A Surprise PACS Photoshoot in the Parc Bordelais

Engagement Sessions

Venissia and Thomas chose Bordeaux to make their union official with a PACS, the French civil partnership. The Parc Bordelais was the natural backdrop for their PACS photoshoot, and Venissia knew nothing about it! Here is the story of a lovely, romantic couple, full of tenderness for each other.

A Couple Photoshoot in the Parc Bordelais

This PACS photoshoot in Bordeaux was planned from start to finish by Thomas, Venissia’s partner. After exchanging vows with her at the town hall, he whisked her off to the Parc Bordelais. That is where they met me, along with my two cameras. Before telling you about the session itself, I would like to go back to how it all began.

Gilded wrought-iron entrance gate of Parc Bordelais under a blue sky
Tall conifers and shaded woodland in Parc Bordelais
Bouquet of peach roses and pampas plumes resting on a log
Young woman in a powder-pink dress holding her bouquet, eyes lowered

A Surprise Photoshoot

In October, Thomas contacted me about a couple photoshoot. First he told me they would be signing their PACS on the day of the shoot. Then he explained that he wanted it to be a surprise for his sweetheart. I told him how happy I was to be there for both of them, and I took the opportunity to give him some advice on their outfits. So Thomas and I played along, and I got ready for this PACS photoshoot with a good deal of excitement.

The newly PACSed couple holding hands in front of a large red heart
The couple posing together in front of the giant red heart, bouquet in hand

How to Prepare for a Couple Photoshoot

As a Fine Art photographer, I like to advise my couples on the style of clothes they choose. Pastel colours and plain tones suit the Fine Art style perfectly. They give the photos a romantic feel, especially for an outdoor photoshoot.

The couple cheek to cheek behind a bouquet of roses and pampas
She touches her partner's face, ring on her finger, in black and white

So that Thomas and Venissia’s photos would be harmonious and romantic, I advised Thomas on their outfits for the PACS photoshoot in Bordeaux. I shared some inspiration photos with him, to favour clothes without patterns and to choose pastel, plain tones.

Top of a conifer standing out against the blue sky in the park
Red squirrel on a branch in a tree at Parc Bordelais

I also suggested he give his darling a pretty bouquet to enjoy during the session. They turned to Sarah de Saint-Quentin (@sdsqcreations on Instagram), an artisan florist based in Bordeaux. Sarah asked him about the colour of Venissia’s outfit so she could match the bouquet to it. The "wow" effect was guaranteed: the bouquet was absolutely stunning!

Young woman in a long pink dress among the park's shrubs
Profile portrait in a pink dress with a bouquet of roses and orange ribbons

What’s more, you could not tell the difference between a PACS and a traditional wedding. Everything matched perfectly: the couple’s outfits, Venissia’s jewellery, her accessories, her hairstyle, her make-up, her shoes, and the powder-pink flower in the breast pocket of Thomas’s jacket.

The young woman's gaze from behind her bouquet of peach roses
Young woman smiling in an off-the-shoulder dress with a pastel bouquet

The overall mood of the photos was perfect, between a very elegant couple and the wooded landscape of the Parc Bordelais.

Man in a navy suit leaning against a tree in the park
He kisses his partner's forehead beneath the foliage

Expected, and Suspecting Something

Venissia had sensed that something was going on behind her back since the start of the morning. Once they arrived at the Parc Bordelais, she saw me coming with my two cameras and understood. Her nerves were at their peak! When I saw their outfits, I was pleasantly surprised and found them a really beautiful couple. The bouquet Thomas had given her was a real success.

The smiling couple posing together among the glossy magnolia leaves
Bouquet of roses and pampas held against plane tree bark

Straight away, I put them at ease so they could relax. We chatted as we strolled through the park, and the pictures followed one another naturally and so pleasantly. Thank you both for this moment, which I really enjoyed. Deep down, I know I will see them again soon!

Close-up of a garden rose and pampas plumes in the bouquet
Portrait of the young woman with lowered eyes against plane tree bark

Your PACS Photographer in Bordeaux

If you would also like beautiful photos of your PACS, let me know by sending me a lovely message. I can’t wait to be there for you, to advise you, and to witness your happiness with photos that live up to your love.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should we wear for a PACS photoshoot?

Clothes without patterns, in pastel and plain tones, which suit the Fine Art style; a bouquet that matches the outfit completes the look.

How much does a PACS photoshoot cost?

It is priced like a couple photoshoot: see my photoshoot prices.

Planning a PACS or couple photoshoot in Bordeaux?

I photograph PACS, engagement and couple sessions in the Parc Bordelais and across Bordeaux. Discover my photoshoot prices, or tell me about your project.

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