Mini Blog
Sometimes, I’ll spend a few days with the entire wedding party. I’ll stay where they’re staying, hang out with them, and even sew up zippers that had malfunctions during traveling. Sometimes, I fly to France and stay on a beautiful Chateau property for a wedding near Bordeaux France. Sometimes, I get to witness a super full moon, and a torrential downpour during a ceremony all within 24 hours of each other. Sometimes I get to photograph a beautiful French Chateau Wedding and have it become some of my favorite memories of a wedding.
This wedding was an adventure all on it’s own. Stephanie and Jesse had never actually been to France, and yet they were able to flawlessly pull off planning a wedding there from California. Domaine D’Essendiéras is a beautiful chateau around two hours from Bordeaux. The property is a sprawling estate with multiple places for guests to stay. There are so many corners of the chateau to explore I’ve considered renting it myself so I can properly look around.
We arrived on the property the evening before the welcome dinner. We were able to hang out with Stephanie and Jesse as well as their closest family and friends. We got to witness a supe rmoon that evening which seemed to be a sign that the wedding was going to be perfect. Even if there was a moment where I thought my cameras and Gaétane’s might be toast after the ceremony.
The photos in this blog post are a mix of digital and film.
Stephanies review
“My experience with Brandi was fantastic! The fact that she was able to perfectly capture each unique aspect of my wedding day meant a great deal to me, even though it was such a busy and emotional day. I’m so obsessed that I will basically take any opportunity to share my photos and video! She has such talent for capturing those candid moments and making us feel at ease even when she occasionally had to position us. Genuinely making us laugh and smile was Brandi’s style. I can’t express how much I thank her for going above and above for me. Without her, I genuinely felt like I couldn’t have survived the day!! Thank you very much, Brandi, you are a heaven sent! From the bottom of my heart!”
Hosting a wedding at a French chateau like Domaine D’Essendiéras offers a magical experience rich in history and charm. Located just two hours from Bordeaux, this estate provides an idyllic setting with sprawling grounds and multiple guest accommodations, perfect for intimate and grand celebrations alike. Chateau weddings are highly sought after for their romantic ambiance, blending elegant architecture with breathtaking natural surroundings. Planning a destination wedding in France, especially from abroad, requires meticulous coordination with local vendors and a thorough understanding of French wedding customs. Many couples benefit from hiring a wedding planner experienced in international events to navigate language barriers, venue contracts, and legal requirements. The supermoon witnessed during Stephanie and Jesse’s wedding adds a poetic touch that many couples dream of. A supermoon occurs when the full moon is at its closest approach to Earth, appearing larger and brighter in the night sky—often seen as an auspicious symbol of a special occasion. Photographing such a wedding involves blending digital and film photography to capture a range of candid and posed moments that highlight the emotions and details of the day. Using film adds a timeless, artistic quality that complements the historic setting of a chateau. Destination weddings enhance the guest experience by offering a unique travel opportunity combined with celebration. Guests can explore scenic French countryside, savor regional cuisine, and immerse themselves in local culture, making the event memorable for all involved. For couples considering a chateau wedding near Bordeaux, early planning—at least a year in advance—is recommended to secure desired venues and vendors. The region is famous for its vineyards and gastronomy, allowing customized food and wine experiences that elevate the entire celebration. In summary, a wedding at Domaine D’Essendiéras or similar chateaux represents a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and elegance, as beautifully exemplified by Stephanie and Jesse’s heartfelt celebration under the enchanting supermoon.
