Romantic French Destination Wedding Captured by a Destination Wedding Photographer

There’s something magical about traveling across the world to celebrate love, and Nick and Martha’s wedding was the perfect example of why I absolutely adore being a destination wedding photographer. This celebration took me to the picturesque north of France, where timeless charm, heartfelt moments, and breathtaking European architecture came together to create a truly unforgettable experience.

A Week of Celebration in France with a Destination Wedding Photographer

I’ve known Martha for years, and I’ve been lucky enough to “adopt” her parents as my own French family. They are the kind of people who wrap you in warmth and hospitality from the moment you arrive. That’s one of the most wonderful parts of a destination wedding—when nearly every guest has traveled across the globe, it naturally turns into a weekend-long (or in this case, week-long) celebration.

From cozy late-night coffee chats in their living room to long family-style dinners that stretched late into the evening, every moment felt like home. Debbie is the undisputed queen of hospitality, and she made sure that everyone, myself included, felt like part of the family throughout the wedding week.

When Leroy and Debbie reached out and asked if I would travel to Lille, France to photograph Martha’s wedding, I was completely floored. To be invited to document such a meaningful celebration in one of the most beautiful countries in the world—there was no way I could say anything but yes. It’s opportunities like this that make being a destination wedding photographer so rewarding, allowing me to capture not only a wedding day but also the unforgettable journey surrounding it.

A Unique French Wedding Experience Captured by a Destination Wedding Photographer

Something I quickly learned about French weddings is that they’re beautifully unique compared to traditional American celebrations. Couples typically have two ceremonies:

• The first is a city hall ceremony where they officially receive their marriage license. Read more about it here.

• The second is the blessings ceremony, held at a venue of their choice, which is much like the heartfelt wedding ceremonies we think of at home.

This multi-layered celebration adds such a rich cultural touch, giving couples more time to truly savor the start of their marriage.

Meeting Nick and Witnessing Their Love Story

I first met Nick midweek during the wedding festivities. After countless emails and planning conversations across the Atlantic, it was wonderful to finally meet the other half of this beautiful love story. One thing that stood out immediately was Nick’s calming presence—something Martha’s father had told me long before we met. Watching him throughout the week, it was clear how deeply he cares not just for Martha, but for everyone around them. In fact, on the morning of the wedding, Nick made me breakfast—a thoughtful gesture I’ll never forget.

Nick and Martha’s journey together has been nothing short of extraordinary. They’ve navigated long-distance love, balancing life between Lille (where they met), Oxford (where they live), Australia (where Nick’s family resides), and so many destinations in between. Their story is truly a testament to love that knows no boundaries.

A Heartfelt Beginning to Married Life

Photographing Nick and Martha’s wedding was more than capturing a beautiful event—it was witnessing a week of family, connection, and joy. From their final moments as fiancés to the very first minutes of their marriage, every glance, laugh, and embrace was filled with undeniable love.

Nick and Martha, thank you for giving me the privilege of being part of your destination wedding journey. Your smiles, your kindness, and the way you celebrated not just your union but your entire love story will always stay with me. I wish you nothing but the absolute best as you begin this exciting new chapter together.