Arnaud and Ludovic's Gay Wedding at Domaine de Valmont

Real Weddings

As a Fine Art wedding photographer based in Bordeaux, I would like to share one of my gay wedding stories in the Gironde. Arnaud and Ludovic celebrated their wedding in September 2019 at Domaine de Valmont, in the south of the Gironde.

Fine Art Photographer for Gay Weddings in the Gironde

I pay particular attention to the story of every couple I photograph, gay or straight. Arnaud and Ludovic are deeply touching, genuine and very warm people. I was lucky enough to discover the story of these truly wonderful people, whose choice to love deserves to be respected.

Arnaud and Ludovic on a bench among wooden crates at Domaine de Valmont
Two wedding rings on a white bow resting on a wooden slice
Groom pulling on his trousers while getting ready, in black and white
Groom adjusting his white shirt cuff, leather-strap watch on his wrist

Since last year, I have also photographed David and Pierre’s gay wedding at Villa La Tosca. After that, I also captured Charlotte and Émilie’s lesbian couple photoshoot at the Parc Bordelais.

The two grooms sharing a tender moment while dressing, black and white
Two buttonholes of blue thistles, purple flowers and baby's breath
The grooms embracing by a French window while getting ready, black and white
Groom with eyes closed adjusting his floral bow tie

A Gay Couple’s Engagement Session at Parc Bourran, Mérignac

Arnaud, Ludovic and I first met in 2017, two years before their wedding! I started by getting to know this lovely couple. Arnaud and Ludovic are two charming young men, very sensitive, perfectionists and attentive to each other.

Arnaud and Ludovic in blue suits, smiling, once dressed
The two grooms in blue suits, cheek to cheek, indoors
Groom caressing his husband's cheek, in black and white
Groom hugging a guest in the car park, black and white

A few months before their gay wedding in the Gironde, the grooms-to-be asked me for an engagement session. It was my first engagement session with a gay couple!

Grooms moved during the civil ceremony, surrounded by guests
Grooms embracing as guests applaud at the town hall, black and white
Grooms embracing in front of Lormont town hall, surrounded by guests
Pool and stone buildings at Domaine de Valmont in Gironde

For their outdoor setting, Arnaud and Ludovic chose Parc Bourran in Mérignac, which they love for its beautiful greenery and wide natural spaces. Natural light in parks and gardens is ideal for photography. You can play with the shadows of the trees and the flower beds. And the park benches and lamps are great for creating original compositions.

Grooms laughing as they hold a bubble wand in the estate's park
Smiling groom in a floral bow tie, his husband's hand on his cheek

What is an engagement session?

Engagement sessions are couple photoshoots before the wedding. First of all, they give the couple beautiful photos of themselves to enjoy. They can also give some to their families. Couples can use the photos for their wedding invitations or their wedding album too.

Detail of a buttonhole and hand on a jacket against a tree, black and white
Grooms forehead to forehead leaning against a tree trunk in the park
Smiling grooms embracing against a plane tree at Domaine de Valmont
Domaine de Valmont reception room with beams and stone walls

Domaine de Valmont in Barsac: A Gay Wedding in the Gironde

Arnaud and Ludovic fell in love with this wine estate in the Gironde, set in the heart of the prestigious Sauternes vineyards, 30 km south-east of Bordeaux. Domaine de Valmont hosts family events such as wedding receptions, with a holiday cottage to rent for the couple’s guests. Classic and contemporary: that is the style of this charming 18th-century wine property.

Reception room set with round tables beneath exposed beams
Grooms posing around an old lamppost in the park
Rustic decor with watering can, lantern and a "La vie est belle" letter board
Smiling groom holding a glass in front of the fountain pool

The wedding dining room opens onto the wooded grounds, leaving guests to discover its Florentine architecture. The estate can seat 150 people for dinner, and welcome up to 300 guests for an outdoor drinks reception facing the park and its swimming pool.

Groom toasting with guests during the drinks reception by the pool
The two grooms side by side in front of the estate's long pool
Grooms head to head, glasses in hand, in front of the pool
Groom in a blue three-piece suit, hand in pocket, by the pool

When I discovered the wedding hall at Domaine de Valmont, I was blown away by the wedding decoration! I thought I would be meeting a wedding designer, but not at all! Arnaud and Ludovic had done it all themselves, and I must admit they have excellent taste!

Lit reception room with round tables and medallion chairs
Vintage suitcase used as a card box, with sweet jars and flowers
Colourful candy bar against a stone wall, with jars and sugared almonds
Domaine de Valmont reception room ready for dinner, chandeliers lit

Joy, laughter and emotion on a beautiful gay wedding day in the Gironde

Arnaud and Ludovic could count on the kindness of their loved ones, family and friends, to accompany them into their new married life. The mayor of Lormont warmly welcomed the couple and their guests for the civil ceremony. He gave a speech on same-sex marriage that moved both the guests and the grooms. A strong supporter of the "Mariage pour Tous" (marriage equality) law, the mayor spoke with real conviction.

Grooms' first dance embracing beneath beams of blue light
Grooms kissing during their first dance amid lights and haze

Arnaud and Ludovic were deeply touched by his words and his kindness, and by the symbolism of the moment.

Arnaud and Ludovic’s wedding suppliers

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Domaine de Valmont?

In Barsac, in the south of the Gironde, in the heart of the Sauternes vineyards, 30 km south-east of Bordeaux.

How many guests can Domaine de Valmont welcome?

150 people for a seated dinner and up to 300 for the drinks reception outdoors, facing the park and the swimming pool; a gîte can accommodate guests.

What is an engagement session?

A couple photoshoot before the wedding: Arnaud and Ludovic had theirs at Parc Bourran, in Mérignac, a few months before the big day. The photos can be used for the wedding invitations or the album.

Planning your wedding in France?

I photograph gay and straight weddings at Domaine de Valmont and across Bordeaux and France, and drone photos are included in my wedding collections. Discover my wedding collections, or tell me about your day.

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