Liliana & Michel — an intimate musical wedding at Château La Commander

A family that speaks in music

What made this wedding truly unique was the profound musical connection that ran through Liliana’s family. Her father, a renowned composer, created something extraordinary: he took his daughter’s list of favorite songs and arranged them into a custom orchestral score for the ceremony.It wasn’t just background music — it was the emotional thread of the day. Each note carried memory, each transition reflected moments from Liliana’s life.At the piano, the bride’s mother performed the accompaniment her husband had written. The sound drifted through the garden — soft, trembling, deeply moving. Few dry eyes remained among the guests.Then came an unforgettable surprise: a live ensemble of four French horn players, whose performance lifted the entire ceremony. Their harmonies filled the open air with rich, warm resonance — a rare and beautiful choice that gave the event its own rhythm and personality.As a photographer, I felt surrounded by music and emotion. Every frame pulsed with energy — the gleam of brass, the quiet pride of the parents, the tears in the guests’ eyes.

Beauty in every detail — the artist behind the look

The day began in one of Château La Commanderie’s elegant bridal suites, where Vita Proshchenko, the makeup artist, worked with calm precision. Her approach was refined and modern: luminous skin, softly defined eyes, and a natural glow that complemented the late-summer light.

Vita understood the tone of the wedding perfectly — timeless, elegant, without excess. As Liliana looked in the mirror, you could see serenity settling on her face. The makeup didn’t transform her; it simply revealed her quiet confidence.

For me, these early hours are as important as the ceremony itself — they set the rhythm of the day. The soft laughter, the fragrance of flowers, the gentle strokes of the brush — they all translate into images filled with anticipation and grace.

A culinary experience by Hille Traiteur, Carcassonne

The evening reception carried the same sense of refined simplicity. Hille Traiteur, one of Carcassonne’s finest caterers, curated a menu that blended local flavor with cosmopolitan elegance.Guests began the cocktail hour with chilled champagne and an unforgettable treat — Gillardeau oysters, freshly shucked and served on ice in the château’s courtyard. It was a detail everyone remembered: delicate, briny, perfectly French.

Dinner continued under string lights, each course presented like a small piece of art. Hille Traiteur’s team moved with quiet choreography, ensuring that every plate arrived at just the right moment. Their cuisine matched the mood of the celebration — luxurious yet understated, focused on authentic taste and impeccable presentation.

Food has a way of uniting people, and on this evening, conversation flowed easily over fine wine and laughter. It was not about formality but about savoring: savoring the food, the place, the company, and the rare happiness of the day.

Golden hour — my favorite moment of the season

As the sun began to set behind the hills of Plaigne, the château bathed in golden light. This is my favorite time — when the world slows down and every photograph becomes a painting.

We walked through the gardens as the light softened; Liliana’s veil caught the evening breeze, Michel’s gaze followed her with quiet tenderness. The golden hour at Château La Commanderie turned their portraits into pure magic.

Looking back, I can say with certainty that this was one of my favorite golden-hour sessions of the 2025 season. The combination of architecture, light, and emotion created images that feel timeless — the kind couples will still cherish decades from now.

Why I loved photographing this wedding

This wedding reminded me why I chose photography in the first place. It wasn’t about grandeur or spectacle; it was about authenticity, intimacy, and art.Working with a family that expressed love through music, a couple that valued meaning over perfection, and talented creatives like Vita, MB Boutique — Fleuriste MOF, and Hille Traiteur made the experience unforgettable. It felt less like work and more like collaboration — a shared creation of something lasting.Liliana and Michel’s day at Château La Commanderie encapsulated everything I seek to capture: light, connection, and the quiet strength of love.

Planning a wedding in France?

If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding in France, filled with art, music, and timeless elegance, I would be honoured to tell your story.I photograph weddings across France — from Toulouse to Provence, Dordogne, and Paris — always with an eye for light, authenticity, and emotion. Whether your celebration is grand or intimate, every image will reflect who you truly are.  Get in touch to discuss your plans.

Eugenie Smirnova — wedding and elopement photographer in Toulouse, South West of France