When it comes to planning a destination wedding in France, there is something uniquely magical about escaping to the countryside. For their mid-week celebration this past Wednesday, Addison and Daniel traveled from the US to host a stunning Jewish destination wedding at Château de Bonnemare. Surrounded by the historic elegance of Normandy and the warmth of their closest family and friends, their day was a perfect blend of deeply rooted traditions and relaxed French charm.
As a Normandy wedding photographer, capturing the fusion of a historic French venue with meaningful Jewish rituals is always a profound experience. Here is the story of their unforgettable summer wedding day.
Casual Pizza Food Truck Welcome Dinner at Château de Bonnemare
After a long transatlantic flight from the US, a relaxed pizza night in the courtyard (on Monday) was the perfect, stress-free way for guests to break the ice and catch up before the main event, on Wednesday: the Jewish Destination Wedding at Château de Bonnemare.
Morning Preparations in the Historic Bridal Suite
The day began with a warm, sun-drenched Wednesday morning. Down on the front lawn, the floral Chuppah was already beautifully set up, standing elegantly against the backdrop of the historic château. As the temperature rose, early-arriving guests took advantage of the beautiful park, enjoying the refreshing shade of the ancient trees.
Inside, the energy was calm and joyful. Addison and her closest friends got ready in the stunning salon of the château’s bridal suite. After stepping into her breathtaking wedding dress, Addison shared a deeply emotional « first look » with her father. It was a beautiful, quiet moment before the day’s festivities truly began.
The Tish: Welcoming Guests in the Normandy Countryside
With a proud smile, Addison’s father escorted her to the château’s rustic barn to begin her Tish.
For those planning a Jewish wedding, the Tish (Yiddish for « table ») is a beautiful pre-ceremony tradition. Traditionally, the bride and groom host separate gatherings to welcome their guests with songs, toasts, and joy before they see each other. While Addison celebrated in the barn, Daniel—having gotten ready with his groomsmen—hosted his own lively Tish outside, under the welcoming shade of the estate’s trees.
The First Look and an Intimate Bedeken
The anticipation built as we moved into one of the most important moments of a Jewish wedding day: the Bedeken and the signing of the Ketubah (the Jewish marriage contract).
Addison and Daniel shared an intimate « First Look » just before the signing, surrounded by their closest loved ones. Officiated by a dear friend, the Ketubah signing was deeply personal. Afterward came the veiling ceremony: Daniel gently placed the veil over Addison, and in return, she lovingly placed a Kippah on his head, symbolizing their mutual respect and commitment.
An Outdoor Chuppah Ceremony at Château de Bonnemare
The late afternoon light was perfect as guests gathered on the front lawn for the outdoor ceremony.
The processional was incredibly touching, with both Daniel and Addison being escorted down the aisle by their respective families. As soon as Addison arrived under the Chuppah, the traditional circling of the groom began. Addison circled Daniel seven times counter-clockwise, a beautiful Jewish tradition symbolizing the creation of a new family circle and the building of their home together.
The Kiddushin, Rings, and Sheva Brachot
The ceremony continued with the Kiddushin (betrothal) and the giving of the rings. One of the most powerful moments was the Sheva Brachot—the Seven Blessings. Given by close friends of the couple, the atmosphere grew incredibly emotional when one friend beautifully chanted the blessings in traditional Hebrew.
To conclude the ceremony, Daniel stepped on the glass, shattering it as the guests erupted into a joyful and loud « Mazel Tov! ».
Following the ceremony, the newlyweds retreated for the Yichud—a brief period of seclusion where the couple spends their first quiet moments alone as husband and wife before rejoining their guests.
Cocktail Hour, Outdoor Photobooth, and Golden Hour Portraits
While Addison and Daniel enjoyed their quiet Yichud moments together, guests transitioned to the outdoor cocktail hour under the ancient trees, taking full advantage of the warm Normandy evening.
To add an extra layer of fun to the reception, my custom Photobooth was set up outdoors on the château grounds. It quickly became a huge hit among the guests! Throughout the cocktail hour, friends and family gathered to strike hilarious poses, grab instant prints, and capture candid, unscripted memories alongside the formal photos.
As the sun began to set over the estate, I stole the newlyweds away for their private couple portraits. The sprawling meadows of Château de Bonnemare offered the most breathtaking golden hour light. Capturing their quiet connection in that glowing, romantic French countryside setting produced some of the most beautiful and serene images of the entire day.
An Evening of Celebration: Dinner, Speeches, and the Horah
As night fell, the celebration moved to the dinner reception. The evening was anchored by incredibly moving and heartfelt speeches from both of their families, filled with laughter and happy tears.
But of course, a Jewish destination wedding wouldn’t be complete without the dancing! The night truly kicked off with an explosive, high-energy Horah. Watching Addison and Daniel being lifted high on chairs, surrounded by the ecstatic cheering of their American guests in the heart of France, was the perfect peak to an extraordinary day.
(Thinking of planning your own Jewish destination wedding in France? Whether you are dreaming of a Chuppah in front of a historic château or an entire weekend of celebrations, I would love to help you capture your story. Please contact me. )
Venue: Château de Bonnemare • Wedding dress: • Suit : Suit Supply • DJ: VTR Theo • Caterer: Coudray Traiteur • Florist: Pollen Créations • Makeup Artist: Morgane Rivet • Furniture: Marbo in Love