It’s not hard to see why so many people long for the beautiful landscapes of Provence - especially in July, when the lavender fields are in full bloom. Sherman and Chris decided to celebrate their engagement with a romantic photoshoot and an intimate commitment ceremony in the lavender fields. And as if nature itself blessed their union, they found the perfect spot to exchange their promises to each other under a heart-shaped tree.
Romantic Photoshoot in Provence
Sherman & Chris from Hong Kong contacted me as they wanted to shoot their pre-wedding photos in Provence and also have a commitment ceremony in the lavender fields. Although I am a wedding photographer based in Paris, I often travel all around France (and beyond) to photograph couples in love. Together with my photography team, officiant and coordinator we give them a hand in organizing this special day. So, with their celebrant - Laura from The Paris Officiant - I traveled down to Provence beforehand. Together we checked the shoot locations we had discussed with the couple to make sure we’ll have access and to see what time of day would be best for the ceremony. By scouting these locations we also found two hart-shaped trees in the middle of a lavender field, which seemed to be the perfect location for their commitment ceremony. When we told Sherman & Chris about the location we found, they were more than thrilled to have their ceremony there.
On the wedding day itself we all woke up extremely early in order to start shooting at sunrise. Our team had been renting a van and we all drove together from location to location starting with the village, monastery and the first lavender fields. When the sun got too high and the light too harsh in the late morning we took a long break and met again in the evening. Now it was time to enjoy sunset in the lavender fields for more photos and last, but not least, to finish the day off with Sherman & Chris’s commitment ceremony. It was such a romantic and heartfelt moment under the heart-shaped trees. I really loved shooting this special event with Sherman & Chris.
A bit more about the couple: They met each other at a friend’s party two years ago. Chris asked Sherman for a date and traveled to Taiwan with her. During the trip, they fell in love with each other. When it came to the proposal it was clear for both that it should be a private and intimate moment. So Chris booked a hotel room and filled the room with Sherman’s favorite cartoon characters, Lisa and Gaspard. When she stepped into the room, he got down on one knee and asked the question. He said he wanted to be with her for the future… forty, fifty and even sixty years from now.
They decide to celebrate their engagement with a pre-wedding photo shoot and a commitment ceremony in Provence, France because some years ago Sherman had joined an exchange program to study in Lyon for a year and had the chance to see the beautiful landscape in Provence. She wanted to come back for this occasion. In particular, she wanted to be surrounded by the romantic lavender fields. She said that it was like being surrounded by a purple ocean!
The inspiration behind their day was simple: a romantic atmosphere in a southern French style. So, Sherman chose a light wedding gown without a long train and casual wear with a holiday mood. There were also lots of whimsical details such as bundle of lavender for her bouquet, sun hats and a vintage bicycle… Sherman & Chris’s advise to anyone planning a photoshoot in Provence is to check the blossom period of lavender in Provence and book a hotel room well in advance. Also sunscreen is a must!
Credits
Photography - Pierre Torset
Second shooter - The Parisian Photographers
Officiant - Laura Montorio
Coordinator - The Paris Celebrants