A wedding in Ostend
Jessalynn & Silouane entrusted me with photographing their wedding. They’re a French-Belgian couple who decided to get married in Ostend. They were actually one of my first Belgian couples to book me, and I’m absolutely thrilled about it. It’s been a year and a half since I settled in Ghent, Belgium, and I’m very happy to see that more and more Belgian or mixed-nationality couples are choosing me as their wedding photographer. That’s why I wanted to write this short post to share a few more photos from this wonderful day with them.
But let's back up a bit first...
Let’s go back to August 2024, during their pre-wedding photo shoot (their engagement photoshoot, as it’s often called). I joined them in Ostend for a sunset photoshoot on the beach. Honestly, what more could you ask for? Especially since we got lucky—the weather was BEAUTIFUL! Yes, yes, remember that crappy summer that everyone apparently went through in 2024? Well, on that day, the sun was out. I have to say, this couple was already radiating so much love (aww, that’s sweet).
Seriously, don’t hesitate if you’re thinking of having a beach wedding—or even if it’s just for our pre-wedding photoshoot—I’d be thrilled to go back to the beach!
On the big day: the sun was out again!
It’s really only while writing this post that I realize just how lucky this couple was with the weather: since September was much nicer than the summer of 2024, we once again had beautiful weather for their wedding. No sweltering heat, and plenty of wind, sure, but I think I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunsets of the summer that evening. The proof is in the photo, by the way…
This photo was taken on the dock as we were leaving the reception; I had already put away my cameras, but I couldn’t resist capturing the last rays of sunlight!
Jessalynn and Silouane are truly two wonderful people, so kind and generous. I immediately felt a deep affection for this couple and was so grateful to be able to photograph their wedding. In fact, it’s one of the few weddings I’ve ever had the chance to photograph by the sea! I’d already had the opportunity to photograph a wedding in Boulogne-sur-Mer during my very first year in business, and I have such fond memories of it. I grew up in Normandy, in Fécamp, just a few minutes from the sea. So being able to return there for a day—and even better, to take photos by the water—is a real pleasure for me. I’ve also photographed many bachelorette parties in Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, and I dream of returning there for a wedding.
Two beautiful ceremonies in Ostend
We first met up in the morning for the civil ceremony, and they said “I do” for the first time in the beautiful bandstand at Leopold Park. It was my first time photographing a ceremony in a park bandstand! For the religious ceremony, they were finally united at Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul Church, perhaps one of the largest churches in which I’ve ever attended a wedding. It was also one of the darkest, but I loved photographing this ceremony: I already have a darker editing style, and here, with the details of the church’s architecture and the colors of the stained-glass windows, I really enjoyed capturing and editing this moment. Finally, being able to hear a ceremony in French, Flemish, and English was a first for me, and I hope not the last.
The rest of the day with our feet in the water... or almost!
The reception and the evening took place right on the water. Yes, literally on the water! They invited their guests to The Pier in Blankenberge, a restaurant and event venue at the end of a pier jutting out into the sea. The room is circular and surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a 360° view of the beach and the sea! In short: incredible. The sunset cast golden hues across the room like I’ve rarely seen, and the terrace allowed everyone to enjoy the moment and take memorable group photos.
And how could you not capture the end of the sunset with some couple photos ?
Thanks again, Jessalynn and Silouane, for your trust, kindness, and generosity. I hope to see you again soon!