A Modern Elopement in Provence – Marseille. Laura & Ray wanted candid, spontaneous, fun images that tell the essence of their commitment in Provence.

Beautiful couple from Ottawa, Canada. Laura and Ray wanted to organize their love getaway in Europe to exchange their vows and celebrate their 10 years together. They chose to make their Elopement in the city of Marseille in Provence. The couple wanted an active and lively modern city. I was very happy to receive their request because their project was atypical. They had a very clear vision of what they wanted and kept this project secret until the last moment. Indeed their family were not aware of what was being prepared. They organized all this in the greatest secrecy.

They wanted candid spontaneous fun images that tell the essence of the day. The organization was done in all simplicity from Canada. I immediately understood that the couple wanted something different, something atypical to experiment but above all an experience in Provence that honestly conveyed the strength of their love.

Elopement Getting ready in Provence-Marseille Laura’s preparations took place at the Hotel Dieu in Marseilles and Ray’s preparations took place at the Barbershop in Marseilles.

Laura’s preparations took place at the Hotel Dieu in Marseilles and Ray’s preparations took place at the Barbershop in Marseilles. Laura and Ray have a rock n’ roll style and the choice of Ray’s preparations at the barber of Marseille reflects it’s’s personality perfectly.

During the organization, Laura and Ray told me about their desire to discover Marseille. The idea of having a guide by our side came naturally. I found this idea wonderful because as a photographer, I have to choose the best places to have the most beautiful pictures.

The presence of a guide allowed me to photograph the couple in a wide range of places. I discovered Marseille as never before.

It is an experience that I strongly recommend to bridegrooms, especially for a romantic getaway abroad. To be accompanied by a local guide -who knows the place very well-it’s real plus. A Local Guide + your favourite photographer is the perfect combo to have beautiful photos.

Indeed the presence of a guide allowed me to concentrate on the experience and the emotions that Laura and Ray were living.

The vows exchanges in Provence- Marseille. The vows exchanges were very moving. The sun was starting to set and we could feel the emotions in the air. After that, we headed to another place to celebrate their commitment with some champagne

I really enjoyed immortalizing this elopement. Stephane the videographer and I have rediscovered the essence of what an elopement should be. Relax, full of joy and honesty.

Announcement to families. Ray and Laura kept their escapade a secret until the end of it.

Ray and Laura kept their escapade a secret until the end of it. They finally announced it to their family with some pictures 2 days later and the emotion was intense.

Link to the video: https://stephane-m.com/gallery/elopement-marseille/

Photographer : Gabriella Vanstern – Filmmaker : Stephane M – Make up Artist : Karine Brossard – Local Guide : Jean-Marc