Location: Dordogne • Nouvelle-Aquitaine • South of France
Tom and Kate’s wedding weekend unfolded at Château Soulac, a historic hilltop estate with pool and tennis courts overlooking the Dordogne Valley, where French countryside charm met easygoing celebration. The couple, who met at university and got engaged on safari in Botswana, wanted a destination wedding that felt like a joyful escape for their 150 guests. After visiting several venues, Château Soulac was their final stop—and an instant yes. The views, the vineyards, and the warmth of the owners sealed the decision to choose this stunning wedding chateau with guest accommodation. Set in the South of France, the château provided the perfect stage for a relaxed yet deeply personal gathering among friends and family.
Wedding Inspiration
- Affordable Vineyard château weddings with countryside views in Dordogne
- Renowned French planners for destination weddings
- Natural light and fine art photographers in Dordogne
- Discover 56 real weddings in FWS Magazine
Lavender Tones and Rustic French Style
The couple’s aesthetic reflected the setting itself: natural, rustic, and effortlessly pretty. Lavender sprigs, neutral palettes, and soft florals complemented Château Soulac’s stone walls and sweeping terraces. Kate wore a gown that felt “the most relaxed” of all her options, paired with a last-minute veil and classic Roland Cartier shoes. Tom chose a blue three-piece suit by Reiss, perfectly suited for a summer day in the French countryside. Although morning rain threatened the schedule, sunshine broke through just in time for an outdoor ceremony under a garden tree. The aisle song—Here Comes the Sun—could not have been more fitting.
Captured in Warm Light by Lucy Birkhead
Cocktail hour flowed across the back terrace overlooking the Dordogne River, where guests enjoyed canapés, champagne, and music from a roaming acoustic band. Dinner followed inside the château’s barn, filled with laughter, heartfelt speeches, and dancing well into the night. Photographer Lucy Birkhead, one of the best wedding photographers working in Dordogne, documented the day with her signature blend of elegance and candour—capturing the landscape, the emotion, and the small moments that made the celebration unforgettable. As the weekend closed, Tom and Kate escaped to nearby Corsica for a honeymoon filled with sea air, storytelling, and memories they’d relive again and again.
More French Wedding Style Inspiration
- Luxury Provençal Garden Wedding at Airelles Gordes
- A Parisian Intimate Wedding at the Breathtaking Chateau de Villette
- A Timeless White Wedding at Abbaye Saint Eusebe
