Wedding Photography

Our Wedding Vendors Soirée at Château de Nainville-les-Roches

Back in 2021, when lockdowns were still part of everyday life, I was just three years into my career as a Paris wedding photographer. It was a challenging time, but also one filled with opportunity. I realized that there were so many talented wedding vendors I only knew through Instagram—people whose work I admired but had never met in person. That’s when the idea struck: why not organize a casual get-together to bring these creatives together? Not just photographers, but wedding planners, florists, hair and makeup artists, videographers—everyone who makes the magic happen on a couple’s big day.

We met at a cozy Parisian bar, and to my delight, the event was a resounding success. People were thrilled to connect in real life, to swap stories, and to build relationships beyond the screen. Hearing colleagues say things like, “I finally met so-and-so after following them for years!” made my heart swell. Even better, some of these newfound connections led to real collaborations. That’s when I knew I had to make this an annual tradition.

Over the years, the event has evolved, growing in size and prestige. Today, it brings together top-tier wedding vendors who specialize in luxury and destination weddings both in France and beyond. This year, I had the joy of co-organizing the soirée with Mélanie Bintein, an exceptional wedding planner whose calm efficiency and keen eye for detail are matched only by her warm, approachable nature. Mélanie has been a trusted colleague since 2022, and now, I’m lucky enough to call her a dear friend as well. Together, we wanted to create something truly special—an unforgettable experience for our fellow wedding vendors to unwind, celebrate, and make meaningful connections.

Mélanie Bintein Wedding Planner Aude Lucas Wedding Photography

A Dreamy Venue: Chateau de Nainville-les-Roches

For the second year in a row, we held the event at the breathtaking Château de Nainville-les-Roches, a jewel of Louis XIII-style architecture located just outside Paris. Recently restored to its former glory, the château offers an atmosphere of timeless elegance, with its grand halls and meticulously landscaped gardens providing the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening. Walking through its ornate doors feels like stepping back in time to an era of grandeur and sophistication. A huge thank you goes to its gracious owners, Virginie and Denis, for welcoming us back and allowing us to transform their stunning property into a glamorous playground for wedding professionals. It’s thanks to their generosity that we were able to host such a memorable gathering of wedding vendors.

Of course, no event is complete without capturing its essence on film, and for that, we turned to Z Shot Weddings. This talented videographer created a breathtaking film that truly encapsulated the energy and excitement of the night. With more than 60 guests in attendance and a dedicated crew of about 20 professionals working behind the scenes, the evening was a celebration of collaboration, creativity, and community. Watching the video now brings back a flood of joyful memories—the laughter, the dancing, the moments of genuine connection that made the night so magical. As a Paris wedding photographer, I always find it inspiring to see so many creative minds coming together under one roof.

Film of the Event by Z Shot Weddings https://www.zshotweddings.com

A Venice Masquerade Party

This year, we wanted to give the event a unique twist, so we chose a Venetian Carnival masquerade theme—a dazzling blend of mystery, glamour, and opulence. The talented floral designer Pauline from Histoires Sauvages embraced the challenge with gusto, creating a show-stopping decor that left our guests in awe. The rotunda of the château’s entrance hall was draped with luxurious fabric (courtesy of Lateliers Ma Paris), cascading elegantly from the upper floor. Pauline also designed a strikingly modern buffet, featuring pleated tablecloths and vibrant floral arrangements that added a pop of color to the sophisticated setting. Each floral piece seemed to tell its own story, drawing guests into the enchanting world we had created for the evening.

Meanwhile, 126 Events provided Venetian-style furniture and a stunning welcome board where guests could select a beautifully crafted Venetian mask upon arrival—a playful nod to the evening’s theme. It was wonderful to see everyone fully embracing the masquerade vibe, with their intricate masks adding an extra layer of elegance and intrigue.

Château de Nainville-les-Roches entrance rotunda hall

Fire on the Dancefloor

To keep the party lively and engaging, we curated a lineup of spectacular entertainment. Whisper Note set the tone with live musicians who greeted guests at the entrance, their melodic tunes adding an air of refinement to the gathering. Dancers glided gracefully through the crowd, embodying the spirit of Venice with every elegant movement. As the night unfolded, a live band took the stage, enchanting everyone with their soulful melodies. The atmosphere was electric—a perfect blend of sophistication and fun. Later, DJ Timac Event kept the energy high with an irresistible mix that had people on the dance floor. It’s not often that we, as wedding vendors, get to be the ones enjoying the party, so this was a rare and delightful treat. We danced, we laughed, and we celebrated the vibrant community that makes the wedding industry so special.

Mélanie Bintein Aude Lucas Wedding Vendors Paris

Talented Wedding Animation Vendors

In addition to music and dancing, we organized several unique activities to delight our guests. Inness Illustrations captured the evening’s magic by creating stunning portraits of attendees—a keepsake they could treasure long after the party ended. Watching Inness at work was a fascinating experience in itself; with just a few swift strokes of her pen, she managed to capture not only the likeness of her subjects but also something of their spirit.

For those seeking a touch of mysticism, Eluna from A la Lueur de la Lune offered tarot card readings, revealing glimpses of the future in an atmosphere steeped in Venetian allure. Guests gathered around her, entranced by her insights and the sense of mystery that hung in the air.

And blending seamlessly with the crowd, magicians David Elka and Louis Guilhamon wowed guests with their astonishing close-up magic, leaving everyone wondering, “How did they do that?” Their tricks added a playful element to the evening, sparking laughter and astonishment in equal measure.

Delicious Delicacies and Drinks

No celebration is complete without exquisite food and drink, and our guests were treated to a culinary feast courtesy of Maison Elexance. From beautifully presented canapés to mouthwatering main courses, every bite was a testament to their expertise. The flavors were as rich and varied as the evening itself, with each dish crafted to delight the senses. Meanwhile, Agence Vybe kept spirits high with expertly crafted cocktails, each one a miniature work of art. Whether guests were sipping on a classic cocktail or trying something more adventurous, the drinks added a festive flair to the evening. And of course, no toast would be complete without champagne. Thanks to Objectif Vin, we had plenty of bubbly to go around, and we raised our glasses in a heartfelt toast to the upcoming 2025 wedding season.

The pièce de résistance? A breathtaking black-and-white wedding cake, inspired by our Venetian theme and created by the talented pastry chef at Inspiration Rose’Oranger. With its intricate design and delicious flavors, it was almost too beautiful to cut—almost. Watching the first slice being served felt like a fitting culmination to an evening that was all about celebrating beauty, artistry, and community among wedding vendors.

Luxury Details

They say luxury lies in the details, and that was certainly true of this event. One particularly memorable touch came from Sylvie at Insieme Creation, who handcrafted elegant nametags for each guest. These weren’t just any place cards—each one featured a tiny, meticulously crafted Venetian mask made from deep red velvet paper, evoking the romance and intrigue of a Venetian night. Not only did these place cards help guests identify one another, but they also served as charming souvenirs of an unforgettable evening. The care and craftsmanship that went into creating them were a perfect reflection of the event as a whole: thoughtful, beautifully executed, and full of heart.

Melanie Bintein Aude Lucas handling nametags

A Special Look for the Hostesses

As hosts, Mélanie and I wanted to look our best, and we were incredibly grateful to Onorina Jomir for styling our hair and makeup. Onorina has a gift for enhancing natural beauty, and she tailored each look to complement our features perfectly. Whether it was a subtle smoky eye or an elegant updo, she knew exactly how to create a look that felt both glamorous and authentic. Thanks to her skill and artistry, we felt confident and radiant as we welcomed our guests and mingled throughout the night. It’s amazing how much of a difference the right hair and makeup can make—we truly felt ready to step into the spotlight and savor every moment of the evening.

See You Next Year?

Looking back, the 2025 wedding vendors’ soirée was a resounding success, and we were deeply touched by the positive feedback we received. Word of the event spread far and wide, and it was thrilling to hear that colleagues across France were talking about it. But what mattered most to us was seeing our guests enjoy themselves—sharing ideas, discussing upcoming weddings, and forging new connections. As a Paris wedding photographer, it was heartwarming to see so many talented professionals engaging with one another and strengthening the bonds that make our industry thrive. This is what it’s all about: bringing people together, celebrating creativity, and building a community that supports and uplifts one another. We’re so grateful to everyone who contributed to making this event possible, and we can’t wait to do it all again in 2026.