Chateau cazenac – Lauren & Ruari

A bride and groom stand together outside a stone building. The bride wears a lace dress and holds a bouquet, while the groom wears a white jacket and black trousers. Taken by a Chateau Cazenac wedding photographer.
Outdoor dining setup with white tablecloths and wooden chairs in front of an ivy-covered stone building. String lights hang above, and the tables are decorated with flowers. Taken by a Chateau Cazenac wedding photographer.

chateau cazenac wedding photographer

Lauren and Ruari’s wedding at Chateau Cazenac was nothing short of magical. It was such a joy to be their Chateau Cazenac wedding photographer and capture their beautiful day in the heart of the French countryside. From the moment they chose their venue online – without even visiting in person – they knew it was something special. And when they finally set foot on the grounds a year later, it was everything they dreamed of and more. With its fairytale-like architecture, stunning views, and golden sunshine, Chateau Cazenac was the perfect setting for their elegant and relaxed wedding celebration.

As a Chateau Cazenac wedding photographer, my approach is always to capture moments as they unfold – naturally and authentically. Lauren and Ruari’s wedding was filled with effortless beauty, and their attention to detail made the day even more special. From the intricate lace of Lauren’s dress to the warm glow of festoon lights illuminating the chateau, every element came together perfectly. It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of their wedding and to document the love and joy that surrounded them.

chateau cazenac wedding venue

Chateau Cazenac is an extraordinary place, perfectly situated between Bergerac and Sarlat, overlooking the stunning Dordogne Valley. At its heart lies a historic castle, built between the 14th and 18th centuries. It has been meticulously restored to preserve its rich history while incorporating modern comforts. This balance between heritage and contemporary luxury makes it an exceptional setting for weddings.

Chateau Cazenac offers an unparalleled experience, blending art, nature, and architecture harmoniously. With three beautifully designed residences accommodating up to 40 guests, a spacious reception hall, a dedicated dance hall, three swimming pools, and even a tennis court. Chateau Cazenac provides the perfect infrastructure for an unforgettable celebration. Couples can take advantage of a range of services, from breakfast provisions and wine tastings to complete wedding planning support. The serene beauty and timeless elegance of Chateau Cazenac make it an idyllic location. It is simply perfect for couples seeking a romantic and immersive wedding experience in the heart of France.

the couples vision for their chateau cazenac wedding

Lauren and Ruari wanted a natural, rustic aesthetic that blended seamlessly with the chateau’s surroundings. Lauren, a bridal hairstylist herself, has an incredible eye for detail, which was evident in every aspect of their wedding. Their colour theme was inspired by the soft pastels found in nature. Lilacs, peach tones, greens, and golds were woven throughout the floral arrangements, table settings, and stationery.

Jenny from Our Fabulous Things brought their ceremony vision to life with barrel pots, planters, and crates filled with fresh lavender and greenery. Their tablescape featured potted herbs, delicate ribbed tea lights, vintage-coloured water glasses, and gold cutlery. These were all brought together with striped linen napkins and elegant menus. For her bouquet, Lauren envisioned a natural, slightly undone look. She chose a bouquet filled with lavender, honey-hued roses, and lush foliage. Long, trailing ribbons in lilac, peach, pink, and mauve added a soft, romantic touch.

As the sun set, Chris from Luminous Lighting created a dreamy atmosphere with festoon lights, lanterns, and uplighting, casting a warm glow over the celebration.

the wedding attire

For Lauren’s wedding dress, she knew she wanted a dress with intricate fabric. After trying on a few options, she fell in love with a stunning gown from the Essense of Australia collection. The thick floral lace and romantic balloon sleeves gave it the perfect blend of elegance and whimsy. For her bridesmaids, Lauren chose a ‘sunkissed’ colour palette that beautifully complemented the chateau’s warm tones. The satin and silky dresses from David’s Bridal came in shades of gold, copper, and champagne This created a stunning visual contrast against the French countryside.

Ruari, always envisioning himself in a classic tuxedo, opted for a sophisticated white jacket from Hawes & Curtis. His groomsmen and their fathers wore timeless black tuxedos. The entire wedding party looked effortlessly stylish against the chateau’s grand backdrop.

kind words from the couple

“We were over the moon with our photos. Frances Mary Sales, our photographer, perfectly captured the elegance and joy of our day. Her style was exactly what we wanted, and her friendly, laid-back demeanour put us at ease. We were thrilled to receive preview photos the next day, which beautifully captured every detail we had asked for and more.”

chateau cazenac wedding photographer feature

Lauren and Ruari’s wedding was also featured on Coco Wedding Venues.

Historic stone chateau with tower and red-tiled roof, surrounded by gardens and trees, under a cloudy sky. Pathway leads to main entrance with outdoor table and chairs. Taken by a Chateau Cazenac wedding photographer.
Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with wooden chairs arranged in rows along a tree-lined path. Potted plants and floral arrangements decorate the aisle.
A woven basket filled with pink roses and lavender rests on the ground beside wooden crates and potted plants. Chairs are visible in the background.
A rustic stone building with a red-tiled roof, surrounded by trees and a gravel path. Outdoor seating is visible on the left, and the sky is cloudy.
A man in a white tuxedo adjusts his sleeve while others in black suits prepare in the background, inside a warmly lit room.
A man in a white tuxedo jacket adjusts his buttons while another man in a tuxedo adjusts his sleeve in a room with a couch and chandelier. Black and white image.
A white lace wedding dress hangs on an ornate mirrored wardrobe in a softly lit room.
Elegant gold slingback heels with bow details, sheer fabric, pearl earrings, a heart-shaped lock, gold hair clip, and a black and white bottle are arranged on a light floor.
Bride in a lace wedding dress adjusts her sleeve while standing in front of a large ornate mirror.
A group of people in formal attire react with surprise and happiness as they look at a bride in a room with wooden flooring and large windows.
Bride hugs a smiling man holding flowers while two bridesmaids watch and a child stands by the door in a room with cream-colored walls.
Bride in a lace gown descends a stone spiral staircase holding a bouquet of flowers.
A bride in a white gown and a man in a tuxedo walk down an outdoor aisle, surrounded by smiling guests.
A wedding scene in black and white. A person in a white suit appears emotional, covering their face. Others stand nearby, including a child in sunglasses. Trees and chairs are in the background.
Outdoor wedding ceremony in a wooded area, with a couple standing before an officiant. Guests are seated on wooden chairs, lining the aisle covered in natural terrain. Taken by a Chateau Cazenac wedding photographer.
A couple stands holding hands during an outdoor wedding ceremony, with the officiant behind them. They are surrounded by guests and floral arrangements.
A bride and groom exchange rings outdoors during a wedding ceremony, surrounded by seated guests.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand down an outdoor aisle lined with guests. The bride wears a white lace dress, holding a bouquet. The groom is in a white jacket and black pants.
A newlywed couple embraces joyously on a tree-lined path, surrounded by applauding guests in formal attire. The bride holds a bouquet, and the groom wears a white suit.
A smiling bride and groom walk hand in hand, surrounded by guests showering them with flower petals. The bride holds a bouquet, and the groom wears a white tuxedo jacket.
A bride and groom kiss outdoors while guests celebrate by throwing flower petals. The bride holds a bouquet with pink and orange flowers.
A bride in a lace veil is hugged by a woman with short blonde hair holding a bouquet and fan, surrounded by onlookers in a garden setting.
Two people in suits, one in white and one in black, walk arm in arm toward a gathering outside a historic stone building.
People socializing at an outdoor event in front of a historic stone building with umbrellas, trees, and greenery.
Bride in white lace gown stands with five bridesmaids in beige and pink dresses, each holding a bouquet, outside a stone building with an ornate gate.
A group of six men in formal attire, including tuxedos and bow ties, stand together outside near a historic stone building. One man in the center wears a white jacket. The scene is in black and white.
Outdoor dining setup with white tablecloths and wooden chairs in front of an ivy-covered stone building. String lights hang above, and the tables are decorated with flowers.
Outdoor dining table setup with wooden chairs, white tablecloths, and potted plants as centerpieces. String lights hang above, and a stone wall with trees is in the background.
Elegant outdoor banquet setup with long tables, white tablecloths, floral centerpieces, candles, and diningware. Surrounded by greenery and ambient string lights above.
Outdoor gathering with people seated at a long table decorated with flowers. String lights overhead, scenic view in the background.
Guests waving napkins at an outdoor event, seated at decorated tables with flowers, against a background of a vine-covered building adorned with string lights.
A bride in a lace dress and a groom in a white jacket walk hand-in-hand outdoors, surrounded by trees and benches.
Guests seated outdoors at a wedding reception in front of a large ivy-covered stone building, listening to a speaker.
Man in a tuxedo speaks into a microphone outside a stone building with large windows and a lantern.
A group of people dressed formally, sitting outdoors at a table. The background shows greenery and a landscape.
People sitting at an outdoor event, laughing and looking towards the right. Tables are set with plants and drinks.
A large group of people seated at a long outdoor table raise their glasses in a toast. String lights hang above, and the setting appears festive and sociable.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand outdoors. The bride wears a lace wedding dress and veil, holding a bouquet. The groom is in a white jacket and black pants. Trees are in the background.
A couple in wedding attire walks hand in hand on a grassy path surrounded by trees, with the bride wearing a lace gown and veil, and the groom in a white suit.
A bride and groom embrace outdoors on a sunny day, surrounded by trees. The bride is in a lace gown and veil, holding a bouquet, while the groom wears a white suit.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand toward a stone castle, surrounded by trees and a lantern hanging above.
A couple in wedding attire stands smiling in front of a historic stone building with white shutters and a red-tiled roof. The groom holds a bouquet of flowers.
A bride and groom stand together outside a stone building. The bride wears a lace dress and holds a bouquet, while the groom wears a white jacket and black trousers.
A couple in formal attire stands near a stone wall, holding hands and gazing at each other in a park. The woman wears a long, lace gown. Black and white image.
A couple in formal attire shares a kiss outdoors. The woman wears a lace dress, the man a suit. Theyre standing by a stone ledge with trees and a road in the background.
A bride and groom pose outdoors, surrounded by standing guests in formal attire, with paper lanterns and trees in the background.
A man and woman dance happily together, with the man holding a drink. Another couple is dancing closely in the background.
Three women dance and smile in a room with a stone wall. One woman raises her arm while holding a drink, and all appear joyful. Black and white image.
Outdoor evening gathering with string lights and people near a building surrounded by trees. The setting appears festive, with lanterns hanging across the area.

VENDORS

Photographer: Frances Mary Sales
Planner: Marry Me In France
Venue: Chateau Cazenac
Videographer: Clique Visuals
Hair Stylists: Sally Drummond/Lauren Spriddle
Makeup: Kerry at The Loft and Jenny Tanner Makeup and Beauty
Dress: Essense of Australia from Kudos Bridal
Earrings: Pearl & Hugo
Florist and Hire: Our Fabulous Things
Celebrant: Claudia Bowden
Daytime Music: The Highlights
Catering: Chez Amis Catering
Evening Music: Mixology Sax & DJ

Contact