A Rainy but Happy Wedding at the Manoir de Saint-Gervais
Mélissa and Adrien’s Rainy but Happy Wedding
It is a real joy for me to look back on this wonderful wedding at the Manoir de Saint-Gervais in Gironde. Mélissa and Adrien’s wedding will stay in my memory as one of the most moving I have had the chance to be part of. The Manoir de Saint-Gervais was the perfect place for this lovely couple, their family and their friends.
The biggest worry for any couple about to marry is the weather… Will it be sunny? Will it rain? Do you think it will be hot? Will it be cold? So many questions that cannot be answered before the day itself.
Of course, the weather was a concern for Mélissa and Adrien. They care a great deal about their couple portraits, so for them it was one of the keys to a successful wedding day.
As forecasts are unreliable more than two days ahead, we had agreed to speak on the phone two days before the wedding. The outlook was gloomy: heavy rain and very low temperatures (seven days earlier, the weather had been exceptional, worthy of June…). So I advised them to buy a pretty clear umbrella. But, as Mélissa and Adrien’s wedding proved, there is no need to worry if the weather is not on your side. Even though the day was cool and rainy, there were dry spells that allowed us to take beautiful photos.
An Unforgettable Wedding Day in Gironde
On the wedding day, I began by photographing Mélissa and Adrien getting ready. Both were relaxed and smiling, even if the excitement was palpable. The bride had chosen a beautiful sleeveless lace gown; the groom looked elegant in a dark blue suit.
The couple then headed to the church of Saint-André-de-Cubzac for the ceremony. It was a moving ceremony, with live music and touching words from the couple’s family and friends. Afterwards, we went back to the Manoir de Saint-Gervais for the reception.
The Manoir de Saint-Gervais is a beautiful wedding venue. The estate is surrounded by greenery and has several spaces for outdoor weddings. The reception hall is spacious and elegant, with a superb view of the gardens. The manor’s staff were very professional and helpful, making sure everything ran smoothly.
So, was the forecast right in the end? As usual, it rarely is. It was very cold, with temperatures between 8 and 12°C, and yes, it rained. But there were dry spells! They are common on rainy days. Fortunately, they are what allow me to take beautiful photos, because the clouds diffuse the light perfectly. Nobody is dazzled, nobody squints, and the colours of the sky are often very beautiful.
The Wedding Reception at the Manoir de Saint-Gervais
After saying "I do" at the church of Saint-André-de-Cubzac, Mélissa and Adrien invited their families and friends to the Manoir, together with little Jules, aged eighteen months.
So much love and so many emotions filled this magnificent day.
Guests were welcomed into the manor’s large reception hall, prettily decorated with bouquets of pink and white flowers, Mélissa’s favourite colours. The tables faced the dance floor, where the newlyweds had their first dance as husband and wife, to their favourite song.
The meal was delicious, with gourmet dishes and fine local wines. The guests were delighted and complimented the couple on how perfectly they had organised their wedding, despite the difficult weather. The speeches by the witnesses and the parents were touching too, full of funny anecdotes and sweet words for the newlyweds.
During dinner, I photographed the guests talking and laughing together, creating precious memories for the years to come. I also captured intimate moments between the newlyweds, such as their tender glances, or their kisses in the sometimes pouring rain.
An Evening Full of Emotion
After dinner, the newlyweds opened the dancing with their guests, who quickly joined them on the dance floor. The party went on in a festive, warm atmosphere, with wild dancing and bursts of laughter until the end of the night.
Mélissa and Adrien were radiant, happy to have shared this very special day with their loved ones despite the rain and the cold.
As a professional photographer, I was honoured to capture these precious moments for Mélissa and Adrien. I am happy to know that these memories will be cherished by them and their family for years to come. This rainy but happy wedding will undoubtedly stay in my memory as one of the most beautiful I have had the chance to photograph.
Mélissa and Adrien, thank you once again for choosing me to capture your wedding. You are a wonderful couple and I wish you all the happiness in the world. May your love keep growing and blossoming over the years. I look forward to seeing you again to capture more moments of your life together. Thank you for your kindness and your generosity. Your love and your sensitivity inspired me so much. Lots of love!
Manoir de Saint-Gervais Wedding FAQ
How do you book the Manoir de Saint-Gervais for a wedding?
To book the manor for your wedding, contact the manor’s team, who will send you a detailed quote. You can also arrange a visit to see the venue and ask all your questions. If you decide to book, you will pay a deposit to confirm the reservation.
Does the Manoir de Saint-Gervais have a catering service?
Yes. The Manoir de Saint-Gervais has a catering service for weddings and special events. It offers refined, high-quality cuisine, featuring local, seasonal produce from organic or sustainable farming. Thanks to the talent of chef Alexandre Raymond, the manor’s catering offers a unique culinary experience that meets the needs and expectations of couples and their guests. Dishes are prepared with care and elegantly presented.
Is there accommodation on site for guests?
Yes. The manor has guest rooms that can sleep up to 24 people. All the rooms are tastefully decorated with every modern comfort. Guests can also choose to stay in accommodation nearby.
Is the Manoir de Saint-Gervais suitable for an outdoor wedding?
Yes, absolutely! The manor has a large wooded park that is perfect for an outdoor wedding, and a large walled garden that offers complete privacy. If the weather does not allow an outdoor ceremony, the manor also has a magnificent reception hall that can welcome up to 180 people.
Does the Manoir de Saint-Gervais have a sound system for music and speeches?
Unfortunately, the Manoir de Saint-Gervais does not have a sound system for music and speeches. However, couples can hire an outside supplier to rent and set up a sound system for their reception. DJs are used to this kind of request, and they all provide this service.
Does the Manoir de Saint-Gervais offer wedding planning?
No, the manor does not have an in-house wedding planning service. However, the manor’s team can recommend wedding planners who will help you organise your big day. I am also happy to help you find the different suppliers for your wedding.
Is the Manoir de Saint-Gervais suitable for large weddings?
Yes. The manor can welcome up to 180 people in its reception hall, with exposed stone and timberwork. There is also an adjoining 120 m² covered terrace facing the inner courtyard, where the cocktail hour is often held.
Is the Manoir de Saint-Gervais easy to reach for guests coming from far away?
Yes. The manor is only 35 minutes from Bordeaux-Mérignac airport and 40 minutes from Bordeaux-Saint-Jean railway station, depending on traffic of course. There is also accommodation nearby for guests who wish to stay in the area.
Planning your wedding in France?
As a Bordeaux wedding photographer, I photograph weddings at the Manoir de Saint-Gervais, at other wedding venues in the Gironde and throughout France, whatever the weather; drone photos are included in my wedding collections. Discover my wedding collections, or tell me about your day.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE