I’m so lucky to live near Château de Fontager. This château sits on the banks of the Rhône, less than 30 minutes from my home, and every time I drive up to it I still can’t quite believe it’s on my doorstep. So when Rikke and Jonas got in touch, a bit last minute, to ask if I could photograph their wedding there, I said yes straight away.
A Danish couple from Copenhagen, married in the Rhône Valley
Rikke and Jonas came all the way from Copenhagen with their family and friends. The château is Danish-owned, so it felt a little like home for them, just with more sunshine and a view over the Rhône vineyards.
They booked me late, which doesn’t scare me at all. When a couple trusts you that quickly, you just get to know each other on the day, and that’s often when the most natural photos happen.
Friday: the welcome dinner
I started with their welcome dinner on Friday evening. It’s such a nice way to begin a destination wedding. Everyone has just arrived, people are catching up, nobody is in a hurry, and the light at Château de Fontager in the evening is really soft and golden. It also meant that by Saturday the guests already knew my face, so they forgot about the camera very quickly.
Saturday: the whole wedding day
On Saturday I followed the full day, from the preparations to the ceremony, the couple portraits in the château gardens, the cocktail, the dinner and the party.
Danish wedding traditions I discovered thanks to Rikke & Jonas
This wedding taught me things I didn’t know at all, and I loved it.
The bridal waltz, and the groom’s socks
In Denmark the opening dance is a waltz. While the couple dances, the guests gather around them and move closer and closer, until there is barely any room left on the dance floor. And then, at the end, the guests sweep the groom off his feet, take off one of his shoes and cut his socks! I had never seen this before and I found it so sweet, everyone was laughing, and the photos are some of my favourites of the whole day.
The kissing tradition
There’s another one I found really cute. When the bride steps away or looks away, all the female guests rush over to kiss the groom. And it works the other way round too, as soon as the groom is out of sight, the men line up to kiss the bride. It happens all evening and it keeps everyone on their toes.
Planning your wedding at Château de Fontager?
If you’re planning a wedding at Château de Fontager or anywhere in the Rhône Valley, I’m a local wedding photographer and this venue is practically in my backyard. I know the light, the gardens and the best spots for portraits at every time of day, and I love photographing international couples who bring their own traditions with them.
Get in touch and tell me about your plans.
