Inspired by her love of the cinema and film photography, Mediterranean Wedding Photographer Maélys Izzo brings a nostalgic feel to her images, inspired by the lights and colourful flowers of Provence. Capturing weddings from the lavender fields in Valensole to the French Riviera, as well as Tuscany and beyond, Maélys Izzo captures unposed moments with an editorial eye.
Tell us about your business!
Hi! I’m Maélys, a South of France photographer specialized in Mediterranean weddings. I shoot film and digital. I like unposed reportages with editorial details and love the beauty of imperfection. I like to think that I can provide a very professional work but with an informal, friendly mood. We’re here to have fun and I can’t wait to team up with you!
What would you like couples to know about you?
I grew up in Provence (France) and I am very drawn to that Mediterranean generosity and warmth, I’m inspired by the lights and incomparable skies in Marseille, the abundance and sophistication of an Italian dinner, the Indian summers in the balearic Islands, the joy of a south of France local market. Also, I’m an Aquarius which is exactly the star sign you would want for your wedding photographer: passionate, enthusiastic, very creative with a touch of humour.
Where are you based?
I am based in the beautiful town Aix-en-Provence near Marseille. This perfect location in the South of France allows me to cover weddings all around Provence, the French Riviera, drive to Tuscany, take the boat to Corsica and I am only a few hours away from the Alma Coast, Rome, Sicily, Mallorca, Ibiza, Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
Do you travel for weddings?
I do travel for weddings! I’m only 20 minutes away from the airport, the train station and Marseille’s harbour and I know the road to Italy by heart. I also did a whole wedding season in New Zealand in 2017 when I finished college.
How would you describe your style?
My photography style is authentic, imperfect and colourful. My goal is to capture timeless emotions but in a modern, stylish way. I edit my pictures with my love of cinema and film photography in mind: I love grain, having that nostalgic, cinematic feel to my images in addition to the actual film photos. I adore the warm lights of Provence, maximalist Italian interiors, flowers and my editing is also inspired by these elements.
What is your most memorable career moment?
A couple years ago, I planned and shot my dream styled shoot: The story of a Provence at home wedding. I grew up in a typical stone Bastide in the South France and had the idea of a generous celebration, an authentic decor with local craftsmanship and simple but beautiful elements with some fashion touches. The bride was wearing a Jacquemus straw hat and a simple linen dress. The ceremony was framed by two flowers compositions that made the couple looks like they were standing in a wild flower field, with a white sheet floating behind the newlyweds as if it had been hung here to dry. We of course put some artichokes on the table, as I am obsessed with vegetables as table decor. I am still in love with the mood we created.
What inspires you?
Even though I was born in Vietnam (but got to France at the age of 3 months), I consider myself as a true Mediterranean girl. I’m so inspired by the South of France, Italy, Corsica and Spain: I love the light here, the olive trees, the stone houses with cypress tree alleys, the lavender and sunflower fields, the Jacquemus fashion, the small villages’ markets and the big Italian style tables in the garden to host the whole family.
What motivates you to do what you do?
People! I have my dream job and I never want to get bored of it ! I’m very involved in all my couples’ weddings: We spend a year reacting to each other’s Instagram stories, sharing inspiration and exchanging about the weekend (especially if it’s a destination wedding in the South of France where I can recommend my favourite vendors here.) The connection that we spend time creating motivates me even more to give to my clients the best wedding reportage ever!
How would you describe your working style?
It’s not rare that guests ask me how long I have been friends with the couple for. When this happens, I considered that my mission of blending in and making my clients feel comfortable is fully accomplished! When it's possible, I meet all my couples in person at least once before the wedding and we keep in touch for several months, planning everything (not just the photography part) together and sharing tips via messages. This special relationship built with my clients also help to get these authentic, laughing shots! Nothing staged, I try to make you have the best time!
Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?
I’m excited to say I offer both! I mostly shoot digital since I love movement and need to capture a lot of pictures! However, I always shoot some film for weddings and even have a special option for the analog lovers.
Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?
I like to deliver the full documentary experience and capture everything that tells the story of the wedding, so my full day package includes a reportage from the getting ready to the dancefloor/cake. I’m however super flexible if you need me to travel to find the most convenient solution for you.
What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?
Firstly, it has to be my "Nostalgia Kit": a film photography package that I just recently started to offer. In addition to the digital gallery, I shoot a mix of film photos shot on a variety of analog cameras and some instant fun polaroids as well! Here are some of my favorite shots on film.
Secondly, I’m a bit more than your wedding photographer and I like to say that you can contact me anytime before the wedding to talk about the planning or even about something completely different. I’m really passionate about the wedding world and I would be thrilled to give you all the advice you need!
Where would you love to travel to for work?
I would love to travel even more around the Mediterranean Sea, especially the islands such as Sicily, Mallorca and Corsica. I’m also fond of modern art and my dream wedding would take place at the fondation Maeght in Saint-Paul-de-Vence (South of France) or the Fundacio Pilar y Miro in Palma de Mallorca.
Who is your dream client?
My dream clients are planning an intimate destination wedding around South Europe. They come from Australia, New Zealand, the UK and US and they are having a ceremony with under 50 guests in a venue that is not traditionally meant for weddings ( i.e. a beach, a very cute small Airbnb, a vacation family home, a museum..). They love photography but they don’t love posing, they love flowers and beautiful dinners. However, above of all want to have fun and party with their closest ones.
What is your advice to couples getting married?
Plan a wedding that looks like you, a wedding where you’ll love every detail as a couple and not to please anyone else. But also, don’t feel guilty to follow the trends if you like them: It’s totally fine if your wedding is not completely timeless. The timelessness resides in the true memories you will be making, the authentic emotions that you will be feeling and the moments that you’ll be sharing. The decor, the outfits will reflect your couple and your tastes at a certain time of your life and that will be part of the story of your celebration. Make choices that bring your happiness and make you enthusiastic.
Of course, my main advice is : let’s get inspired by The Anti-Bride! I’m not kidding, everything here is a good idea and if you like the aesthetics of The Anti-Bride, chances are that we’ll make a great team!
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