As a wedding photographer based in Toulouse, I get to work in some truly stunning venues across the South of France—but Château Du Puits Es Pratx is something special. Tucked away in the village of Ginestas, surrounded by its own vineyards and fragrant Mediterranean gardens, this place feels like a secret escape. Just 35 minutes from the sea, it’s the kind of setting that turns a destination wedding into an unforgettable experience.
This wedding brought together vibrant colors, genuine emotions, and timeless elegance—with a particularly stylish groom and groomsmen who gave the day a real sense of charm and class. I’m excited to share the story of this celebration, along with a selection of images that I hope will inspire couples planning their own weddings in France.
Château Du Puits Es Pratx: A Dream Wedding Venue in France
Château Du Puits Es Pratx isn’t just a beautiful location—it’s a venue designed with international couples in mind. With onsite accommodation, a restored wine hall for receptions, and a courtyard perfect for open-air dining, it offers a full wedding experience, not just a backdrop.On this day, the ceremony was held in the lush gardens, with vines and cypress trees as witnesses. Later, the celebration flowed seamlessly into the inner courtyard for dinner under the stars. The blend of rustic charm and curated elegance made every moment feel both relaxed and refined.
A Fresh Twist on Bridesmaids’ Style: Color & Individuality
One of the most striking visual elements of the day was the bridal party. Each bridesmaid wore sunny yellow dress. Their bouquets were unique, full of seasonal blooms, textures, and personality.It’s a beautiful new tradition that I’ve seen gaining popularity among couples from the UK, US, and Ireland. Rather than one uniform color, every bridesmaid was styled to reflect her individuality, while still fitting beautifully into the overall palette.This thoughtful, slightly bohemian approach added an extra layer of depth and fun to the portraits. The mix of color, shape, and styling looked fantastic against the soft stone of the château and the green of the vineyards.
Ceremony in the Garden
This couple chose to forgoе the “first look, ” and instead saw each other for the first time at the ceremony. And it was absolutely worth the wait.As the bride walked through the garden, the groom’s face lit up—one of those unfiltered, emotional moments that makes everyone smile (and, let’s be honest, tear up a little). That quiet intensity, that little breath before the vows begin—it can’t be recreated.The ceremony was heartfelt and simple, surrounded by flowers, friends, and the late summer breeze. There’s something timeless about this kind of setting—no elaborate backdrop needed, just honest words and meaningful glances.
A Very Elegant Groom’s Party
Let’s take a moment to talk about the groom and his groomsmen. They were absolutely dashing—dressed in tailored suits that felt fresh, classic, and entirely fitting for a château setting. Their style was clean and cohesive, with small personalized details like pocket squares and cufflinks.They carried themselves with the kind of quiet confidence that makes for fantastic photos. Whether during candid moments with guests or formal portraits, they brought an easy grace to the day that truly stood out.
Evening Portraits in Soft Light
Though the sky was overcast and the sun never made its golden hour appearance, the soft diffused light created an atmosphere of intimacy and romance. Instead of chasing sunlight, we embraced the mood.We took a quiet walk through the vineyards and around the grounds, allowing the couple some peaceful time together. The result? A series of gentle, soft portraits that feel like a secret whispered between two people in love.These kinds of conditions can actually be incredibly flattering—the light is even and there’s a sense of calm and harmony that’s perfect for reflective moments after the ceremony.
A Courtyard Celebration Under the Stars
Dinner was held in the château’s magnificent courtyard, framed by greenery and strung with warm lights. Laughter and music filled the air, local wines flowed freely, and guests shared stories and toasts in both English and French.Later, the celebration moved into the restored wine hall for dancing. The old stone walls and vaulted ceiling created the perfect setting for a night of joy, music, and movement. One of my favorite images from the day is of the groom & bride twirling under the fairy lights—pure magic.
Thinking of Getting Married in France?
This wedding is a wonderful example of how to blend destination charm with personal touches. Whether you’re coming from the UK, the US, Ireland, or anywhere in Europe—planning a wedding in the South of France can be one of the most exciting (and romantic) decisions you’ll ever make.From the elegance of the venue to the emotion of the day, every element came together naturally. And as a bilingual (English/French) photographer based locally, I’m here to guide you through every step.
Eugenie Smirnova — wedding and elopement photographer in Toulouse, South West of France
Wedding Photography Packages for International Couples
Here’s what I offer:
- Tailored packages from 5 to 10+ hours
- Pre-wedding consultation to plan your ideal timeline
- High-resolution, edited images
- Fully retouched highlight portraits
- Private online gallery with 1-year access
- Optional day-before or day-after sessions
- Fine art album design available
I’ve worked with couples from all over the world and love making their time in France feel relaxed, exciting, and unforgettable.
Let’s Start Planning Your Story Are you planning a destination wedding in France?
Whether it’s in a vineyard, by the sea, or in a charming château, your story deserves to be told beautifully
📅 Let’s schedule a discovery call
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Thank you to this amazing couple for letting me be part of their day—it was a celebration full of heart, beauty, and style, and one I’ll remember for a long time.
Eugénie Smirnova — Destination Wedding Photographer in France
Based in Toulouse | Serving Provence, Dordogne, Occitanie, Bordeaux & Beyond
Ultimate Wedding Photography Planning Guide
Planning your wedding photography can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re getting married in the picturesque landscapes of the South or South West of France my Ultimate Wedding Photography Planning Guide is here to help you every step of the way. It is designed to ensure that every precious moment of your big day is captured beautifully.
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