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WHEN IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE…

engaged-couple-drinks-wine-chez-billy-Georgetown

…share an engagement session worthy of the south of France: French macaroons, soft lavenders and pinks, dreamy evening light, and a couple swept up in the arms of their affianced. But what I love most of all as I look back on this session is that all of this pretty emerged from an evening of re-envisioned plans, with many of these hidden gems of locations discovered on the fly. 

Their stunning wedding day, which took place just three weeks later, is the only work I brought with me on this dream of a vacation. And somehow, it doesn’t feel at all like an imposition to stare at these beautiful images during our time away, with warm baguettes and freshly brewed café next to my computer, my sweet boys reading and playing in the shade nearby. The sea breeze is gentle and cool on my skin, the pace of life is luxuriously slow, and I’m surrounded by the sweet cacophony of french voices, clanging spoons, and my baby’s laughter. I have not a complaint in the world. xo

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good luck with this one, mama, because I have lite good luck with this one, mama, because I have literally no idea how you could ever say no to this face.

TGIF! xo
To my lovely clients & friends,

One could say I’ve been a bit shy on this account in recent months. It’s not for lack of beautiful images to share (goodness there are so many); no, I’d characterize this more accurately as a lack of bandwidth. 

You see, I’ve made a career pivot. 

And that’s truly the right word to describe this move—not a departure from my work in photography, but a compliment to it—an and, not an or. (Proof lies in this new brand image I made of our team, just last week!)

Long story short (because the long story is LONG), I sought and earned my real estate license over the course of the fall and in February, joined the inimitable Rebecca Weiner Group of Compass—a boutique team of seasoned, DC-area realtors who are dynamic, whip smart, unfailingly generous with their time and expertise, and who make me laugh all. the. time. Not unrelated—they’re also the fabulous team that helped us find our own home two years ago this Spring.

The pace of life has changed a bit around here, but it’s been as exhilarating as it is exhausting. 

So there you have it, friends! Hopefully the next life update will be a bit more timely. Be sure and reach out if you’re in need of a high-touch, client-centered real estate experience. (Or branding imagery. Or family portraits. Or a hug.) xo

@rebeccaweinergroup
@chantallavinephotography
welp, it's only been eleven or so months since I m welp, it's only been eleven or so months since I made this one. deepest apologies for shirking my posting responsibilities because these cuties are very, very post-worthy. xo
the waiting, made all the more⁣ beautiful by a w the waiting, made all the more⁣
beautiful by a
watercolor sunset

xo
Copyright © 2026 Chantal Wilder Photography
Portrait Photographer Serving Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia
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