South Of France Elopement Inspiration in Toulouse
Photography by: Audrey in the Moon
Words by: Chloé Anna Studio
When you think of peak Covid lockdown, you might get flashbacks to endless Zoom quizzes, or that new hobby that’s now long forgotten, stuffed under your bed.
When we think of Covid lockdown, we’re reminded of the passionate, special burning determination that #LOVEISNOTCANCELLED. We saw so many gorgeous, badass, wonderful and creative examples of how love must go on, even with the piles of restrictions set on us.
This shoot is an exact example of just that; Love in the midst of a time where celebrating love almost felt impossible, or illegal!
From getting ready together, to dancing in the middle of the train station; Every moment from this concept felt so close, personal and like a run-away-in-the-middle-of-the-night-to-wed story.
This love story takes place in three steps.
The City
In a time where people are restricted to their households and daily walks, we wanted to be in the city where there was even a slight sense of hustle and bustle. To be around people, slow-dance shamelessly, demonstrate a love that is so alive even in a time where everything feels “muted”.
Using the space of the city, spots that we’d usually rush past on our way to work, and rewriting how they can make us feel - that was a big motivator. Using the space around us, no matter what it was, and making it a place where love blooms.
The House
In Toulouse, South of France where the shoot is set, there was an evening curfew, meaning that hotels and restaurants were closed. Instead, it was set to take place on the couple’s private balcony at home.
Adorned with candlesticks, dried blooms, and fairy lights, although at home it created an entirely different atmosphere. The intimacy of the setup was better than any restaurant scenario.
The dark browns, reds and oranges of the flowers are a nod to Emma’s floral embroidered dress. The flowers in glass bubbles act as a symbol for the household bubbles thousands of people around the world were restricted to. In this case, Emma and Sing being in their own romantic bubble, blocked out from the world, enjoying solely each other.
The Desert
Wide open spaces, the sky as the landscape, and freedom. Driving from France into Spain to catch the dawn lights of the Bardenas Reales and dance in the desert.
Emma's dress is blue-grey, the colour of the sky. The same sky we watched for days, weeks and months from our windows at home. It was an escape, to feel like we were part of that very sky in the badlands.
The real couple, Emma and Sing, are professional dancers. They were specifically chosen with their skills to add that sense of freedom, carefree joy, and real love. Dancing in public, only noticing each other, to create their own invisible bubble in the middle of a crowd, a private location, or a desert.
No matter how small the celebration, or what restrictions are alive at the time, love can never be cancelled. When things feel impossible, there will always be bandits of love to show us exactly how love must go on.
FULL TEAM DETAILS
Stylist / Wedding planner: The Most Beautiful Days
Real couple models: Emma & Sing
Makeup artist: Ossoa Beauté
Flowers: Graines de Curiosités
Dress: Violaine Valledorff / Atelier Etre Soie Même
Suit: By Monsieur
Jewellery: La Bicherie