Occasionally I get asked to go back to France to photograph the weddings of people who knew me before I moved to England. I was delighted when Pauline, who I went to primary school with, asked me to photograph her big day. They chose to use the stables of Le Chateau de Zuthove as their venue for the day. The chateau is only half an hour from the coast of Calais and considered to be one of the most popular wedding venues in Northern France.
The French Wedding Format
It’s no secret that the French are known for their love of food and drink. During the drink reception, I was astonished by the amount of savoury canapés coming out of the kitchen. When you think that, surely there can’t be anymore to eat, a waitress comes out with a full display of mini patisseries. She could clearly see my surprised face and said “You’ve got to finish by something sweet!”
Late afternoon it was time for the guests to sit down for the five course meal with dancing between course to help with digestion. In true french style, the cheese course is always served before the dessert. After more crazy moves on the dance floor, it was only 1am (quite early according to DJ) and time to cut the cake which was part of a giant display of mini patisseries, fruit salads and crêpe. Bon appétit!
If you’re planning to get married in France or abroad, get in touch to discuss your wedding photography!
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