There’s something about Saint Tropez weddings that’s rare to find in such a lavish location. Despite being a popular luxury location and brimming with glamorous resorts, it still has an atmosphere of relaxation. It’s an impressive location that I’m left mesmerised by after every visit– especially if there’s a wedding happening.
Lisel and Rico enjoyed the best of what a Saint Tropez wedding has to offer. Their ceremony happened beneath the arches of Church Église Saint-Michel à Grimaud before embarking on an evening of music and dancing beside the French Riviera. There was so much to document throughout the day, but Lisel’s chosen transport from ceremony to reception was the showstopper at this one-of-a-kind wedding!
Black and white photograph of French bride getting her hair done for her Saint Tropez wedding.
Lisel and Rico
When Lisel asked me to document her wedding in Saint Tropez, I knew it would be a day I’d never forget.
The couple’s affinity for rich experiences paired with their friendly, down-to-earth attitude makes them a joy to work and converse with. Despite their impressive wedding destination, every moment of the day felt true, authentic, and filled with love.
Couple turning to each other and sharing an intimate moment on their wedding day at The church of Saint-Michel in Grimaud in Saint Tropez.
Both of them were effortless to capture through candid and posed shots. Although the majority of my work focuses on of-the-moment imagery, there are times when I’ll prompt the couple into laughing or smiling at one another, so we can get those mantle-piece-worthy photographs.
Despite the mistral wind being against us (as it often is on the coast of Southern France), capturing an intimate moment of the couple standing above Grimaud Castle is one of my favourite photographs from the day.
Couple standing above the Grimaldi castle kissing on their wedding day with a bright blue sky behind them
From church to coast,
Saint Tropez is renowned for its affluence due to its harbour being a luxury yacht destination. However, what many people overlook is the historical character of this ancient fishing village.
One of the most breathtaking buildings is The Church of Saint-Michel in Grimaud. Dating back to the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, this historic monument has undergone several modifications in recent years but still retains its original stature and all the beauty and character you expect from a building of such religious and cultural significance.
The church of Saint-Michel filled with white florals as a couple sits at the altar on their wedding day.
Under the stone walls and tall archways, another union was solidified inside the walls of Saint-Michel. Rows of friends and family members watched on, laughing and crying with the couple. Minimalist white florals throughout the church fit perfectly with the traditionalism of the ceremony.
Lisel’s dress and her bridesmaids were the perfect combinations of traditional and modern. Their light and airy colours fused perfectly with the traditionalism of the church and the openness of the coast. Similarly, Rico’s white tux with black accents is a reversal of classic grooms-wear, reflecting the pairing of the old with the new that follows throughout their Saint Tropez wedding day.
A spectacular entrance
Following the ceremony, the couple and I visited shops and eateries in central Saint Tropez. These images are some of my favourites. Capturing the pair enjoying themselves, indulging in macaroons and fooling around allowed me to document them as their most authentic selves.
Couple in their wedding attire eating macarons in a patisserie in Saint Tropez on their wedding day.
As the wedding party travelled from church to coast, Lisel and Rico decided it was time for a draw-dropping entrance. Nothing signals it’s party time like arriving at the beach in a helicopter. Giddy with excitement, the pair smiled looking over Saint Tropez from above.
Black and white photograph of a newlywed couple in a helicopter over Saint Tropez.
When we arrived at Tropicana Plage de Ramatuelle, the same pale pink and white hues from the ceremony travelled through the couple’s private gazebo and terrace. Guests laughed together, shared memories of the couple, and enjoyed the freshest delicacies Saint Tropez has to offer. As the sand turned golden and dusk set, the party began. Rico took the mic, Lisel danced with the family, and guests started to shimmy.
Pale pink tablescape and details at a Saint Tropez summer wedding
The wedding photojournalism
There was something special around every corner of Liesel and Rico’s wedding. But, as a photojournalist, it’s the personal moments that are my favourite to capture; those moments that not every couple has and are distinctly you. For Liesel and Rico, this was the time they spent together picking out the perfect macaron before hopping in a helicopter ready to make a grand entrance to the party of a lifetime. I know, when they look back at the photographs of their wedding, they’ll remember every element in vivid detail, casually talking about the sweetness of macarons and the salty air of the Saint Tropez coast on their tongues.
