In May 2026, in Valenciennes, a stone’s throw from Lille, Mathilde and Colin said “I do” at the Hôtel particulier 119, surrounded by a small circle of loved ones. An intimate wedding, and yet a grand one: proof that you don’t need two hundred guests for an elegant, moving and joyful day. A look back at a wedding that touched me, plus a few tips if you too dream of a small wedding.
We clicked straight away
Mathilde and Colin contacted me through my website. From our very first conversation, we hit it off: the same love of natural photos, the same attention to detail, and a very simple way of talking about their story that makes you want to tell it in pictures straight away.
On the day, that rapport extended to their guests. Lovely, attentive loved ones, happy to be there, who let me slip in among them like one more guest. That’s often where the most beautiful photos are born: when nobody pays attention to the camera any more.
The Hôtel particulier 119, a jewel in Valenciennes
Beyond being grand, the venue is simply magnificent. The humanist ceremony took place in the garden, beneath an arch draped with cream voile and lilac flowers, surrounded by greenery. Two rattan armchairs, a small table, a guitar resting nearby: a setting both bohemian and refined, just like them. Colin in his royal blue suit, Mathilde in lace, a lilac and white bouquet in her hands… and smiles that said it all.
Inside, the reception room is bathed in light: a glass rotunda opening onto the garden, ceiling mouldings, old parquet flooring and tall white walls. An elegant setting that never overwhelms: it showcases whatever you bring to it. And that’s exactly what Mathilde and Colin did.
Decoration that tells their story
What struck me most was their artistic direction. Both great literature lovers and book lovers, they designed all the decoration around this theme. On every table, books dear to them, pages slipped here and there… and, taking pride of place in the room, a book with a very funny title:
“Never get married. Really?”
They had also set out photos of their travels, little snippets of life that represent them perfectly. The venue lent itself wonderfully to this decoration: the white walls, the natural light and the lilac tones of the flowers left plenty of room for their story.
Small gathering, big emotions
People often equate a “big wedding” with a “beautiful wedding”. Yet the number of guests takes nothing away from the charm or the emotion, let alone the party. A small wedding can be just as grand and elegant, as long as you plan it that way. Here’s what I’ve learned from photographing intimate weddings.
Choose a venue that fits your size
A venue with character, like a private mansion, fills the space for you: the volumes, the light and the architecture do much of the decorating. You avoid the “room too big” effect and every guest can fully enjoy the setting.
Go for decoration that reflects you
With fewer tables to dress, every detail counts for more. It’s the moment to tell your story: your books, your travels, your favourite objects. Personal decoration makes a far greater impression than spectacular but impersonal decoration.
Take time with everyone
In a small gathering, you can really enjoy your guests: chat with each of them, share a moment, take a photo with everyone without the day flying by. The emotion is all the stronger, and the memories all the more numerous.
A party isn’t about numbers
A great party isn’t about a crowd, it’s about energy. When all the guests know each other and are happy to be there, the atmosphere builds naturally, often faster and more genuinely than in a big hall.
My photographer’s tip: at an intimate wedding, set aside a little time for a photo with each guest or each family. With few people, it only takes a few minutes, and these are often the photos you look at most years later.
What about you?
Thank you again to Mathilde and Colin for their trust and for such a beautifully planned day. Planning an intimate wedding in Lille, Valenciennes or elsewhere in Hauts-de-France? Discover my wedding stories or write to me: I’ll be delighted to tell your story, whether there are twenty of you or two hundred.