American wedding at Château de Fontarèches
Nestled in the heart of Provence, Château de Fontarèches is a breathtaking 12th-century estate surrounded by four hectares of lush gardens, serene pools, and timeless architecture. At the end of May, I had the joy of documenting the elegant destination wedding of Jamie and Max, a wonderful couple who traveled all the way from the United States to celebrate their love in the South of France.
I was honored to work as a second photographer alongside Maddie Kaye, capturing every candid moment and meaningful detail of their unforgettable day. Their wedding was the perfect blend of modern sophistication and classic French charm, with a refined color palette of whites and soft greens. From the beautifully designed stationery featuring a custom monogram and gold wax seals to the stunning floral arrangements, every element reflected their vision of a chic, timeless celebration.
This incredible day at Château de Fontarèches was so special that it was later featured on Vogue, a true testament to its beauty and the couple’s impeccable style.
getting ready at Chateau de Fontareches
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The wedding day began inside the beautiful rooms of Château de Fontarèches, where Jamie and Max got ready surrounded by their loved ones. The atmosphere was joyful and full of anticipation.
Max spent the morning with his closest friends and family, sharing laughter and a glass of champagne before slipping into his classic black tuxedo with a bow tie.
Meanwhile, Jamie enjoyed a quiet and intimate moment with her mother as she stepped into her stunning gown — a romantic design with a structured corset bodice and layers of delicate ruffles.
These intimate getting ready moments perfectly captured the excitement and emotion leading up to their Provence wedding ceremony.
An Intimate First Look in the Courtyard
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Before the ceremony, Jamie and Max chose to share a private first look in the serene courtyard of Château de Fontarèches. Surrounded by the historic stone walls and lush greenery, this quiet moment allowed them to pause, breathe, and truly take in the excitement of the day ahead.
They wanted their first look to feel deeply personal, away from the crowd. I captured these tender moments discreetly, hidden behind the garden’s foliage, creating romantic, natural frames that reflected the intimacy of their connection.
Afterward, we wandered through the château grounds for a few timeless couple portraits, highlighting both their elegant style and the breathtaking setting of Provence.
A Meaningful Jewish Wedding Ceremony
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The ceremony took place just in front of the historic Château de Fontarèches, with the golden stone façade as a stunning backdrop. Jamie and Max exchanged vows beneath a beautifully decorated chuppah, adorned with white flowers and lush greenery, perfectly reflecting their modern and elegant wedding style.
Adding a deeply personal touch, Max’s sister officiated the ceremony, making this moment even more heartfelt and memorable. Guests were offered custom kippot embroidered with the couple’s monogram, a thoughtful detail that celebrated their heritage and gave everyone a meaningful keepsake.
It was an incredibly emotional and joyful moment, filled with laughter, tears, and the warm Provençal sunlight shining down as Jamie and Max began their new chapter together.
cocktail hour
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After the ceremony, guests were welcomed to a charming cocktail hour behind the château, where the ancient stone walls were draped in fragrant jasmine. The setting felt like a hidden garden in the heart of Provence, with elegant lounge seating, beautifully styled tables, and ombrellas provided for shade under the late afternoon sun.
A stylish bar, featuring a custom printed fabric displaying the evening’s drink menu, quickly became a favorite gathering spot. Adding a unique and playful touch, the DJ invited guests to browse through crates of vinyl records and choose a song to play, creating a fun, interactive experience and a personalized soundtrack for the evening.
As guests mingled, the caterer circulated with delicate hors d’oeuvres, perfectly paired with refreshing cocktails.
Playful Couple Portraits on the Lawn
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As the sun began to set, Jamie and Max took a moment away from their guests to enjoy a more relaxed photo session on the château’s sprawling lawn.
Barefoot and carefree, they ran hand in hand through the grass, laughed together, and even lay down to soak in the magic of the moment. These images captured a different side of their day — playful, spontaneous, and full of joy — perfectly complementing the elegant portraits taken earlier in the day.
It was a beautiful reminder that amidst all the details and celebration, the heart of the day was simply about their love and happiness.
An Elegant Outdoor Dinner Under the Lights
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Before the reception began, guests discovered a breathtaking seating chart display. A satin-draped table was arranged with glass cloches on varying heights, each containing a beautifully printed card listing the guests for that table. Lush flowers were artfully woven throughout the display, creating a stunning first impression.
The wedding dinner took place outdoors in a picturesque courtyard adjacent to the château. Long banquet tables were dressed in blue-gray linens, perfectly paired with elegant charger plates, silver flatware, and green toile de Jouy napkins that echoed the couple’s sophisticated theme. Each place setting featured a printed menu, while table numbers matched the toile de Jouy design, adding a cohesive and refined touch. Overhead, strings of twinkling lights created a warm, romantic glow as the evening unfolded.
To end the meal, a vintage-style wedding cake was presented, surrounded by delicate floral arrangements and small bowls of fresh red berries. The cake itself was simple yet beautiful — a white design topped with fresh strawberries — the perfect sweet ending to a magical evening in Provence.
Wedding team
Wedding Planner & Designer: Quinze heures Quinze
Venue: Chateau de Fontareches
Photographer: Maddie Kaye
Second shooter: Clémence Aresu
Videographer: Sandy Cluzaud
Caterer: Citron Pavot
Floral designer: Maison Boudreaux
MUAH: Maia maquilleuse
Stationary: Rue Vendome
Violinist: Raffaella. Violin
Harpist: Aurelie Ellulricci
DJ: Atnight Agency
Content creator: Daria Walter
Furnitures: Maison Options
