As an Alsace family, newborn and occasional engagement photographer, it’s not every day that I photograph a wedding. Keriann and Daniel’s wedding day at Achillée Domaine in the vineyards of Alsace France was a summer dream.

Nestled in the mountains of Alsace France, they took their vows in a beautifully ornate (and classic European!) Saint Rémi church in Wettolsheim before celebrating with 50 of their closest friends and family at the elegant Achillée Domaine in Scherwiller, right between Strasbourg and Colmar. Lively, sophisticated and completely surrounded by the natural elements, it was a wedding to remember.

And I am honored to have documented their wedding day for them….memories that are timeless and will last forever. 

Here are just a few favorite sneak peeks of their beautiful wedding day in Alsace! 

I arrived with my wedding assistant (ahem: studio manager…and husband) to the most beautiful church (Saint Rémi) in the small French village of Wettolsheim, right outside of Colmar. Alex so graciously came along as my second shooter, and I’m so glad he did as we were able to get twice as many portraits of Keriann and Daniel walking down the aisle – and from above the church (such a great vantage point of the entire room)!

Below are a few of my favorites…

 

The Ceremony at Saint Rémi Church in Wettolsheimin Alsace France

The ceremony glowed by candlelight and colorful stain-glass windows. Ribbon tulle roses lined the church pews and guests began to pile in and take their seats as the bride and groom walked down the aisle. 

Keriann looked absolutely stunning in her delicate lace wedding gown and long-flowing veil. Flowers sprinkled her sophisticated updo, and she carried a lovely bouquet of white peonies. Daniel matched her in elegance and style with his dashing blue suit and peony boutonnière. They were so gorgeous!

On the day of the wedding, when the minister at Wettolsheimin church asked the couple for the pillow for the ring bearer, the couple realized they had none. Fortunately, Latisha, her cousin who lived in the town and helped organized the wedding, happened to have a spare pillow in her bag. This pillow had such a special meaning for her, as it was the same pillow that she had used for her wedding 26 years ago! How special is that?

Wedding Reception at Achillée Domaine Winery – Alsace France Photographer

After the church ceremony in Wettolsheimin, the guests hopped on the charter bus and away we drove to the nearby Alsacian village of Scherwiller!

Upon entering the sophisticated Achillée winery, two long banquet tables and a wine bar welcomed the guests. To the right behind the decorated tables, the wine distillery was hidden behind glass doors.

A live string band played jazz as the guests grabbed drinks and nibbled on aperitifs before the sunlight lowered itself behind the mountain and dinner began.

For the dinner reception, they served communal dishes of baeckeoffe, a saucepan dish that is a typical specialty in the French region of Alsace. 

Photos from Alsace Engagement Photographer, Helena Woods

Because I was booked up until dinner started, I quickly got a photograph of the cake before the light became too dark in the Achillée dining room. Keriann’s mother made the cake herself, and I couldn’t not document this work of art! Also, how gorgeous are those berries?

Wedding Bridal Portraits at Achillée Vineyards – Alsace France 

For this wedding at Achillée in Alsace France, I photographed the ceremony, early reception and portraits of all the guests. But before I left, I just had to photograph some bridal portraits of Keriann and Daniel when the evening light became its most flattering!

As golden hour began, I brought Keriann and Daniel to the open shade with the Alsacian mountains behind them, and while my assistant Alex distracted her 3 year old with some wildflowers, I documented some sweet, natural moments of the two of them and their friends.

Bridal portraits are my absolute favorite and they are such sweet reminders of the wedding day, perfect for printing and displaying in your house or in a wedding album like ours!

Keriann and Daniel’s natural chemistry and love for one another and their families was so apparent that I walked away feeling all the warm fuzzies and appreciation for the time I had…documenting memories they’ll remember forever. 

Thank you to the happy couple and Keriann and Daniel’s wonderful family for such a special wedding week in Alsace, France!

To see some of my favorite family portraits from their wedding week in Alsace France, click here!

Vendors

Dress: Elie Saab from Albright Fashion Library

Reception: Achillée Domaine

Looking for an engagement photographer in Alsace, France?

As a destination photographer, I travel all over Europe and France for my clients. I recently photographed this wedding and engagement at Achillée in Alsace France and frequently photograph families and surprise proposals in Alsace and Paris as well as in Portugal, Germany and I am next off to Connecticut and New York this Fall! Please inquire here for session details and more information on our studio’s services by emailing our studio!

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