A French Riviera Dream: Ellie & Acacia’s Wedding Beneath the Château de Grimaud Ruins
There is romance, and then there is a wedding in the South of France.
I’m Paul, the Gingerbeard behind Gingerbeard Weddings, and Ellie and Acacia’s French Riviera wedding was every bit as dreamy as it sounds.
A Wedding in the Var Valley
The day was set against the rolling hills of the Var Valley and the striking silhouette of the ancient Château de Grimaud ruins. With a backdrop like that, every frame felt deliberate.
For a destination wedding photographer, a setting like this is something special. The landscape, the light and the history of the place do a huge amount of the work, and the job is to be present and let the story unfold.
Translating a Love Story Into Something Visually Poetic
It was an honour to translate Ellie and Acacia’s love story into something so visually poetic. The ancient ruins, the hills and the warmth of the South of France give a cinematic, timeless quality that suits both documentary moments and more editorial portraits.
Photographing a South of France Wedding on Film and Digital
A setting this beautiful is perfect for shooting both digital and analogue. Film brings texture and a timeless feel to the golden Mediterranean light, while digital keeps me ready for every fleeting moment. You can read more about why I shoot film on my analogue page.
Wedding Suppliers
Thank you to the team who made this French Riviera dream happen:
- Photography: Gingerbeard Weddings
- Planner: Magali Wedding Planner
- Boutique: The Fall Bride
- Dress designers: Katherine Tash and Newhite Bridal
- Film: Toast Films
- Hair: Coiffevent 83
Planning a Wedding in the South of France? Questions Couples Ask
Do you photograph weddings in the South of France?
Yes. I’m based in Manchester and shoot weddings all over the UK, Europe and beyond. Ellie and Acacia’s wedding in the Var Valley is one of my favourites.
Can you shoot a destination wedding on film?
Absolutely. I shoot digital and analogue at every wedding I cover, including destination weddings. Film suits the warm light and landscapes of the French Riviera beautifully.
Do you work with wedding planners abroad?
Yes, and I love it. A brilliant local planner makes a destination wedding run smoothly, and it frees me up to focus on telling your story.
How much does your wedding photography cost?
Packages start from £3k. Have a look at my investment page for the full breakdown, and get in touch to talk travel for destination weddings.
Dreaming of a Wedding in the South of France?
If you’re planning a destination wedding with real romance, I’d love to hear about it. Get in touch and tell me your story.
