AN EPIC, SUPER 8 ELOPEMENT WEDDING AT CHATEAU DE LA BOUTINIÈRE, FRANCE
I've been dying to tell you about one of the most incredible weddings I’ve ever filmed because every so often, a wedding comes along that hits me right in the feels, and Sarah & James’s magical elopement at Chateau de la Boutinière in France was exactly that! These two didn’t just make it an elopement, though—they turned it into a full-on family adventure, packing up their three kids and hitting the road on a French road trip before landing at the chateau to tie the knot. As a wedding videographer, just hearing about their plans gave me goosebumps, and when I arrived to join them at this enchanting venue—nestled among ancient woodlands and oozing Victorian charm—I knew this wedding video would be different. Because, let’s be honest, this place was made for an epic love story (or 10!).
A SPECIAL WEDDING VENUE, A SPECIAL LOVE STORY, A SPECIAL WEDDING FILM.
This is a French chateau plucked straight out of a fairytale! You might even recognise it, as its story has been documented on Channel 4’s DIY Chateau, with owners Alison and Zion painstakingly restoring the impressive venue, Victorian hunting lodge, and surrounding ancient woodland. Sarah and James were the first couple to tie the knot here (I KNOW!), making this wedding day even more awesome. The ceremony was on the grounds, under the watchful eye of Zion (their officiant), surrounded by panoramic views of the park, the most incredible architecture, and loads of lush greenery, giving it a gorgeous, dreamy, whimsical vibe. Seriously, it felt like we were all stepping into a real-life storybook—an absolute DREAM for a wedding videographer!
A FRENCH WEDDING ADVENTURE WITH SUPER 8 NOSTALGIA.
When it comes to filming weddings, I’m all for a spontaneous, intimate elopement, and Sarah & James’ day had that in spades. The whole vibe was absolutely amazing; it was so relaxed yet bursting with meaningful touches. We kicked things off by heading into the local French village with James and the boys (AKA the wedding party!) to pick up their wedding cake from the boulangerie (how cute is that?!). From there, it was straight into getting ready mode. Unlike your typical wedding, Sarah and James got ready together with their gorgeous tribe, which I loved. There’s something so special about that level of closeness before the ceremony even begins, and with Super 8 footage rolling, I was able to capture every quiet, intimate moment, letting the day unfold naturally, from the kids giggling to the warm morning sunlight.
And then the surprises started rolling in! After their emotional, intimate ceremony, they were greeted by a horse and cart—totally unexpected but SO perfect for this elopement. I shot more dreamy Super 8 footage of the five of them as they rode through the village, which looked like it was straight off a vintage postcard with its cobblestone streets and timeless architecture. Honestly, I couldn’t have scripted it better if I tried—cinematic wedding films eat your heart out!
A COSY DINNER IN A FAIRYTALE LODGE.
Once we got back to the chateau, the magic didn’t stop there. They headed to the hunting lodge for their wedding dinner, which I’ve officially dubbed the Hansel and Gretel House. It’s this tiny, gothic-style building tucked away in the woods that has SO much character it’s practically dripping from the walls! Its grand iron doors and terracotta details made it feel like a proper hidden gem, which has undoubtedly been the backdrop to many amazing moments. Here, Sarah and James popped champagne by the open fire and sat down for a candlelit dinner. This space was so cosy and intimate it felt like the perfect finale for such a personal, romantic day.
Before the evening ended, we snuck into the chapel for a gothic-inspired shoot, capturing Sarah’s incredible bridal style against the stunning, old-world backdrop. Oh, and the cherry on top? Yes, there’s more! Alison and Zion didn’t stop with the surprises—they sent Sarah and James off with a cool vintage car that looked insane on film! In fact, the whole vibe was just chef’s kiss.
A CREATIVE WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHY CHALLENGE I LOVED.
This wedding was unlike anything I’d experienced before, and I LOVED it. Usually, I’m all about those high-energy edits, but for this one, I leaned into a slower, more nostalgic feel. The Super 8 footage gave it that “home movie” vibe, and it just felt SO RIGHT. It was an intimate family affair, and I wanted the wedding video to reflect that closeness and warmth. Sarah and James (and their kiddos) can now look back at this and remember not just their wedding day but the epic adventure and love they shared with their family, which I hope they'll treasure forever.
Honestly, I’m so grateful to have been part of this. I love it when wedding videos push me creatively, and this one? Totally nailed it.
If you're thinking about eloping or want a truly special wedding film for your big day, hit me up!