Location: Bergerac • Dordogne • Nouvelle Aquitaine
After 11 years of love, laughter, and life together, this couple chose Domaine de la Fauconnie, a private estate nestled near Bergerac, as the setting for their long-awaited wedding day. Their story traveled across the world, beginning at a university birthday celebration in 2013 and spanning travel across South America, culminating in a romantic proposal on a Copacabana rooftop. Life brought them a daughter and a challenging pause through the pandemic, making their final celebration feel even more profound.
➡️ Find out what real couples are saying about Domaine de la Fauconnie
They chose the Dordogne for its relaxed elegance and accessibility, crucial for their international guest list. Domaine de la Fauconnie, a classic destination wedding venue in the Dordogne, perfectly captured the joyful, music-filled vision inspired by Mamma Mia while honoring the need for classic, unfussy touches. The venue’s soft blue shutters provided a perfect, subtle nod to the Greek-inspired theme. This destination choice respected the effort made by their international guests, creating a feeling of communal celebration and ease. The entire day was a tribute to their enduring journey and the simple joy of finally achieving their dream.
Wedding Inspiration
- Find rustic wedding estates in the Dordogne near Bergerac
- Find bilingual wedding planners in Nouvelle Aquitaine
- Discover talented documentary wedding photographers for your destination
- Explore the FWS Magazine — 56 weddings, ad-free
Rustic Style Meets Classic Fashion by Eva Lendel
The overall styling drew heavily from the Mamma Mia inspiration, aiming for a day that felt warm, joyful, and full of rustic charm, yet perfectly balanced by the groom’s preference for classic simplicity. The venue’s soft blue shutters served as the primary color accent, creating a naturally picturesque backdrop. The Lika dress by Eva Lendel was a major focal point, providing the bride with the best of both worlds. The design featured a sleek, structured fit for the ceremony, allowing for classic photographs, while the detachable overskirt added an element of dramatic flair.
This crucial piece meant the bride could execute a soft outfit change later in the evening, ensuring comfort and ease when stepping onto the dance floor. The couple also made the thoughtful decision to use Prezola for their gift list, inviting guests to contribute to their honeymoon fund instead of traditional gifts. This decision respected the cost and effort already made by those traveling for the destination wedding. The long-awaited celebration finally unfolded, focusing on warm rustic charm, happy tunes, and the true meaning of the couple’s union after 11 years together.
Emotional Moments Captured by Photographer Frances Mary Sales
Planning an international destination wedding can be daunting, but the couple credit Perfect Day by Karen, an experienced wedding planner in Nouvelle Aquitaine, for managing the process with exceptional care. Karen provided essential patience, encouragement, and a steady hand, turning their broad ideas into a truly meaningful day. She listened closely to their original vision, supporting them through every twist and turn and ensuring all the final details came together seamlessly. Their memories were beautifully captured by Frances Mary Sales, a talented documentary wedding photographer in the Dordogne, whose warm, sincere style brought every quiet detail and genuine emotion to life.
Frances Mary Sales’s focus on a documentary approach ensured that the story of their wedding—from the music-filled atmosphere to the relaxed elegance of the event—was captured authentically. The energy of the day, set against the charming destination of Bergerac, was a reflection of the couple’s journey, which finally culminated in this joyous celebration surrounded by family and friends. The memory of the dance floor, where the bride moved with ease thanks to her outfit change, and the beautiful photos remain a testament to the success of their planning team.
More French Wedding Style Inspiration
- Pale Blue Celebration at Château de Courcelles le Roy in the Loire Valley
- Italian Summer Wedding at Chateau de Glairans in Burgundy
- A Chic Jewish Wedding at Château de Saint Martin du Tertre near Paris
Getting Ready
The Ceremony
The Ceremony
The Bride & Groom
The Reception
The Reception
The Design & Details
