Hattie & Matt met at the Henley Regatta in the summer of 2016, and after years of family holidays in the South of France, they chose Provence for their wedding. The lovers travelled from the UK with their closest friends and family to celebrate their wedding at Domaine de Valbonne, a stunning venue in the South of France.
Their day was relaxed, emotional, and intentionally unposed — a perfect example of what a Provence destination wedding can truly feel like.
And more importantly, it reflects exactly how I approach weddings as a Provence wedding photographer.
A slow, intimate morning at Domaine de Valbonne
One of the biggest advantages of planning a wedding in Provence is having everything in one place.
The day began quietly, with Hattie and her bridesmaids getting ready on-site at the venue. Hair started early, creating a calm and unhurried atmosphere throughout the morning.
Matt, on a different part of the property, shared those same relaxed moments with his groomsmen.
Every detail felt intentionally chosen — from the refined floral design by Audrey VKB to the modern, natural hair styling by Nathalie from Un brin d’Audace, all perfectly complemented by Hattie’s Grace Loves Lace wedding dress.
As a destination wedding photographer, these are the moments I pay the most attention to. Not the staged ones. The real ones.
An outdoor ceremony in Provence filled with emotion
The ceremony took place outdoors at Domaine de Valbonne, surrounded by nature and the soft light that makes Provence weddings so unique.
Matt welcomed guests casually before the ceremony — no formal entrance, no performance.
Hattie walked down the aisle with her father, preceded by her bridesmaids, creating a moment that felt both elegant and deeply personal.
Their ceremony was led by Hattie’s cousin, making it even more meaningful.
They chose to write their own vows — one of the most powerful ways to make a destination wedding in Provence feel truly yours.
A documentary approach to destination wedding photography in Provence
From the very beginning, Hattie & Matt told me one thing:
They wanted candid, natural photos, not a series of posed images.
And that’s exactly what I specialise in as a Provence wedding photographer.
If you’re planning a destination wedding in Provence, this is something worth thinking about…
Do you want to spend your day posing for photos… or living every moment of it?
My approach is simple:
- I don’t interrupt your day
- I don’t force moments
- I don’t turn your wedding into a photoshoot
Instead, I document what’s already happening — the atmosphere, the connections, the energy.
Because those are the images that will bring you back to your wedding in Provence years from now.
A relaxed wedding reception in the South of France
After the ceremony, guests gathered by the pool for cocktail hour — one of the highlights of any Provence destination wedding.
Group photos were done quickly and efficiently, allowing everyone to get back to enjoying the atmosphere.
Dinner started at 4pm with speeches first — a choice that immediately created emotion and connection between guests — all set outdoors in the stunning hamlet at Domaine de Valbonne, where long tables and golden light created a truly Provençal atmosphere.
Even though their adorable cockapoo Nelly couldn’t travel to Provence, she was impossible to miss — featured on every table through a series of funny, character-filled photos that brought laughter and a real sense of personality to the day.
Later in the evening, instead of a traditional wedding cake, Hattie & Matt chose a huge pavlova — a fun and modern twist that felt completely aligned with their style.
Golden hour couple photos in quintessential Provence
For their couple session, we took advantage of the most beautiful light you can get during a wedding in Provence.
The light here does something you can’t quite explain. This is one of the reasons international couples choose a Provence destination wedding.
The olive garden at Domaine de Valbonne, along with the lavender rows and steps surrounded by white roses, created the perfect backdrop.
No pressure. No complex posing.
Just space for them to breathe, connect, and enjoy a quiet moment away from their guests.
This is something I always recommend for any destination wedding in Provence — short, relaxed sessions that fit naturally into your day.
Their first dance marked the beginning of the party, with live music by Brightlights setting the tone for a vibrant evening in the South of France.
“Hi Marie,
The book arrived a few days ago and it’s so beautiful! I knew it would be good but I was so shocked by the quality, it’s perfect! It brought back all our memories from the day, I can’t believe it was 6 months ago! Thank you so much for these photos they are amazing!
Best wishes”
Hattie & Matt
Your Provence wedding photographer — Capturing real destination weddings
If you’re currently planning a destination wedding in Provence, choosing the right photographer is about more than just images.
It’s about how you want your day to feel.
Hattie & Matt’s wedding is a perfect example of what happens when you let go of expectations and focus on what truly matters.
As a photographer, my role is to create space for that.
To let your day unfold naturally.
To capture it honestly.
And to give you images that feel like you.
Whether you’re getting married at Domaine de Valbonne or another venue in the South of France, your wedding deserves to be documented in a way that feels effortless and true.
If you’re looking for a destination wedding photographer in Provence who focuses on real moments, natural light, and a relaxed experience — I’d love to hear more about your plans.
A beautiful team behind the scenes
I had the chance to capture this amazing day alongside the talented videographer Daniel Watson, whose relaxed and easygoing presence made the whole day feel even smoother. Check out his highlights video of this magical day:
A special thank you to Estelle & Julien at Domaine de Valbonne, and to Victoria for coordinating everything. And a shout out to Mélody from La Clef du Temps Conciergerie who made sure all the details were perfect. All four of them brought so much care, energy, and kindness into the day, making everything run beautifully.