An Unconventional French Wedding
Celebrating Love & Friendship
Mélanie and Marc’s unconventional wedding in France was the definition of doing things their own way. Every choice they made came from a place of love – for each other and for the people around them.
Instead of a day built on tradition, they created a weekend full of freedom and fun. Guests were treated to three meals, portraits, a mix of games, tattoos and laughter from start to finish. There were no seating plans, no fixed schedules and no pressure. Everyone was free to enjoy the day however they wanted.
For Mélanie, a wedding photographer with more than 110 weddings behind her, this was about breaking every expectation. She wanted a celebration that felt alive, not another day at work. And with an amazing team of creative friends by their side, that’s exactly what they got – a French wedding that was truly, unapologetically unconventional.
Photos throughout from Moon Rise Photography, Audrey Gueton Photographer, Guillaume Foray Photographe and Aurore Trelaün
A French Wedding made for guests
From the very start, Mélanie and Marc knew their wedding wasn’t just about them. They wanted a weekend that celebrated everyone they love. With friends and family travelling from far and wide, it made sense to stretch the celebration across the whole weekend. La Colonie De Trezien, an open and welcoming venue, was the perfect space for their relaxed, weekend-long gathering.
Eating together is an opportunity for people to connect, so the couple planned three shared meals. La Crevette Blueue provided the delicious buffet-style meal and a food truck from La Capitainerie kept things easy and relaxed.
Cocktails from Iwen Exawat kept everyone refreshed. Little guests were entertained by Babysit Evenement allowing parents to relax and enjoy the celebrations.
The atmosphere stayed playful from start to finish. Guests could wander between a shooting range, slip’n slide, duck fishing, and tarot readings. Meanwhile, music from Eric Sionny kept the party flowing late into the evening, ensuring everyone stayed in high spirits. There was always something to discover, and everyone joined in at their own pace. No formal timetable, no seating plan, no one rushing around. Écume Events handled the coordination so no one had to “work” the wedding day.
Looking for more wedding entertainment ideas? Check out our blog: The Best Alternative Wedding Entertainment.
A Celebration of Creativity & Friendship
As a wedding photographer Mélanie had seen it all and she didn’t want her wedding to be the same. The answer was simple: give her team complete creative control.
Every supplier was also a friend, so trust came naturally. Mélanie told them to do what they’d always dreamed of doing, but never got the chance to try.
Blomster Fleurs went bold with tropical blooms and vivid arrangements – no classic white and green in sight. Delichouz Cake swapped the traditional wedding cake for a Super Mario Bros inspired design.
When it came to décor, the couple didn’t overthink it. Most of what you see in the photos came straight from their home – red cinema chairs, old wooden crates, and framed memories. They ordered a few bits online the week before and called it done.
Their wedding style
Mélanie knew from the start she didn’t want a white dress. For their civil wedding (which took place separately), she wore white trousers and a custom Super Mario Bros top by Y Brown – a designer who understood her playful side. For the big day itself, Y Brown created a sparkling gold dress that caught the light and matched the energy of the celebration.
Laura Jaffret handled hair and makeup, keeping everything natural and unfussy so Mélanie could move, dance, and laugh all day long.
Marc kept things relaxed but stylish in an outfit by Latelier 5, proving that comfort and confidence are a perfect match. Together, they looked like themselves – no costumes, no expectations, just personality.
Love the Super Mario Bros details? Then check out our blog DIY Rainbow Pixel Wedding
unconventional ceremony with tattoos
Mélanie and Marc’s ceremony was led by Les Ceremonies De Gabrielle and reflected everything they believed about love and freedom. Instead of exchanging rings, they chose tattoos – a powerful, permanent symbol of commitment. Ségo, their tattoo artist, was there throughout the day creating small tattoos for guests who wanted to join in.
Later in the evening, Mélanie even tattooed her husband herself, adding another playful and intimate moment to the celebrations.
An unconventional Photography & Film Team
For a wedding this full of life, it made sense to have more than one photographer. Mélanie asked four of her friends – Moon Rise Photography, Audrey Gueton Photographer, Guillaume Foray Photographe and Aurore Trelaün to each capture a small part of the day. They took turns behind the camera, working in two-hour slots so everyone could enjoy the celebration as guests too.
Every family also received a collodion portrait created on-site by Enzo Lucia, assisted by Laura Aubrée – a beautiful keepsake of the day.
The film, created by Marions Nous Dans Les Bois, brings the atmosphere to life. It’s full of movement and fun, showing the true heart of their unconventional French wedding.
unconventional at heart
Mélanie’s advice is simple and powerful:
“Find in YOUR world, not in Pinterest. Do what you truly love, what makes you feel alive. Don’t lock yourself into what you’ve already seen, unless that’s what really excites you. Of course, some people will say it’s not a ‘real’ wedding if it doesn’t follow tradition, but their opinion doesn’t matter. Why stand in front of a champagne fountain if you don’t even like it? Why have wedding rings if you can’t stand wearing jewelry? The answers are already within you, the only hard part is feeling free enough to own your choices.”
The couple were surrounded by friends who were also their creative team. Mélanie admits she cried after the wedding, moved by the love and investment of everyone involved. This wasn’t just a celebration of a couple. It was a celebration of friendship, creativity, and freedom.
supplier dream team
Wedding coordination: Écume Events
Venue: La Colonie De Trezien
Film: Marions Nous Dans Les Bois
Photography: Moon Rise Photography, Audrey Gueton Photographer, Guillaume Foray Photographe and Aurore Trelaün
Dress and ceremony outfit: Y Brown
Groom’s wear: Latelier 5
HMUA: Laura Jaffret
Food: La Capitainerie and La Crevette Blueue
Cake: Delichouz Cake
Celebrant: Les Ceremonies De Gabrielle
Flowers: Blomster Fleurs
DJ: Eric Sionny
Kids Entertainment: Babysit Evenement
Collodion (wet plate) photos: Enzo Lucia with Laura Aubrée assisting
Tattoos: Ségo
Cocktails and Bar: Iwen Exawat
