A Relaxed Spring Dordogne Wedding at Chateau Cazenac with Amber and Sian

Two brides kiss outside at their wedding ceremony, surrounded by guests throwing confetti near a historic stone building.
Aerial view of a large historic mansion with a red roof, surrounded by greenery, a group gathered on the patio, and a swimming pool with poolside umbrellas in the foreground.

Amber and Sian’s spring Dordogne wedding took place in the rolling countryside of south-west France, at Chateau Cazenac. The day felt relaxed, joyful and deeply personal from start to finish.

Spring in the Dordogne brought warm sunshine, fresh greenery and soft light, creating an easy, unhurried atmosphere. Everything flowed naturally, with space for connection, laughter and time together.

Photographing a spring wedding in the Dordogne like this one is always a joy. Days like Amber and Sian’s feel grounded and honest, and that’s exactly how I love to work.

Aerial view of a large country estate surrounded by trees and gardens, with rolling hills and fields in the background under a clear sky.
A stone building with a round tower is covered in green ivy, featuring white shutters and surrounded by greenery under a clear sky.
Elegant living room with ornate ceiling, chandelier, blue sofas, armchairs, fireplace, large mirror, paintings, and tall windows with beige curtains.
Rows of white chairs are set up along a tree-lined outdoor aisle on a dirt path, with green grass and distant landscape visible in the background.

the couples vision for their Spring Dordogne wedding


Amber and Sian wanted their wedding to feel welcoming and easygoing, rather than formal or traditional. Creating a day that felt comfortable and meaningful for their family and friends mattered most to them.

Both outfits felt completely personal. Sian chose her dress from a boutique she instantly connected with, while Amber worked closely with a designer to create a bespoke two-piece suit. Their choices felt natural and true to who they are.

There was a strong DIY element throughout the day. Amber and Sian created their florals themselves, and close friends took care of hair and makeup. These thoughtful details added warmth and intimacy. The colour palette of blues, purples and whites sat beautifully against the stone of the chateau and the surrounding landscape.

Chateau Cazenac offered the freedom they were looking for. With its gardens, open spaces and views across the Dordogne Valley, it suited their vision for a relaxed spring wedding perfectly.

A white sleeveless blazer with a belt hangs on a hanger in front of a standing mirror near a window with curtains.
A person in a sleeveless outfit holds a crystal glass of beverage near a window, smiling. The image is in black and white.
A white, floral-patterned wedding dress hangs on an ornate mirrored wardrobe in a well-lit, elegant room.
A woman in a wedding dress sits on a chair and adjusts her shoe in a bright room with a window and curtains.
A bride in a white floral wedding dress smiles while a man in a suit stands behind her, adjusting her hair in a bright room.
A bride in a white, floral-patterned gown holds a cascading bouquet of blue and white flowers while standing by a window and looking outside. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
A bride stands facing an older man in a suit, who appears emotional with his hands covering his mouth, in front of a large ornate mirror. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
A bride in a white lace dress and veil holds a bouquet of white and purple flowers, smiling indoors with blurred BRIDE balloons in the background.
A bride in a white lace wedding dress and veil holds a large bouquet of blue and white flowers while standing by a stone staircase indoors. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer

Wedding Ceremony at ChAteau Cazenac


The ceremony took place in a tree-lined part of the chateau gardens on a warm, sunny spring day. It was led by a local celebrant who created a personalised ceremony focused on their love and relationship. The tone was relaxed, easygoing and fun. Being a ceremony with two brides, it naturally moved away from tradition and centred on what felt right for them. There were plenty of happy tears throughout the ceremony, shared by both the couple and their guests, making it such a beautiful ceremony to photograph.

Two people stand under a floral arch outdoors; one wears a white suit and the other a light green dress. Both are smiling, surrounded by greenery and trees in the background.
A person in a white suit stands outdoors with hands in pockets, eyes closed, and a neutral expression. Trees and foliage are visible in the background. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
A bride in a white dress walks down an outdoor aisle on the arm of an older man, surrounded by guests dressed in formal attire, under a canopy of trees. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
Two women stand outdoors at a wedding ceremony; one in a dress holding a bouquet, the other in a suit. Guests are seated in the background among trees. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
Two women in wedding attire, one in a suit and the other in a lace dress, hold hands and stand side by side.
Two brides kiss under a floral arch during an outdoor wedding ceremony, surrounded by seated guests and tall green trees. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
Two brides walk down the aisle together outdoors, surrounded by guests seated and standing among trees, clapping and celebrating their wedding. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
Two brides hold hands and smile at each other while walking outdoors during their wedding ceremony, surrounded by guests and trees. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer

Drinks Reception and Portraits at ChAteau Cazenac

After the ceremony, guests gathered in the chateau courtyard for confetti and the drinks reception. The atmosphere felt lively and relaxed, with people chatting, catching up and enjoying the spring sunshine. Family photographs took place at the chateau gates, using the chateau as a backdrop. It all flowed naturally from the drinks reception, with guests chatting close by and nothing feeling drawn out.

Towards the end of the drinks reception, Amber and Sian took a break from their to take a few couple portraits around the chateau grounds. We kept these portraits relaxed and natural, true to how they are as a couple.

Two brides kiss outside at their wedding ceremony, surrounded by guests throwing confetti near a historic stone building. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
A group of people gathers outside a stone chateau with turrets on a sunny day, surrounded by trees, umbrellas, and garden furniture. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
Four women stand outdoors in front of stone buildings; one wears a wedding dress, another a white suit, and two wear matching blue dresses, all holding bouquets. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
Five women stand together outdoors in formal attire, with one holding a bouquet of flowers. They are smiling and appear to be at a wedding or formal event.
Aerial view of a historic stone chateau with a red-tiled roof, surrounded by trees, gardens, and people gathering under white umbrellas in the courtyard. Rolling hills in the background. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer

Drinks Reception and Portraits at ChAteau Cazenac

Dinner was held outside at the side of the chateau, overlooking the Dordogne Valley. Two long tables, along with a sweetheart table for Amber and Sian, made it feel intimate and easy, with everyone gathered together as the evening set in.

Several speeches were shared throughout dinner, bringing plenty of laughter and emotion to the table. As the night went on, the croquembouche was enjoyed outside before everyone headed into the orangerie for the party!

Two women, one in a wedding dress and the other in a suit, walk hand in hand on a grassy lawn near an ivy-covered building, with decorated tables and string lights nearby. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
A long outdoor dining table with a white tablecloth is set with glassware, plates, candles, and floral centerpieces beside a large tree in a garden setting. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
A white table with a floral arrangement of purple and white flowers, two lit candles, and small vases, set outdoors near a stone wall and trees.
Long banquet tables with white chairs are set outdoors on a lawn beside an ivy-covered building, decorated with white linens and string lights overhead.
Two women in wedding attire stand together outdoors on grass, surrounded by trees. One holds a bouquet of blue and white flowers, and both are smiling. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
Two women in wedding attire share a kiss outdoors in a sunlit, wooded area. One wears a dress, the other a suit, and they hold a bouquet of purple and white flowers.
Two women in wedding attire stand together on a rural gravel path, one in a gown and the other in a suit, holding a bouquet, with greenery and trees in the background. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
Two women in wedding dresses kiss outdoors under a large umbrella, while guests on either side wave white cloths in celebration. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
A bride and another person walk between outdoor tables while guests stand and wave white napkins in the air during a wedding celebration. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
Two brides sit at a decorated outdoor table and share a kiss under a floral arch, surrounded by flowers and candles. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
Aerial view of a large historic mansion with a red roof, surrounded by greenery, a group gathered on the patio, and a swimming pool with poolside umbrellas in the foreground. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
A bride in a white dress stands outdoors, holding a microphone and reading from a paper, while a seated guest looks on. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
Two people embrace during an outdoor event; one holds a microphone and a piece of paper. A decorated table and building covered in ivy are visible in the background.
Two people sit closely together, holding hands. One wears a floral lace dress with a bouquet of white flowers, the other wears a suit. The image is in black and white.
A person stands to deliver a speech outdoors at a wedding reception. The bride sits at a decorated table under a floral arch, surrounded by guests and trees. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
A woman in a light, patterned dress sits at an outdoor table, resting her hand on her mouth and looking ahead. Another person stands in the foreground, partially out of focus. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
Two women, one in a white jumpsuit and the other in a wedding dress, walk hand in hand outside a stone building with an open wrought iron gate. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
Two women in wedding attire stand outdoors at sunset, embracing and sharing a kiss in a garden with green grass and blooming flowers. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
Two people in wedding attire embrace outdoors. One wears a sleeveless lace dress; the other wears a white sleeveless outfit. Their arms are wrapped around each other.
Two people stand close, holding hands. One wears a white lace dress and a pearl bracelet; the other wears a white suit and a silver bracelet. Both have manicured nails and rings. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
Two women in white dresses embrace and kiss outdoors by a stone wall, with trees and a grassy landscape in the background. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
Two women in formal attire embrace and kiss outdoors near a stone wall, with trees and a pathway visible in the background. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
Two brides stand smiling in front of a croquembouche with sparklers, surrounded by guests outdoors at a wedding celebration. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
A bride in a long gown dances on a checkered floor surrounded by guests in dresses, inside a bright room with large windows. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
Two women in wedding dresses dance together on a checkered floor while guests watch and smile in a brightly lit room. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
Aerial view of a countryside estate with several buildings, circular driveway, gardens, and surrounding fields, under a clear sky. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
A group of people in formal attire kneel and laugh together on a checkered dance floor at an indoor event.
Two women in formal dresses stand close together under string lights between trees at night, in a grassy outdoor setting. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer
A stone chateau with a round tower and pointed roofs is illuminated at night, surrounded by manicured lawns, trees, and small outbuildings. Spring Dordogne Wedding Photographer

A Relaxed Spring Dordogne Wedding, Captured Naturally

Amber and Sian’s wedding was a beautiful example of how a spring wedding in the Dordogne can feel both effortless and deeply personal. I take a calm, unobtrusive approach, allowing days like this to unfold naturally while capturing the moments as they happen. If you’re planning a spring wedding in the Dordogne and are looking for photography that feels relaxed and honest, feel free to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you!

kind words from the couple

‘”We honestly can’t recommend Frances enough! Her work is absolutely stunning and she has an amazing ability to capture the day so organically. The gallery she delivered was beyond perfect, and every photo beautifully captured the energy and emotion of each moment. Our friends and family have not stopped talking about how incredible the photos are.

Beyond her work, Frances is just a truly wonderful person. She brought such a calm, warm energy to the day and made us feel completely at ease. It really was like we had a close friend photographing the day. We feel so lucky to have had her as our photographer, it’s easily the best decision we made for our wedding. Thank you for everything Frances!”

Spring dordogne wedding feature

Amber and Sian’s wedding has an upcoming feature on Rock My Wedding.

VENDORS

Photographer: Frances Mary Sales
Planner: Marry Me In France
Venue: Chateau Cazenac
Amber’s Outfit: King and Allen
Sian’s Dress: Peggy Bridal Outlet
Celebrant: Sandie Smith
DJ: Simon Laurence

Contact