There are weddings that feel like pure magic from start to finish, and Paola and Nick’s France destination wedding in Brittany was exactly that. These two created a weekend that perfectly reflected who they are — intentional, welcoming, and full of love.
This France destination wedding in Brittany was especially meaningful because I’ve known Nick since we were teenagers. He spent every summer in my hometown on Cape Cod and we all ended up at Middlebury College — where he and Paola first met. Documenting the wedding of dear friends is always a gift, but this one especially so, because it brought me all the way to France.
The Day Before Session
One of my favorite things about destination weddings is getting to capture all the special moments leading up. For Paola & Nick, that meant an afternoon sailing on the water and their “all-white” welcome party. What better way to kick off their France destination wedding in Brittany than by capturing the start of the celebration on both film and digital?
Paola & Nick’s College Love Story
Paola and Nick met during their first semester of college, and they’ve been together ever since. Watching their relationship blossom over the years has been such a privilege. And documenting their wedding in France felt like the biggest honor to say the least!
After legally marrying in the U.S. last year, their France destination wedding in Brittany was less about beginning their marriage and more about celebrating this new chapter with the people they love most.
The Venue: A Family Home in Brittany
Choosing Paola’s family home as their wedding venue truly became the heart of the celebration. Set against the stunning backdrop of Brittany, France the location was unbelievable — with coastal air, lush gardens, and the warmth of past gatherings and family memories. The home itself acted as a meaningful detail all on its own.
As if it couldn’t get any more beautiful, Paola illustrated and designed all of their invitations and day-of stationery by hand. One of the coolest details? The colorful bandanas they handed out at their “all-white” welcome party. Each color represented how you knew the couple (a creative and fun conversation starter!)
A Uniquely Personal Ceremony
The ceremony was unlike anything I’ve ever photographed as a wedding photographer. Instead of centering the spotlight solely on themselves, Paola and Nick shifted the focus outward onto their family and friends who had traveled from near and far.
They each read letters to their parents, siblings, and friends, thanking them for their love and support through the years. It was deeply moving and so unique.
Planning a Destination Wedding in France?
Brittany is a hidden gem for destination weddings in France, with stunning coastlines, scenic countryside, and historic venues. Whether you’re planning your own wedding here or elsewhere, I’d love to connect.
Fun fact – with Max from Scotland, we often split our time between the US and UK over the summer. Our wedding photography work has taken us to some incredible cities across the UK, Europe, and beyond. We can’t wait to see where your love takes us next!
To inquire about documenting your destination wedding or elopement on digital and film, fill out my contact form here. To browse through my recent destination weddings in France and beyond, take some inspo from my past couples on the blog!
