Southern france, Lamastre town hall and mountian reception
Elodie and Brian's wedding in the South of France was a perfect mix of local traditions, cultural nods, and pure joy! Their day wasn’t focused on formalities; it was about bringing together two worlds and two families in a way that felt completely them.
A Warm Welcome to France
When Elodie and Brian invited me to Lamastre, I wasn’t expecting the level of warmth and inclusion I experienced. I arrived a couple of days before the wedding and was immediately made to feel part of the family. There was a pre-wedding dinner at Elodie’s parents’ home—where she’d later get ready on the big day—and a poolside party the night before, complete with paella, local wine, and a chilled-out vibe that set the tone for what was to come.
Morning Prep in the Family Home
The wedding day started at Elodie’s childhood home, where the atmosphere was a mix of calm and croissants (the perfect start to any day, if you ask me!). Capturing bridal prep in such a personal space always adds something special, with so much of the family’s history present in every room. It’s also lovely seeing people feel completely at ease in their own environment. Photographing people speaking a different language was such a fun challenge. So much of my job on the day involved reading body language and piecing things together by intuition. Elodie occasionally chimed in to explain why the room had burst into laughter, which added to the fun of documenting these moments. There’s no need to speak the same language when you’re not directing people for photos—it’s all about being present and letting the day unfold naturally!
The First Look & Town Hall Ceremony
Before heading to the ceremony, Elodie and Brian shared a first look. It was such a sweet and private moment for the two of them before the whirlwind of the day began. The town hall in Lamastre was the perfect venue for their ceremony! I loved the French flags outside and the deep, rich red tones of the ceremony room. Guests greeted them as they arrived and then lined the stairs inside to clap the wedding party in—a simple French tradition that added so much excitement and community spirit. Inside, the ceremony was conducted by the mayor, who brought humor and personality to the event by speaking in both French and English. To top it off, he waved an Irish flag from the town hall balcony after the ceremony, which was met with cheers and laughter from everyone below. It was such a great nod to Brian’s heritage and a lovely reminder of the day’s cultural mix.
Celebrations in the Countryside
After the ceremony, everyone headed to Elodie’s family land in the hills, managed by her uncle, where a marquee had been set up for the reception. The setting was stunning, with gorgeous mountain views that made it feel like we were tucked away in our own little world. Instead of a sit-down meal, there was a steady flow of bowl food and sweet treats, which gave guests plenty of time to mingle and take in the relaxed atmosphere. A few heartfelt words were shared by the couple, followed by a playful exchange of football jerseys—French for Brian’s dad and Irish for Elodie’s.
A Mountain Adventure
As the rain cleared, we all piled into a van and headed up a nearby mountain for some photos. The earlier rain had left the sky moody and dramatic, making for the perfect backdrop. Elodie’s dress, already marked by the adventures of the day, looked even more striking in this wild, natural setting. It was raw, unpolished, and entirely them.
Dancing Into the Night
Back at the marquee, it was time for the Croquembouche (a traditional French dessert) and the champagne tower—because of course, we’re in France! The Croquembouche made its grand entrance to Irish music and cheers, perfectly blending the two cultures. After that, Elodie and Brian had their first dance. By this point, Elodie’s dress had fully embraced the day’s adventures, and on the dancefloor, it looked like it was meant to be that way. The music, laughter, and plenty of French wine kept everyone dancing well into the night. Earlier in the day, there were a lot of language barriers, but on the dancefloor, it was hilarious watching everyone suddenly speaking the same “language” of celebration!
To Elodie and Brian: thank you for inviting me into your world and trusting me to capture your story. Your day was a joy to photograph, and I’m so glad I got to be part of it.
Enjoy,
CHELSEA X
p.s. I was lucky enough to win a TIR Story award for a collection of these images; the winning images are included in the collection where you see the Reportage logo.
