Eleanor & Paul’s Unique Church Wedding in the South West of France

Eleanor & Paul’s Unique Church Wedding in the South of France

When Eleanor and Paul first told me about their May wedding in the South of France, I got really excited. This couple chose the incredible Aubeterre-sur-Dronne for their ceremony venue – a church that is underground! Needless to say, I couldn’t wait to capture their vows surrounded by ancient stone and in dramatic lighting.

Here is the story of their wedding in the South West of France.

“Paul asked me to marry him in New York. I’d flown out for work and after a day of long meetings, the HR Directors asked me to have cocktails at the hotel. When we arrived though, they disappeared off to the bathroom, so I was taken to our rooftop ‘table’ alone. But I was confused, because there were no tables!

Then, all of a sudden, Paul was walking towards me and I knew he was about to propose. He must have planned it all – flights, ring, asking my parents’ permission – in one week! I was amazed he’d gone to so much trouble in so little time,” Eleanor gushes.

The couple chose the underground church of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne and the elegant Country Club an exclusive Marry Me in France venue, for their reception. “My mum read Edward Monkton’s ‘A Lovely Love Story’ and Paul’s mum read the poem, ‘Love Is’.”

Eleanor looked incredible walking down the aisle in her off-the-shoulder, lace Morilee dress.

“I’d tried on quite a few dresses but found them itchy or restrictive, but when I wore my Morilee design, I felt comfortable, relaxed and how I’d hoped I would on my wedding day,” explains the bride. Her groom looked smart and stylish in a Chester Barrie suit, teamed with tan shoes.

Six bridesmaids joined Eleanor, wearing really pretty pale blush multiway dresses. We had lots of fun taking their group photographs at The Country Club in the glorious sunshine. Because they’d tied their multiway dresses differently, shots of them walking away together were particularly lovely. It also meant I could capture their beautiful floral hair accessories too. When you spend so long choosing the details for your big day, it’s nice to document them so you can remember them too.

With the glorious May weather in the South of France on their side, the couple held their reception outside. “We named our tables after song titles, which really got our guests talking. Everyone got into the swing of it and partied to Tomorrow Wedding Band.”

After their wedding in the South of France, newlyweds Eleanor and Paul made the most of their location for a minimoon. “We spent one week in the Ile de Re for a minimoon after our wedding in May. We’ll go somewhere later in the year for our honeymoon… maybe a road trip around the United States!”

That’s the beauty of a wedding in the South of France – whether you stay for a long weekend of partying with friends and family or elope for a minimoon just the two of you, you get a glamorous, romantic getaway without the hassle of flying right after your wedding. And then, just when you’re starting to miss the wedding planning, you can get on with mapping out your dream honeymoon trip!

Take inspiration from Eleanor and Paul’s Aubeterre-sur-Dronne church ceremony and The Country Club reception.

Planning your own wedding in the South of France and like my photography style? Check out my prices and let’s have a chat – it could be your dream day I write about next!