Non-religious wedding ceremony in Provence | E & JG at the Relais de Saint-Ser
As a wedding photographer in Provence, I am fortunate to experience unique ceremonies, filled with emotion and reinvented traditions. The wedding of E and JG, celebrated at the Relais de Saint-Ser in Puyloubier, was one of those timeless moments. Their non-religious ceremony in the heart of nature was marked by two symbolic and poetic rituals: the ritual of colored ribbons and that of the sealed box.
The beauty of a secular ceremony in Provence
More and more couples are choosing secular ceremonies for their weddings, in order to create a moment that reflects who they are, personalized and full of meaning. Provence is the perfect setting for this type of celebration: the light, nature, and authenticity of the location create a magical and timeless atmosphere.
Le Relais de Saint-Ser, nestled at the foot of Sainte-Victoire in Puyloubier, provided E and JG with a majestic setting. Between vineyards and mountains, their ceremony took place outdoors, under a bright sky, surrounded by their loved ones.
The ritual of colored ribbons: the union of souls
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the ribbon ritual. Inspired by an ancient Celtic tradition, this symbolism involves tying colorful ribbons around the hands of the bride and groom, each representing a value or commitment:
- Red for passion and love,
- Blue for loyalty,
- Green for hope,
- Yellow for joy and shared happiness,
- White for sincerity and purity of intentions.
As the ribbons were tied, E and JG saw their hands bound together, symbolizing their union and the strength of their promises. Behind my lens, I captured the knowing glances and palpable emotion of this very special moment.
The sealed box ritual: a treasure trove of love to be opened later
The second ritual chosen by the bride and groom was that of the sealed box. Each had written a letter to the other, containing their feelings, promises, and dreams for their future together. These letters were placed in a wooden box, accompanied by a bottle of wine.
The idea? To open this box in a few years’ time, on a wedding anniversary or at an important milestone in their life together, in order to relive the emotions of their big day. This ritual, both intimate and powerful, symbolizes the durability of their love and their desire to keep their promises alive over time.
The role of the wedding photographer in Provence
Capturing a secular wedding ceremony requires much more than simply photographing gestures. It means capturing the emotions, the looks, and the symbols that give meaning to the union. My role as a wedding photographer in Provence is to be a discreet witness to these moments, to capture all their beauty and authenticity.
Through my images, I want to enable the bride and groom to relive every detail: the softness of the ribbons sliding over their hands, the smiles exchanged, the box carefully sealed shut… So many timeless memories that make up their story.
Why incorporate rituals into a secular ceremony?
Rituals, whether symbolic, spiritual, or invented, enrich the ceremony by giving it emotional depth. They allow the bride and groom to:
- Personalize their ceremony,
- Involve their loved ones,
- Create memorable and unique memories,
- Add a poetic dimension to their commitment.
The choice of ribbons and the box sealed by E and JG perfectly illustrates this desire to give meaning to their union, in an authentic and elegant Provençal setting.
Conclusion
The secular wedding ceremony of E and JG in Provence, at the Relais de Saint-Ser, was a celebration filled with love, symbolism, and poetry. Between the colorful ribbons that tied their hands together and the sealed box that will hold their promises for the future, every moment was filled with sincere emotion.
As a wedding photographer in Provence, I have vivid memories of this day. The rituals chosen by the bride and groom remind us that a wedding is not just a celebration: it is a love story told through gestures and symbols, immortalized forever by photography.
Are you planning a non-religious wedding ceremony in Provence and would like me to capture it for posterity?
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