Samantha & Pierre’s Intimate Wedding at Home in Normandy, France

On a warm summer’s eve in Haute-Normandie, France, Samantha & Pierre were married in front of one-hundred of their nearest and dearest friends and family. Samantha, an American actress, and Pierre, a French art curator, met one fateful New Year’s Eve at a party in New York. From there, an international love-affair quickly formed – and the rest is history.

For their French destination wedding, Samantha & Pierre decided to marry at Pierre’s aunt and uncle’s private estate in the utterly charming town of Fleury-la-Forêt, France. Nestled in the beautiful Norman countryside, surrounded by rolling farmland dotted with storybook villages that could literally have been straight out of ‘Beauty & the Beast,’ their stunning property featured a beautiful farmhouse, lush gardens that served as the backdrop for the ceremony and dinner, and a classic Norman grange where guests danced until sunrise.

Their entire wedding was personal, heartfelt, and intimate. The ceremony was officiated by one of their closest friends, and there was a particularly meaningful moment where, during a reading, Samantha, Pierre, and their guests were asked to close their eyes and, to Sam & Pierre’s surprise, their guests started sharing their favorite memory when they first knew that Samantha & Pierre were meant to be. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. After, Sam & Pierre surprised their guests with a New Orlean’s style jazz band (where Samantha went to college) to lead a second line march throughout the entire property! From there, guests enjoyed a cocktail reception which transitioned into a magical dinner al fresco, illuminated by hundreds of antique brass taper candles that Samantha collected throughout their entire engagement. The long, lingering French dinner was punctuated with some of the most beautiful speeches I have ever witnessed – many referencing the bond of France and America throughout history and the significance of bringing together two families and two cultures. Finally, guests made their way into the barn for dancing and a special surprise – a video message all the way from Texas from Samantha’s beloved grandmother who was unable to make the journey to France.

Samantha & Pierre’s beautiful destination wedding in France was one of the most emotional, joyful, and touching days that I have ever been a part of. Their love for each other is truly inspiring and I couldn’t be more thankful to have met them both!

Photography: France Wedding Photographer Molly Carr Photography | Film Scans: Richard Photo Lab | Dress: Rue De Seine | Venue: Private Estate | Groom’s Suit: Bespoke