Tied in a Bow December 2014 | Page 91

T

Love, Obviously

by Herve Leclaire

he sky was intensely blue, the sun insanely hot; summer for sure, a southern summer in France, cicadas singing all day long in the steamy heat. I remember that day. It was their special day, but being a wedding photographer makes people's day your day. That particular day belonged to Signe and Guilhem, bride and groom, soon to be husband and wife.

Preparations for the bride took place at the Chateau de Pouget in Vérargues, a few kilometres from here, while the groom got prepared at the family house, right here in the village.

When I first came to the castle, its nobility is what first struck me. Once inside the venue, I discovered amazing rooms, with their rich, genuine style and refined decor. As usual, things started slowly; it takes time for a bride to be perfect for her special day! Hair, make-up, the dress... I use these precious moments to glance around the room, look at the lovely details, capture the ambiance. That day, I was lucky: a red bathroom, a blue bedroom, half-closed shutters and the white dress like a ghost in front of the window in the twilight.

Time started to run faster; things accelerated as we reached the church, joining the groom. Once at a church, weddings are a race where I try to catch everything that matters--smiles and tears, hopes and fears, actions and silence. This couple’s pictures took place in the castle's living room; a gorgeous 18th century room, with its historic furniture and decor.