Soleil Noir is a powerful celebration of inclusion, diversity, and cultural heritage.
Sarah, the wedding planner, shares: “When I entered the wedding industry in France, I noticed a lack of representation for Black couples. Their traditions are seldom showcased, and many find it necessary to look abroad for vendors who truly understand their cultural needs. I wanted to change that—empowering the African community to celebrate their weddings in dream French venues with local talents who appreciate and honour the elegance of their heritage. This project is a bold blend of fashion, weddings, and tradition, breaking norms to celebrate beauty and cultural diversity.”
Inspired by the grandeur and rich heritage of the location, the team set out to create a shoot that embodies the castle’s timeless elegance and storied past.
LE CASTEL Bay—Built in the early 1900s for an Austrian baron, the Castel was initially intended as a vacation home.
In 1925, it was sold to the iconic haute couture house Paquin, who expanded the West Wing and added an Art Deco staircase to enhance the main staircase’s grandeur. At that time, the Castel became the hotel “Castel-Pomponiana.”
In the mid-1940s, the estate was transferred to various medical associations and organisations supporting people with disabilities. Closed in 2009 and abandoned for ten years, the property was later renovated to become a prestigious event venue.
A rich floral palette of burgundy and deep reds was chosen to evoke a sense of decadent elegance. A textured tablescape of florals and fruit contrasts with soft, glistening elements like gypsophila and delicate pearls, creating an unexpected sense of grace.
Beyond the statement table, the creative team allowed the castle’s magnificent grounds to serve as the backdrop for a stylish celebration. Modern wedding attire was elevated with contemporary touches like double-breasted blazers, full gloves, chic sunglasses, strappy heels, statement jewellery, and headpieces dripping with diamantés.
The fashion in this shoot effortlessly bridges the gap between wedding and cocktail attire, showing that modern weddings don’t need to follow tradition but should reflect the individuality, diversity and style of the couple being celebrated.
PLANNER Sarah Rahmani – Gaius & Gaia, @gaiusetgaia PHOTOGRAPHER Léa Evrevin, @leaevrevin VIDEOGRAPHER Z Shot Weddings, @zshotweddings MODELS Ursula & Wesley, @ursulachraa, @wescos__ FLORAL Gama Events, @marion_gamaevents HAIR Be Naturel, @be__naturel; Ráabòou, @raaboou_a MAKEUP Alyssa B Beauty, @alyssab.beauty STATIONERY Encres & Nuances, @encresetnuances VENUE Castel Bay, @castel_bay DESIGN Pièces Uniques Location, @piecesuniqueslocation SUIT L’Apieceur, @lapieceur WEDDING DRESS Thibaut Lauvergne, @thibaut_lauvergne; Jasmin Paris, @jasminparisofficiel; Zoe Couture, @zoe_couture_wedding_ JEWELLERY Blanka Flavin, @blanka_flavin; Paviot Créateur, @paviotcreateur; A.B. Ellie, @a.b.ellie RINGS Ludovica Andrina, @ludovica_andrina; Leaf and Lace, @leafandlace_bridal CAKE Célébrons Joliment
