For me, wedding photography goes far beyond images. It’s the record of a day you’ll never relive, but every sensation of which will remain etched in your memory: the brush of hands, a slightly shorter breath before seeing each other, a burst of laughter that resonates throughout the room…”
Julie Chef, Photographer, France
Julie Chef, a former floral designer, is now a high-end wedding photographer based in the beautiful Champagne region of France, near Reims. She works with couples who would like sincere, luminous, and elegant images that truly tell their story while adding an editorial touch. Here we discuss the message behind her images, plus the beautiful venues of her home country…
I work mainly in France – in Champagne, the Île-de-France, the South of France, and also internationally when I accompany couples to their destination…”
Julie Chef, Photographer, France
C&B: “Julie, your images are beautiful – when did you start taking wedding photographs, and why did you begin?”
JC: “I started my photography business two years ago, after selling my flower shop; I needed a fresh start. Throughout my first career as a florist, I’d worked with over two hundred couples. Photography, which had always been a deep-rooted passion, naturally evolved into my profession when I realised how much capturing emotions and human connections resonated with me. Continuing to photograph weddings felt like the obvious next step: it’s where everything blends together family, beauty, spontaneity and I love being a part of it. It’s an incredible privilege for me to be at the heart of these emotions…”
My typical clients are couples who are sensitive to emotions and have an eye for detail. They’re looking for a kind, discreet photographer who’s there at the right moment and who can capture their story authentically. They often find me through social media, word of mouth, or recommendations from vendors and venues I work with. Generally, I require twelve months advance notice for the high season which runs May to September, as dates fill up very quickly. For weddings outside of peak season or on weekdays, it’s sometimes possible to book with a shorter lead time…”
Julie Chef, Photographer, France
C&B: “Which unique elements do you incorporate into your photography that ensure the end images reflect the true personality of your client?”
JC: “I take the time to get to know my couples: their nuances, their dynamics, what makes them smile or what touches them. On the wedding day, I observe a great deal: their spontaneous gestures, the glances they exchange, their interactions with loved ones. My approach blends gentleness, elegance, and authentic documentary style. I maintain a keen sensitivity to natural light and the details that truly reveal who they are. But I also like to incorporate a fashion element by having them pose occasionally…”
My role is to capture precisely moments that go unnoticed, but which tell the whole story. If my images resonate, it’s because they connect you to what you felt, not just what you saw. And that’s exactly what I offer each of my couples…”
Julie Chef, Photographer, France
C&B: “Julie, France is renowned for its incredibly romantic chateaux and other beautiful wedding locations – which are your favourite venues?”
JC: “Château Comtesse Lafond – Épernay;
Domaine Les Crayères – Reims; Castel Bay; Château de Nainville-les-Roches; Château de Tourreau… and there are so many more that I’d love to have the opportunity to discover!”
Couples often tell me they felt instantly at ease, as if accompanied by a friend who knows how to capture moments without ever being intrusive. They emphasise the gentleness of my approach, my discretion, and my ability to reveal genuine emotions. Many tell me they relive the day just by looking at the photos the greatest compliment I could receive…”
Julie Chef, Photographer, France
C&B: “Finally, what would be the best advice you could give to couples looking to have their wedding captured by you?”
JC: “Simply, to be themselves. To enjoy every moment without worrying about the final result, because it’s the genuine moments that create the most beautiful images. And to take a moment together, however short, on the big day: these timeless minutes often become their favourite photos…”
CONTACT: http://www.juliechefwedding.com
