to have her hair done, before heading to her parents’ house in Balesmes-sur-Marne to continue her preparations.

The couple then continued their journey through the southern part of Haute-Marne, arriving at the Jardin de Silière in Cohons, where they had made a reservation to take some couple photos. However, I don’t think they had anticipated the torrential rain that came down on us at that moment. Thanks to the owners’ kindness, we were able to use the living room for the photos, which—a blessing in disguise—allowed Clément to play the piano for Océane, a truly romantic moment.

After that wonderful moment, the couple joined their guests at the Chalindrey town hall, where they were able to formalize their civil union in a very emotional ceremony—especially for Océane, who had more than a few tears in her eyes.

The civil ceremony was followed by a religious wedding at the church in Chalindrey. The ceremony was led by a fantastic priest: he ended the service with a selfie with the newlyweds, under the watchful eye of the Virgin Mary. The weather in the Haute-Marne was definitely unpredictable that day. While the sun was shining brightly during the ceremonies, hail began to fall just as the couple was leaving the church. As everyone waited impatiently for the newlyweds, hail suddenly came down on them, forcing them to go back inside. After this little mishap, the beautiful exit finally took place a few moments later, with the happy couple under the bride’s umbrella.

After the rain had passed, the reception was held outdoors in Saint-Broingt-le-Bois, where the day came to a close, as the newlyweds and guests then headed inside to kick off the wedding celebration. It was a fantastic time, which began with an amazing first dance featuring some pretty acrobatic lifts. Then the party really took off, fueled by a lively atmosphere on the dance floor and a magnificent train-shaped cake—perfectly in keeping with the theme!

I’d like to thank Océane and Clément for this wonderful day, for their trust, and above all for their fabulous cheerfulness, which filled this wedding with joy.

Océane and Clément also did an engagement photo shoot; you can see a few photos from it here.

Wedding Photos from Chalindrey

Wedding Vendors in Chalindrey

Dress: Nancy Mariages

Costume: Father and Sons Nancy

Catering/Cake: Le Relais du Moge, in Chassigny

DJ: DJ Mouse, in Saints-Geosmes

Florist: Quartier des Fleurs, in Saints-Geosmes

Hair Salon: Pontello Coiffure, in Chalindrey

Would you like to see some more wedding photos?

Are you getting married in Chalindrey, in Haute-Marne, or somewhere else?

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Please contact me!

Getting Married in Chalindrey

Located in the Haute-Marne department in the Grand Est region, Chalindrey is a small French town with authentic charm. Known for its historical and cultural heritage, Chalindrey offers picturesque landscapes and unique locations for memorable wedding photos. With its cobblestone streets, traditional buildings, and surrounding natural beauty, Chalindrey is a popular destination for couples seeking a romantic and peaceful setting for their wedding. By choosing Chalindrey for their wedding, couples can enjoy an intimate and warm atmosphere, as well as breathtaking natural scenery that provides the perfect backdrop for wedding photos.

Wedding in Nogent

Cindy and Jeremy

On July 10, 2021, just a few days before Bastille Day, Cindy and Jérémy were married in Nogent, near Chaumont in Haute-Marne, the bride’s hometown.

The preparations took place at the Moulin de la Fleuristerie in Orges, a very pleasant and charming venue where I’ve had the chance to photograph several weddings, such as Célia and Romain’s in 2019. Since Jérémy is a police officer, he wanted to get married in his uniform, making his outfit unique to photograph—a wedding look that stands out a bit from the ordinary and the mundane.

You can see my most recent wedding at the Moulin de la Fleuristerie here.

The ceremony took place at the beautiful Nogent town hall, which features a very photogenic mayor’s office that pays homage to the town’s cutlery-making tradition. The reception continued in the same spirit, as—in addition to the traditional champagne—the newlyweds were greeted by a guard of honor formed by gendarmes in front of the lovely fountain in Nogent’s town hall square.

The bride and groom, followed by their guests, then walked to the town’s beautiful church, where Jérémy declared his love for Cindy in a beautiful and heartfelt speech. As they left the church, they were also flanked by a line of police officers and judokas to pay tribute to Cindy’s passion.

From the heights of Nogent, there’s a lovely view of the valley—the perfect setting for a quick couple’s photo—before heading back to the estate in an American convertible (sorry, I forgot the model—if any experts happen to recognize it).
The reception took place at the mill, complete with a surprise from the best man, who showed up in the (not exactly season-appropriate) outfit he’d worn to the bachelor party—namely, ski gear. The moment was also marked by the bride’s sister, who wrote her speech on paper towels after forgetting the original in Nogent.

To wrap up the day, the evening kicked off with the newlyweds’ beautiful first dance—and, it’s worth noting, Jérémy was wearing a new suit. He said the suit felt just like pajamas, which gives you an idea of how comfortable it was. The first dance was well-rehearsed, but the bride’s dress turned out to be a little too long during the last-minute rehearsal, forcing her mother and aunt to sew a hem while Cindy stood on a table in her bedroom. All in all, the evening was intense and full of emotion, especially when Jérémy sang a duet with his father.

Once again, I’d like to thank the bride and groom for their trust—it was a pleasure to capture your wedding and all the beautiful moments you shared together!

Photos from the wedding in Nogent

Wedding Vendors in Nogent

Dress: Mariées de France, in Épinal

Costume: Ollygan

Caterer: Bouquin, in Jonchery

Wine/Champagne: La Cave Gourmande, in Chaumont

Alliance: The Alliance Store in Thise

DJ/Entertainment: DJ Sebj Evenementiel, in Orges

Cake: Bouquin, in Jonchery

Florist: L’atelier aux fleurs, in Odival

Makeup: The Magic of Hands, in Nogent

Stationery: Faireparterie

Candy/Gifts: Delisvosges, in Darnay

Estate: Moulin de la Fleuristerie, in Orges

Would you like to see some more wedding photos?

Are you getting married in Nogent or somewhere else?

Let's talk about your wedding photos!

Please contact me!

Oliver Saillard, wedding photographer in Chaumont and throughout France.

Civil Wedding in Langres

Laurène and Malik

Laurène and Malik got married in the spring of 2021, right after the lockdown ended. Given the restrictions, it wasn’t yet time to have the wedding they’d envisioned. But even though the big celebration has been postponed, they were determined to have a civil ceremony in the magnificent reception hall at Langres City Hall, which I always enjoy photographing during weddings.

Having grown up and worked in Langres, the three of them (at the time of the wedding)—and now four (as I write this)—live just a few kilometers away, in Neuilly-l’Evêque. That’s where Laurène got ready, while Malik was busy getting ready with his groomsmen in Dampierre.

By “very actively,” I mean sitting quietly on the couch watching Roland-Garros. Of course, like all grooms, he thought putting on his wedding outfit would take five minutes. Like many of my grooms, he realized it took a little longer than that. But it’s just as well that it takes a little longer, since it’s often—as it was here—a truly special moment shared with longtime friends.

As she was putting on her dress, Laurène was joined by her daughter—a deeply emotional moment! And just before leaving for Langres, she shared a powerful moment with her father, one that I’m happy to have been able to capture.

Next, we headed to Langres, where the two beautiful lovers met at City Hall to exchange vows to the soundtrack of *August Rush*. A union as beautiful as the ceremony hall, which was itself as beautiful as the city of Langres (/quick shout-out to my hometown).

And after that, back to Neuilly-l’Eveque, to their home, to celebrate in their backyard! Their daughter, their friends, beer for Malik, and the plancha from L’évidence for Laurène—what more could you ask for at their civil wedding?

Well, for example, a couple’s photo shoot on the heights of the Langres Plateau, among the golden barley fields.

Thank you for your trust—it was a pleasure to capture your wedding and all the beautiful moments the three of you shared!

Photos from the civil wedding in Langres

Civil Wedding Service Providers in Langres

Dress: Bouvier-Millot, in Langres

Suit: Father & Sons

Caterer: L’évidence, in Neufchâteau

Cake: Pépites Gourmandes, in Chaumont

Interior Design: Home, in Langres

Hair: Mélanie, at Jean-Louis-David in Langres

Makeup: Laure and Elles, from Dijon

Would you like to see some more wedding photos?

Are you getting married in Savigny or somewhere else?

Let's talk about your wedding photos!

Please contact me!