A Wedding at Domaine de l’Établière in Vendée, France
This summer, I discovered Domaine de l’Établière in Vendée for the first time, while photographing a wedding there.
I was curious to explore a place whose history reads rather like a novel. At the end of the nineteenth century, the main building was demolished to make way for a replica of a Tuscan palace, commissioned by a devoted husband for his wife. And so, for a day, we find ourselves at home in an Italian residence tucked away in Vendée. Based in the Loire Valley myself, I was delighted to photograph my first wedding at this lovely estate.
Getting ready
The preparations gave us an opportunity to explore different settings and moods, moving between joyful light and dramatic shadows to make the most of this unusual place.
Claire gives me complete creative freedom with her photographs. Above all, she wants to enjoy the moment and preserve the joy and lightness she hopes will fill the day. I go exploring, looking for places to make our photographs. For the light-filled portraits, the bathroom doorway turns out to be just the spot. For more pronounced chiaroscuro, alongside my beloved tall window, I settle on a doorway opening onto the landing outside the bride’s room, with its antique mirror and solid wood floor. We move a chair into place, station one of the bridesmaids at the top of the stairs to keep Claire out of sight, and there we have it.
For Vincent’s photographs, I also seek out light and contrast, and invite the boys to make use of the billiard table. We finish the preparations outside, in front of the Tuscan façade, to give his photographs a different setting from Claire’s and bring in the soft—and hot—summer light that stays with us throughout the day.
One setting does feature in both their portraits: the tall window that bathes part of the sitting room in bright light while leaving the rest in shadow. I have a particular love for this kind of light. Claire stands, while I invite Vincent to sit. Claire’s veil also lets me create that distinctive, almost ethereal atmosphere that light and shadow seem to conjure whenever a long veil is involved. It is difficult to say which of us is happier as we look at the photographs on my camera screen. But however enthusiastic we are, the day must move on: the bride has a handsome young man to marry!
The church ceremony
During the ceremony, the church’s side aisles allow me to move easily between viewpoints without disturbing the proceedings. Alongside portraits of the couple, wider photographs convey the building’s grandeur and solemnity.
Cocktail hour in the gardens of Domaine de l’Établière
Cocktail hour takes place around the estate’s pool, bringing us back into the golden light of a summer evening in Vendée. This is usually when I return to my first love in photography: candid portraits. These photographs capture the gentleness of the moment, the flashes of joy in people’s eyes and the emotions they share. And the canapés, of course—we are French, after all.
Golden-hour couple portraits
We head outside for the couple’s golden-hour portraits. I begin with full-length photographs and wider compositions, gradually moving closer. Being photographed can feel a little daunting for couples who are not used to posing: approaching slowly throughout the session gives them time to become more comfortable with the camera. The last golden light of the day brings ochre tones to the photographs as they stand beneath the estate’s towering, centuries-old trees. For a few more deliberately posed, editorial portraits, we settle on the grand entrance doorway. We laugh a great deal, as we so often do during couple portraits—my best stories are reserved exclusively for couples who need a little entertainment along the way!
The wedding reception
The evening brings another first for me: discovering the Vendée wedding tradition involving an enormous brioche. Much laughter and one excellent slice later—or perhaps two. Perhaps more. I shall admit to nothing—it is time for me to leave Vendée and the newlyweds.
Are you planning a wedding at Domaine de l’Établière? I would love to hear about your plans. You can also explore my portfolio for a broader look at my work.
Manon
