We celebrated my friend Jamie’s 50th birthday a few weeks back. This Summer has been the sunniest in years, but on that day, it rained cats and dogs. Since he’s a Brit, maybe the Gods thought he’d appreciate the joke…
His girlfriend Jurina and the kids had prepared the most enchanting set-up outside in the garden and in the woods around the house, expecting dry conditions. They now had to find a way to welcome their hundred+ guests inside. The house wouldn’t be large enough… In one single day, they were able to clean and decorate the stables and that’s where we spent our evening.
One always has to do the best with what one has and Jurina is a champion at that. The guests thought the idea of using the stables was quite fun. Remember that episode of Downton Abbey where they had to improvise an indoor picnic because Mrs. Patmore’s oven was broken? The fact that we all had to stay quite close to each other in these quarters helped the evening be a great success. People had to introduce themselves to other guests they didn’t know and wouldn’t have thought of talking to if we had been outside, free to roam around… This was also the perfect setting for me to take portraits. The light wasn’t great, but practice is always good in photography.
When life gives you lemons… Well, this was some jolly good lemonade, I tell you!
My gift to Jamie was a selection of 12 large prints of his favorite car photos that I had taken.
Note: Jurina is the Indian lady and Jamie is the guy with the kid on his knees.
MY FRENCH HEAVEN 
What a fabulous 50th birthday party! Gorgeous photo story, love the happy mood despite the weather. 🙂
Your photos ALWAYS manage to capture the fun! Love them. I am happy that the change in weather didn’t dampen the joy of the celebration!
such a lovely 50th! Gorge photos, too.
The gentleman in the fourth picture down? Be still my heart!
Especially love the ones with
people smoking! Excellent!
Once again your portraiture has astounded me. You are an amazing photographer. I am very happy y’all were able to pull off that transformation of the stable. 🙂
Just lovely. You have captured the humanity of everybody so well. Excellent my friend.
Thanks my friend! Just received your pictures. I swear the taste came back in my mouth as soon as I opened the file. I could never be a vegetarian! 😉
Happy days. I will be in France in two weeks time. Cycling from Paris to Nice for charity (and fun). A pity the route is not via Libourne.
Fabulous photos – what an event – you can feel the warmth and happiness in your photos!
Thank you Janace! It was indeed an evening to remember… 😉
What’s funny to me is that it looks like that was the planned party! So rustic and beautiful! Beautiful photos! Everyone looked happy!
Ha ha. I know you have higher standards than that my darling 🙂
Oh no, I much prefer a comfortable rustic setting, than a formal stuffy one!
Was great to see you at dads party and once again some spectacular shots. Love the ones of me and issy, going to get them framed!
It was great seeing you too!!! One of my favorite shots is of Issy and your sister playing robots…
Wow!! What a beautiful evening!! Your photos as usual divine!! I’m always so moved by how your photos can capture the feel of the evening – the love, the joy and the fun!! Yes, love your quote – when life gives you lemons, make lemonade (I think you have adopted a bit of American philosophy there my friend!!) What a wonderful way to celebrate 50 years!!
Great portraits Stéphane – the two monochrome smokers are really fabulous 🙂
I kind of like them too. The lady didn’t want to be photographed at first but I’m glad I convinced her. I find her whole persona fascinating …
Absolutely!
Fab pictures ! Made me feel for a moment that I was there 🙂
What great photos as always, Stephane. They will make a great gift in their memories as well as the car photos for Jamie. Never trust the weather whatever the time of year! But I’m so glad you didn’t let it spoil the day.
You’re so right! Sometimes they’re even wrong the day of… ☺️
Great photos once again, everyone looks so happy and enjoying the party.
Thank you Joan! It truly was a special evening to remember 😊
Looks like a jolly good time and the lemonade was wonderful as were the photos.
janet
😉☺️
It must have been a very special 50th party. Looks wonderful and your portraits are gorgeous. Amazing what you all managed to pull together at such short notice.
I will have to tell my husband I want a 50th just like that. He has 3 weeks to plan!!!
Ha ha! Get the whip out Nadia! 😉
Really amazing portraits! I actually love the way the lighting turned out. Sounds like it was an amazing evening. Thanks for sharing this.
Oh thanks! Yes, I guess the good camera made up for the low light conditions… 🙂