KOH SAMUI WEDDING & ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

Eric-René Penoy Wedding Photographer

French wedding photographer based in Europe during summer and Mexico during Winter. I cover small and Intimate weddings in Koh Samui and travel all over Europe and the world to cover your Wedding or Elopement in the most natural and journalistic way possible.

(Discover the website)

PHOTOGRAPHER FOR SMALL AND INTIMATE WEDDING, ELOPEMENT, COUPLE STORIES

Welcome to my website

I am so delighted to see you on my website, let’s talk about your wedding and create a small but deep connection

Koh Samui Wedding Photographer, 

Thank you so much for your visit to my website. If you are looking for a wedding photographer with an alternative approach in a journalistic way, fine art, and storytelling, you are definitely on the page you were looking for.

I am a French destination wedding photographer and love to travel all around the world. 
I am so passionate about this place that I want to have more opportunities to show what I am able to do for your D-day.

It will be my great pleasure to have a minute of your attention to have a look at my work, have a look at my previous weddings abroad. 
I am based in Europe but it s always a pleasure to go to Koh Samui and be able to do my passion and have a wonderful time with creative people. 

If you wish to join me, it will be my pleasure to hear from you. May I ask you to send me a message and I will answer you right away (usually within 24 hours) and see if there is a potential way to work for the most important day of your life.

If you want to visit my latest stories, my portfolio, know more about my testimonials from my couples, about me, about my vision, my latest obsession, my journey for the coming season, or simply contact me.

Thank you so much and Welcome.

 

I cover

Couple Sessions - Weddings - Elopements - Portraitures - Engagements and Proposals

differently.


FREE GUIDES FOR COUPLES


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Photographer

ERIC-RENÉ PENOY
(ˈɛrɪk rˈneɪ)

I am the guy behind the lens. I am a full time dreamer, documenter, film lover, traveller and definitely not a traditional wedding photographer.

ABOUT ME

MY MANIFESTO and VISION ARE

SOUL - MIND - HEART

I want to document Real Stories on the most natural, relaxed and journalistic way possible.

ABOUT MY VISION

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VISUAL STORYTELLER

SINCE 2014

AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE


Koh SamuiWedding and Elopement Photography Service.

Are you searching for a Wedding or Event photographer in Koh Samui? 

I have been covering over 170 Weddings since July 2014, I can say that I am full of advice and help for your big day.

My couples are similar and so different at the same time. I would say that they have certain similar characteristics, they prefer to spend time with their families and friends rather than spending an hour taking the couple photos, they are usually shy, they don’t feel at ease to be the center of the attention, they have a certain knowledge about art, sometimes photography and painting.

Do you want to have an intimate wedding in Koh Samui that reflect your journey as a couple, your passions, and your spirit of adventure?  

This is elopement photography for couples who want to ignore tradition and get married in a way that feels authentic to them. As a photographer, my purpose is to discreetly capture the story of your day in an honest and heartfelt way, without posing or intruding. I will record every aspect, from the raw emotions and poignant moments as they unfold, to the details you won’t want to forget.

I care deeply about creating meaningful connections with every couple who invites me to be a part of their journey. My approach is to innovate, not to conform to conventions. Your elopement experience should be as personal, genuine, and unique as you are.

Emotional Photographer documenting emotional Weddings.

Since July 2014, I document your intimate wedding, your Minimony, Sequel Wedding, Micro wedding or Adventurous Elopement, proposal, and engagement and I have seen a lot of love stories, full of joy and emotions. It has a lot of different names but only the story matters. I am moved by telling the story of your day in the most natural and genuine way possible. No need to spend one hour behind the church with me to take the couple photographs, I will always value to let you spend time with family and friends. This is your day, not mine.

Most of my couples define themselves as shy in front of the camera, I believe simply they don’t know how easy it is to spend a few simple moments with their partner in front of my camera. I will follow you from getting ready to the dance floor in the most natural way possible. To deliver a poetic and unique vision of the most important day of your life.
I have a lot of experience and expertise in traveling around Europe mostly. For the last 6 years, I have covered most of my weddings abroad and overseas.


I believe I can help you with my experience and advice for a perfect wedding day. I have prepared some articles to help you to find the right place to get married or to be inspired in some places like Spain, The Balearic Islands such as Ibiza, Mallorca,… Mexico, Morocco and of course Portugal. I have also written an article about the most underrated locations in Europe to have your small and intimate wedding with friends.

  • Where to get married in the balearic Islands? HERE

  • Where to get married in Morocco? HERE

  • Where to get married in Mexico? HERE

  • Where to get married in Spain? HERE

  • Where to get married in Portugal? HERE

  • More articles to come … HERE


Specialised in Wedding and Elopement Coverage since 2014.

My Philosophy in Few Words :

Real Stories - Intimate - Journalistic - Real Stories - Poetic - Cinematic - Discreet - Non Traditional - Simplicity.

My Visual Experience :

With years of experience photographing my couples in beautiful locations across the world, I have brought together some valuable ideas and tips to help with elopement planning as well as for those planning larger weddings.I have covered over 150 Weddings on the last 5 years and they are all different. I have prepared a Succession of Articles dedicated to you. Please click on the article of your choice to learn more about it:

  • Top Outfit Ideas for your Intimate Couple Session HERE

  • Top 10 Tips to Plan your Intimate Wedding. HERE

  • What is an Elopement? HERE

  • Top 8 Tips to plan your Elopement. HERE

  • Top 5 Reasons to Elope. HERE

  • Eloping : With or Without guests and family? HERE

  • Top 10 Activities to do on your Elopement Day. HERE

  • What is the difference between an Elopement, a Minimony and a Microwedding? How to choose what is the best for you? HERE

  • What is a Virtual / Online Wedding? HERE


Where to organize your Wedding or Elopement in Koh Samui?

If you have always dreamed of traveling within Koh Samui, Thailand is one of the top destinations you should consider for your elopement, due to its magnificent countryside and coastline. As an experienced elopement photographer, I have photographed many beautiful elopements here for couples forgoing traditional weddings and embracing their spirit of adventure.

Koh Samui is one of the top elopement destinations in Thailand; a country with a lot of history, great weather/cuisine, and amazing traditions. You’ll be overwhelmed with choice for beautiful places to elope in this place, from the big cities full of character and atmosphere to the magical forests.   The possibilities for breath-taking locations are endless.

You can find some of the best wedding venues for your Wedding Or Elopement.

Looking for more Inspiration and Locations for your Wedding or Elopement?

If you are still considering other options in Europe, check out :

  • Where to Elope (30+ Best European Locations for your Elopement & Top Underrated Wedding Locations in Europe you should consider. HERE

What About COVID 19?

Learn about how the Covid 19 Corona Virus have changed the face of the wedding industry but not only HERE

What is next? Simply contact me to create a simple but deep connection

At ericrenepenoy@gmail.com


Awards and announcements : 

RANGEFINDER RISING STAR OF THE WEDDING INDUSTRY 2019 WORLDWIDE
BODAF NEW TALENT EUROPE WINNER 2017.
JUNEBUG BEST OF THE BEST 2016 & 2017.
TOP 50 BEST UK PHOTOGRAPHER 2019 GOHEN.
BEST ELOPEMENT OF THE YEAR (SECOND PLACE).
MEMBER OF THE WEDDING COLLECTIVE FROM 2015 TO 2018 (BEFORE MOVING TO PORTUGAL).
WRITER AT BACKSTAGE MAGAZINE
CREATOR OF RESONANCE INSPIRATION
CREATOR OF MY BIG WORKSHOP

Published on :

JUNEBUG. RANGEFINDER. VSCO. RESONANCEDEVIANT ART. MY WED. LE BLOG DE MADAME CLA MARIEE AUX PIEDS NUS. WAY OUT WEDDING. QUEEN FOR A DAY. FEMME ACTUELLE. ELLE. LE JOURNAL DU MARIE. BIPPITY MAG. MINHA FILHA VAI. TRIBE RED LEAF. BRAW BRIDES. WELLWED. MAGAZINE NEW YORK. PORTRAIT OU PAYSAGE. WE FELL IN LOVE. PRISMPHOTOGRAPHY. WELLWED USA. LOOKS LIKE FILM. WHIMSICAL WONDERLAND WEDDINGS. WEDDBOOK. 20MINUTOS. THE KNOT. PINTEREST.




A bit of History about Koh Samui.


 

Ko Samui (or Koh Samui, also often locally shortened to Samui; Thai: เกาะสมุย, pronounced [kɔ̀ʔ sā.mǔj]) is an island off the east coast of Thailand. Geographically in the Chumphon Archipelago, it is part of Surat Thani Province, though as of 2012, Ko Samui was granted municipal status and thus is now locally self-governing. Ko Samui, with an area of 228.7 square kilometres (88.3 sq mi), is Thailand's second largest island after Phuket. In 2018, it was visited by 2.7 million tourists.

Ko Samui is in the Gulf of Thailand, about 35 km northeast of Surat Thani town (9°N, 100°E). It is the most significant island in the Chumphon Archipelago. The island measures some 25 kilometres (16 mi) at its widest point. To the north are the populated resort islands of Ko Pha-ngan, Ko Tao, and Ko Nang Yuan. Close to Bangrak in northeast Samui is the small uninhabited island of Ko Som, and to the northeast of Chaweng is the tiny Ko Matlang. To the south are Ko Taen and Ko Matsum, each of which have small tourist facilities. To the far west are 44 other islands which together compose Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park which is accessible by a day-trip boat tour from Ko Samui.

The central part of Ko Samui is mostly tropical jungle, including its largest mountain, Khao Pom, peaking at 635 metres (2,083 ft). The various lowland and coastal areas are connected by Route 4169, which is a 51 kilometres (32 mi)-long road, encircling the island. Many other concrete roads branch off from Route 4169 to service other areas.

On the west coast of the island is the original capital, Nathon, which still houses many government offices, as well as two of the island's five major piers. Nathon is the major port for fisheries and for vehicular and goods transportation from the mainland. As the site of the main port and the closest city to the mainland has made Nathon the commercial centre for Samui locals. More recently, the transition from dependence on the local coconut industry along with the continued growth and development of the tourist industry, as well as the northeastern location of the airport, has led to the increase of commercial activity in Chaweng and Bophut.

Ko Samui has a tropical monsoon climate according to the Köppen climate classification. The island has a dry season month, with the average monthly precipitation in February falling below 60 mm (2 in), the threshold for a tropical dry season month. The temperature is well above the threshold of 18 °C (64 °F) year round, indeed closer to an average temperature of 28 °C (82 °F). The climate is warm and humid for most of the year. In comparison to Phuket and most of the rest of southern Thailand, Samui's weather is relatively drier (Samui receives about 1,960 mm (77.2 in) rain per year, and Phuket gets 2,220 mm (87 in)). Phuket's wet season is spread over six to eight months. Ko Samui has only two months with more than 212 mm (8 in) of rain). The heaviest precipitation typically falls in the months of October and November. For the rest of the year, given the tropical climate, rain showers are brief; 20–60 minutes duration is typical.

Samui Airport is a private airport built and owned by Bangkok Airways, which is still the main operator and was the only airline with services to Ko Samui from mainland Thailand since the airport's construction in 1989. Due to its use of locally produced palm leaves and a natural, open-air cooling system, the terminal complex received an Environment Impact Assessment Award under the guidance of Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth. Ko Samui airport is built in an open style, drawing connections between it and traditional Thai architecture. In 2009, the airport handled 1.3 million passengers and 17,707 aircraft operations.[21] The airport is now additionally served by Thai Airways to BangkokFirefly Airlines to Kuala Lumpur and Penang, and SilkAir to Singapore.

Flights from Samui to Phuket and other Thai destinations are available, and in 2012, the Thai government announced the possibility of a second Ko Samui airport due to complaints of high airport fees.

Several ferries connect the island with the mainland, including two car/passenger ferries, and connect Don Sak to piers in the west of the island, in Lipa Noi and in Nathon. Public buses to all parts of the mainland operate from a new bus station north of Nathon. Privately operated songthaews circle the ring road like a bus service with fixed fees mostly only in the daytime, and private taxis which charged a fixed, flat fee depending on the destination.

The expansion of tourism in Ko Samui has resulted in growth of building resorts, bungalows, and luxury private villas on the island. The island's total inventory of 17,479 hotel rooms in 2013 will be augmented by an additional 459 new rooms by 2015. A gradual shift in demand is seeing more Asian visitors and families, but the top three source markets have been Germany, the UK, and Thailand, which contribute a combined 27 percent share. Bangkok Airways continues to modernise its fleet with new Airbuses, phasing out older ATR 72 propeller planes, which will provide 189,000 additional airline seats for Samui travelers. The airport has already increased the number of daily flights from 36 to 50.

The island received more than 2.5 million foreign visitors in 2017, up from 2.34 million in 2016. According to a luxury hotelier, tourists traveling to Ko Samui spend an average of 7,700 to 8,200 baht per head per day.

As of 2020, legislators in the Thai parliament have put forward a proposal to build an 18-kilometre bridge linking mainland Nakhon Si Thammarat Province with Ko Samui. The MPs claim that the project would spur economic growth in south Thailand. They propose that—if built—it be named "Chan-o-cha" in honour of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

Buffalo Fighting Festival: One of the best-known festivals on Ko Samui is the Buffalo Fighting Festival[27] which is held on special occasions such as New Year's Day and Songkran. Unlike Spanish bullfighting, the fighting on Ko Samui is fairly harmless. The fighting season varies according to some ancient customs and ceremonies. The buffalo are decorated with ribbons and gold-painted leaves. Before the contest, which lasts just two rounds, monks spray the buffalos with holy water. Gambling is often part of these events, though Gambling in Thailand is illegal.

  • Samui Regatta: The Samui Regatta is a sailing tournament held every year. The tournament is internationally known and competitors come from as far away as Australia, Singapore, Japan, and China. The event began in 2002.

  • Ten Stars Samui Art Party: A recurring cultural event bringing together art lovers, local Thai and international artists, and their artwork. The annual event, hosted at various resorts and other venues, focus on building the art community on Ko Samui, with presentations by featured artists.

  • Samui Triathlon: The International Triathlon Union organizes this event every year. This event draws more than five hundred participants from around the world.

  • Koh Samui THA Midnight Run: The Koh Samui Midnight Run is a charity run organized by the Thai Hotel Association (THA) and the Thai Association of Ko Samui (TAKS). It is a yearly event usually held in March. With up to 2,000 participants, the run is one of the biggest on Samui and in Thailand. Participants run 5 km or 10 km around the streets of Chaweng Beach. The first run was held in 2013.

  • The Koh Samui (Anniversary) Festival is held every year around the second week of September, usually in the port city of Nathon as well as in Chaweng. It includes many events such as concerts, craft fairs, Thai cultural exhibitions and a huge, free buffet set up along the island's longest beach; so big in fact, that the festival's free dinner table offering earned a Guinness World Record for largest buffet ever served, on September 12. 2017. It stretched 2.5 kilometres along Chaweng Beach on Samui. The five-day festival occurs ever year but was initially founded to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the island’s founding in 1897.

  • Koh Samui International Podcast Festival: The International Podcast Festival is held on Chaweng beach with the 2018 festival drawing a mainly international audience of several hundred people. Multiple podcasts featured, including Australian Logie award winner Dilruk Jayasinha hosting an episode of The Dollop.

Contact Eric.

ericrenepenoy@gmail.com

Based in Europe from March to October.
Based in Mexico from October to March.


Any Questions ?

FAQ

 

THE COLLECTION STARTS AT 1400 EUROS.

I offer 3 different wedding packages which come with variable hours, prints, or albums.
I can sometimes offer discounts for midweek weddings.
Please contact me and you will receive a lot of informations regarding the packages.

Please fill out your details and I will get in touch with you shortly. Thanks to let me know your wedding dates and your names, phone number and email address. If your event concerns Wedding, Engagement, Honeymoon, Trash the dress or Portrait. I would love to read your comments if you wish. 

You can also contact me on Instagram @ericrene.penoy

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