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Francesca and Cameron have to be one of the most fun couples that I’ve photographed on their wedding day.
Joined by a crowd of excited guests, they married at Chateau de Cazenac in June this year and the entire day was laid-back and full of laughter. If you’re dreaming of a South West of France wedding in a stunning location that is relaxed and filled with fabulous memories, this is the wedding for you. Over to Francesca!
“We wanted to get married abroad and have an intimate affair with our closest friends and family. We also wanted everyone to be staying on site or within a short walking distance. With 50 guests, this limited our venue options!” Francesca laughs.
“Once we visited south-west France we knew that was the spot. It’s warmer than the UK but still close to home and with reasonably priced flights. Once we started looking at venues we both fell in love with the stunning architecture and picturesque landscapes.”
Francesca and Cameron chose Chateau de Cazenac for their wedding venue, which suited their green and gold colour scheme down to the ground.
The bride wore a breath-taking custom-made wedding dress. “I’d tried on thousands of gowns by this point and was so specific as to what I wanted that I decided to have my own made. Luckily, a friend recommended a dressmaker who I knew I could trust with the task.”
Francesca designed a figure-hugging dress that featured a low back, plunging neckline and high split, as well as a dreamy lace bodice. She accessorised with a chapel-length veil, earrings gifted by her mother-in-law and a Cartier necklace that was a present from her groom on the day.
Cameron looked sophisticated in a navy suit and stone waistcoat. “I found a liberty print floral tie that matched the pocket squares and bridesmaids’ dresses and he wore a gold family pocket watch and chain,” reveals the bride. “Our ushers wore the same suit as Cameron with no tie. Instead, they wore their shirts slightly open – a great move with the heat on the day!”
With such a confident group of bridesmaids and ushers, I knew the group photos would be fun for this Chateau de Cazenac wedding. We got them all together to strike a pose among the trees, creating a modern twist on traditional group shots. The photos were full of energy and laughter. Cameron even ended up in the air for one photo!
Capturing this couple’s ceremony was a real treat. It was relaxed but oh-so romantic because the couple wrote their own vows.
“We had our guests laughing with us as we reflected on our relationship and our celebrant was wonderful and really got us as a couple. It wasn’t overly gushy, but Cameron and my Dad both cried. They are the two most important men in my life. It meant a lot to see them both get so emotional,” smiles the bride.
After a lovely ceremony, Francesca and Cameron kicked off the party of the century at their Chateau de Cazenac wedding. Tomorrow band performed unplugged for the ceremony, before playing the couple’s first dance to ‘Latch’ by Sam Smith outside.
“The chateau was our backdrop. It was perfect! Lydia really captured the love and laughter of our day – exactly what we asked for.
I actually found Lydia online, checked out her Instagram and really liked her style. Our wedding planner was nothing but complimentary about our choice. I felt completely reassured that I had made the right decision.
Lydia was so calming on the day and I didn’t get flustered at all like I imagined I would. Our gaggle of guests can be a little unruly. Lydia was great with the crowd and directed everyone when she needed to. She was always in control of the situation but also having fun with us all as she was doing so. Thanks so much Lydia, you’re the best!”
If you are planning a wedding in South West France please get in touch. As a wedding photographer in Dordogne it will be my pleasure to offer you advice and support.