Capper, the Dalmatian close to the grooms
On 28 July, David and Brody said "I do" in Armaillé, a village of about 320 people in France's Loire Valley. It was also my birthday, and I can't think of a better way to have spent it.
The day after the Texas welcome party at Château Challain, the cowboy hats went back in their boxes and the bow ties came out.
David and Brody are Texans. Texas summers are far too hot for weddings, so they spend the warm months in their house in Armaillé. That house was the heart of the day: they got ready there, walked to the village church from there, and came back there to celebrate.
Getting ready at home, with Capper
The morning began among antique books, chandeliers and a gold-framed portrait of Capper on the staircase. Capper, their Dalmatian, did not stay in the painting for long: he followed both grooms from room to room, already wearing his floral collar.
I love these first hours. Friends come and go, David fixes Brody's bow tie, someone pours the first glass of champagne. Nothing is staged, and the house slowly fills with the energy of the day.
A ceremony at the village church
It was over 40 °C in the shade, and the sun was merciless. Nobody seemed to mind. At 7pm, David and Brody walked hand in hand through the village, Capper on a leash woven with flowers. Guests with parasols and fans waited in front of the church, where a white floral arch framed the red door.
The ceremony was short and deeply emotional: tears during the vows, laughter during the ring exchange, then a shower of petals as they walked out married.
Lemons, music and a night in the garden
Back at the house, dinner was set on one long table in the garden, dressed with lemons, white hydrangeas and greenery.
The menus were printed on clear acrylic, the plates had gold rims, and Auberge de la Diligence served : Cucumber Sushi and Crisp Toast Points Topped with Smoked Duck | pairing / Veuve Clicquot Champagne, Smoked Fish served with Osciètre Caviar | pairing / Sauvignon de Touraine, Tomato Espuma with Fresh Mozzarella served with a Selection of Iberian Cold Cuts | pairing / Rosé de Provence, Charolais Beef Filet served with Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables and Black Pepper Sauce | pairing / Bergerac Rouge, A Selection of Fine French Cheeses served with an Assortment of Artisan Breads, Red Fruit Gratin finished with Warm Sabayon | pairing / Clairette de Die Glass of Cointreau.
The lemon cake was made by Dea-licious, and an accordion player moved between the guests. Later the party went indoors, onto the stairs and the dance floor, until the moon was high above the trees.
It was a chic day that never felt formal. The heat, the friends, the music: everything was relaxed and generous, and it was one of the most fun parties I photographed this year.
The night before: see how the celebrations began, with cowboy hats and a hot air balloon, at the Texas welcome party at Château Challain.
Planning: Jordan Payne Events · Florals: David Kimmel Design, Mister Brett Events · Videography: Vic Rivero Films · Catering: Auberge de la Diligence · Cake: Dea-licious · Music: friends of the couple · Location: private residence, Armaillé, Loire Valley, France.
