A Poetic Winter Elopement at Château du Pordor, France
LUDMILA + JEFF
Ludmila and Jeff’s winter elopement at Château du Pordor was inspired by romance, nostalgia and the quiet beauty of the season. Surrounded by mist, bare trees and the French countryside, they shared an intimate celebration focused on what mattered most: their love, their vows and simply being together.
THE STORY BEHIND THIS WINTER ELOPEMENT
I had been dreaming about this project for a long time. I imagined something romantic and almost nostalgic, with soft colors, deep black and white photographs, darker imagery and a mysterious atmosphere inspired by Pride and Prejudiceby Jane Austen. I also wanted to highlight elopements and this intimate way of getting married in France. A celebration where a couple can simply exchange their vows, say yes to each other for life and create a day entirely around themselves.
I imagined this shoot at Château du Pordor, a venue I had completely fallen in love with, and brought together a wonderful team to make it happen. It was also important to me that the project take place in winter, a season that is often overlooked for weddings but can bring such an incredible atmosphere to photographs.
Planning an elopement in France?
I would love to document your story. Get in touch through my contact form.
A QUIET MORNING AT CHÂTEAU DU PORDOR
The idea was to begin very early, allowing the couple to exchange their vows in the château grounds in the soft morning light. The story begins inside, with the couple waking up together as daylight slowly fills the room. Everything feels peaceful. They take their time getting ready together and even share a bath. There is a lot of intention and symbolism behind these quiet moments. This is something I particularly love about elopements: there is room to slow down. They spend the morning together, write their vows, walk downstairs to get ready and simply enjoy each other’s company. They dance, laugh and curl up together to keep warm before heading outside.
A POETIC WINTER ELOPEMENT CEREMONY
We were incredibly lucky with the conditions. The grey sky and mist slowly covering the château gardens created exactly the winter atmosphere I had imagined. We chose the balcony overlooking the lake and château grounds for the ceremony. The winter landscape was silent and beautifully still, while the warmth and emotion between Ludmila and Jeff created a striking contrast. It felt like a moment suspended in time. The air was almost electric, and we all had goosebumps. It was cold, but completely worth it.
A WINTER AFTERNOON AT THE CHÂTEAU
After the ceremony, the couple spent some time on the lake. One of the beautiful things about an elopement is the freedom it gives you to plan activities, forget about a strict timeline and simply enjoy the day. Waiting for the mist to lift also allowed us to experience a completely different atmosphere when the sun finally appeared. The light wrapped around them and gave their portraits a softer, warmer feeling. We later returned inside Château du Pordor for lunch and to photograph the table, florals and carefully chosen details. The couple cut a cake created especially for the occasion, followed by portraits inside the château’s beautiful rooms.
VENDORS
Photographer and creative direction: Julia Allio
Videographer: Louise Laborde Castex
Custom wedding dress: Maud Vigneau - Les mariées de caractère
Suit & bow tie: L’Atelier 5
Florals: Folie Douce Flower
Styling & decor: Hip Hip Hip Houra
Stationery: Marion Papier Machine
Rings & earrings: Hélène Turbé
Wedding cake: Sugar Sugar
Venue: Le Pordor (Avessac 44)
The beautiful video by Louise Laborde Castex to immerse you in the atmosphere of the shoot. You can find my photographs just below.
Dreaming of an intimate wedding or elopement in France?
Whether you are planning a quiet celebration in a French château or an adventure somewhere meaningful to you,
I would love to document it. Get in touch to tell me about your plans.

