I had the pleasure of joining Klara and Pablo in France to capture their Dordogne wedding. The drive to Chateau de la Bourlie left me in awe. There are not enough words to explain the beauty of both the Chateau and the Dordogne region. Red poppies pop up in every nook and cranny, wheat fields dance with wildflowers, and rivers meander through open countryside, lined by stone houses nestled into cliffs. It is truly breathtaking. The charm is only amplified by the warm-hearted locals who willingly assist with everything, and who not only appreciate my sparse French but appreciate the effort haha!

Arriving at La Bourlie just before a thunderstorm mirrored the flow of the wedding day. As laughter breaking the evening silence I walked toward it, seeing a beautiful old barn in front of me. When I walked in I could feel Klara’s joy as she hung Mexican paper bunting. It was then that I sensed this wedding would be nothing short of amazing.

This celebration seamlessly blended South African and Mexican influences. Klara embraced her South African heritage with stunning proteas and a dress by South African designer Kobus Dippenaar. Pablo’s Mexican roots shone through papel picado, hand-punched paper folk art which was adorning the barn ceiling – brought from Mexico by Pablo’s family, it was truly spectacular!

The meticulous effort Klara and Pablo invested in their guests was remarkable. Destination weddings have all sorts of logistical challenges yet these guests, who travelled from all over the world, had the time of their lives!

For those considering a Dordogne wedding or any event in the French countryside, choose your month wisely. Having visited France a few times, I’ve seen distinct weather patterns. Opt for July and August for hot weather or, conversely, September and October for milder temperatures. Keep in mind though: hot weather will however bring thunderstorms that, while brief, can disrupt outdoor weddings.

If you’re looking for a remarkable chateau for a Dordogne wedding, La Bourlie is hands down the ideal choice! Lucy and the team were exceptionally kind whilst attending to our every need. Working with genuine and down-to-earth people, especially the La Bourlie team, is truly a pleasure.

Wedding service providers for this Dordogne Wedding in the South of France who are particularly amazing:

• Venue: Chateau de la Bourlie
• Dress: Kobus Dippenaar
• Suit: Oliver Brown
• Florist: Agnes Laye

Some equally beautiful and adventurous weddings in case you need some more inspo: