Sunset Engagement Session in Front of the Sainte-Victoire
A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Mareva and Morgan. After seven years together, they’d just got engaged! They asked me to organise an engagement session for them in front of the Sainte-Victoire — a way to capture their love in Meyreuil before diving properly into planning their wedding.
The Perfect Spot for an Engagement Session in Front of the Sainte-Victoire
Before anything else, we had to agree on where to hold this couple photo session. We settled on the hills above Meyreuil, which offer an incredible view over Provence: the Sainte-Victoire on one side, Aix-en-Provence on the other.
A Sunset Light, Perfect for Couple Photos
Of course, finding the most beautiful spot in Provence isn’t enough to get beautiful photos — the light needs to be right too! So we headed to Meyreuil late in the day, an hour before sunset, during the golden hour.
Starting With Still-Bright Light
This let us start the engagement session in front of the Sainte-Victoire with the sun still shining, but low enough for the light to have softened. The first photos had a bright, almost daylight-white light, but one that was still flattering for the landscape… and for our two lovebirds!
The Warm Orange Light of Late Afternoon
As the engagement session went on, the light grew warmer, more orange. It gives the photos a very distinctive style, one that isn’t for everyone but that I personally love. Mareva and Morgan were bathed in this warm, comforting light, giving these photos an almost cosy feel.
Making the Most of the Sunset
what it’ll look like, of course: every sunset is unique, depending on the weather, the clouds, the humidity… and of course the photographer’s editing style. For this couple photo session, I was lucky enough to get a sky that ran from orange to blue, set off by white and grey clouds.
To really make the most of our two lovebirds, I chose to photograph them fully backlit, in silhouette. Their features are perfectly recognisable, as is the love they share, and yet they’re in complete darkness, set against a beautiful sky.
I love this look!
Photographing Our Young Couple's Love in Front of the Sainte-Victoire
During a couple photo session, I obviously guide the couple who’ve put their trust in me into a few poses. This lets me make the most of the landscape, and get some rather spectacular photos.
Creating Spontaneity During an Engagement Session
But of course, these poses are only a starting point. What matters most in an engagement session is capturing those natural interactions that give couple photos all their life. So it’s the kisses, the bursts of laughter, the embraces, the dancing, or even a wandering hand, that make this engagement session in front of the Sainte-Victoire a truly unique photo session.
Capturing the Details
Since we had plenty of time — our only real constraint was nightfall — and the light was absolutely perfect, I was able to focus on the details of this engagement session near Aix-en-Provence. By details, I don’t mean particular shoes or outfits, but rather photos whose framing strays a little from the traditional couple-photo mould.
That might be a hand resting on a hip, a dance shot showing only the bodies with the faces left out, or a close focus on the engagement ring while the two lovebirds blur into the background…
Of course, these photos don’t replace the more classic, traditionally framed ones — they complement them.
And What About Your Own Engagement Session?
If you’re on the fence about treating yourselves to an engagement session, I’ve written a dedicated article that explains everything. In it, I go into why it’s worth doing, and when to schedule it.
Where to Have Your Engagement Session?
Of course, you don’t have to have your own pre-wedding couple photo session in front of the Sainte-Victoire — or even in Meyreuil! Over the course of my career as a wedding photographer in Provence, I’ve discovered plenty of spots that are perfect for an engagement session, whether that’s in Aix-en-Provence, in Marseille, in the lavender fields, or even on the beach! And if you’re planning a destination wedding in Provence, this is often the perfect opportunity to combine your engagement session with your planning trip — I’ve put together a full guide if you’d like some tips.
From the Sainte-Victoire to the Altar — What About You?
Mareva and Morgan will have warm, romantic, deeply personal couple photos to remember this important moment in their life together. These photos will accompany them throughout their wedding planning, will likely find their way onto their invitations, and will stay meaningful to them for years to come.
And what about you? If you too would like to capture your love — to celebrate your engagement, an anniversary, or simply because you feel like it — don’t hesitate: get in touch, and let’s plan your couple photo session.
FAQ – Engagement Session in Meyreuil
Do you need permission to take photos on the hills above Meyreuil?
No, no permit is required to enjoy this viewpoint over the Sainte-Victoire. Good to know: that's not the case everywhere in Provence, so it's worth checking on a case-by-case basis if you scout out a location yourself.
What time should you arrive to catch the sunset over the Sainte-Victoire?
Allow around an hour before sunset, to enjoy both the still-bright light and the transition into orange tones, just like during Mareva and Morgan's session. My advice: check the exact sunset time on the day of your session, as it varies a lot depending on the season.
Is this viewpoint over the Sainte-Victoire accessible all year round?
Yes, this viewpoint is accessible all year round, whatever the season.
Do you need to walk far to reach this viewpoint?
No, you can park right next to the viewpoint. My advice: handy if you're wearing a long dress or heels for your engagement session!
Can you combine your engagement session with a wedding-planning trip to Provence?
Yes, absolutely — this is actually very common for couples planning a destination wedding, who use the same trip to visit venues, meet vendors, or do a tasting. My advice: let me know your travel dates in advance, so we can find a slot that works around your other appointments, especially during peak wedding season.