Black and White wedding at Clos des Charmes
Nestled in the heart of the Dordogne, Clos des Charmes is a stunning venue that perfectly blends rustic French charm with modern elegance. With its beautiful courtyard, sprawling park, and both indoor and outdoor pools, it offers couples a truly versatile and picturesque setting for their wedding day.
In July, I had the honor of being the wedding photographer for Lucy and Dan’s unforgettable celebration. Traveling from abroad to the South of France, they envisioned a wedding that was elegant, modern, and timeless, with a striking black and white theme running through every detail. From the invitations to the reception décor, their vision was flawlessly executed, creating a cohesive and sophisticated atmosphere that reflected their style perfectly.
This Clos des Charmes wedding was not only a beautiful representation of their love story, but also an inspiration for couples dreaming of a refined and unforgettable destination wedding in Dordogne.
Getting Ready & First Look at Clos des Charmes
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The wedding morning at Clos des Charmes was filled with excitement and anticipation.
Dan spent the early part of the day in the venue’s game room, surrounded by friends in a lively, festive atmosphere. Between laughs and a few games of pool, he got ready for the day ahead, slipping into his classic black and white suit — a sharp white jacket paired with black trousers, a black bow tie, and a crisp white boutonnière. For the evening, he had a black dinner jacket ready for a more formal look during the reception.
Meanwhile, Lucy prepared with her bridesmaids in one of the château’s charming bedrooms. The room buzzed with energy as they sipped champagne, shared stories, and helped Lucy get ready for her big moment.
Once both were dressed and ready, the couple met for an emotional first look just behind the main building. Against a backdrop of old stone walls and blooming pink hydrangeas, Lucy and Dan shared a quiet, intimate moment before the celebrations began — a perfect start to their wedding day.
An Elegant Ceremony in the garden
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Lucy and Dan’s ceremony took place in the lush garden of Clos des Charmes, a serene and romantic setting surrounded by nature. Guests were welcomed with a refreshing drink upon arrival and guided by a beautiful welcome sign before taking their seats. On each chair, they discovered thoughtful details such as custom “Wedding Post” newspapers and elegant hand fans — a perfect touch for a warm July day in the Dordogne.
The ceremony space was arranged in a semi-circle of chairs, creating an intimate and inclusive atmosphere where everyone felt close to the couple. At the front stood a two-part floral arch covered in lush greenery and white blooms. The aisle was lined with matching arrangements, bringing depth and cohesion to the elegant black and white theme.
As friends and family gathered, the soft summer breeze and the beautifully curated details set the stage for a heartfelt and unforgettable ceremony in the French countryside.
Cocktail Hour & Stylish Group Photos
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After the ceremony, guests gathered for a lively cocktail hour at Clos des Charmes, enjoying a relaxed atmosphere filled with laughter and music. Two signature cocktails were served — a refreshing Aperol Spritz and a delicate Hugo Spritz — setting the perfect tone for the summer celebration.
While their guests mingled, Lucy and Dan took a quiet moment for themselves, savoring their cocktails and a selection of delicious hors d’oeuvres at a private table tucked away from the bustle. It was a beautiful pause in the midst of the excitement, giving them time to soak in the joy of the day.
The group photos were a true highlight, designed to reflect the wedding’s modern, black and white aesthetic. With Lucy in her stunning white gown and her bridesmaids in sleek black dresses, the images were striking and graphic. We incorporated ombrellas for a playful yet stylish touch and created bold, fashion-inspired portraits: the groomsmen smoking cigars, the bridesmaids elegantly holding cocktails — each shot full of personality and elegance.
These portraits perfectly captured both the timeless sophistication and contemporary edge of Lucy and Dan’s wedding vision.
Romantic Couple Portraits at Clos des Charmes
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Clos des Charmes offers endless beautiful backdrops for wedding portraits, and Lucy and Dan took full advantage of its charm. We began with romantic, timeless images near their ceremony arch, capturing the floral details and the elegant atmosphere of their vows.
Next, we moved to a stone wall draped with blooming roses, creating soft, intimate portraits filled with texture and depth. As the evening light began to soften, we headed to the gardens, where a majestic weeping willow provided a dreamy setting for golden hour photos.
To finish the session, Lucy and Dan let loose and embraced the moment — running hand in hand across the lawn, laughing and smiling, in a series of joyful and spontaneous images. These photos perfectly reflected their personalities and the pure happiness of their wedding day.
An Elegant Outdoor Dinner Under the Lights
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The reception took place in the courtyard of Clos des Charmes, where guests dined al fresco under a canopy of twinkling string lights. The setting was nothing short of magical, perfectly blending elegance and intimacy on a warm summer evening.
The tables were arranged in long, rectangular rows covered in crisp white linens. Lush greenery runners flowed down the center, interspersed with white floral arrangements featuring a variety of blooms for added texture. On the ground, lanterns glowed softly, adding warmth to the atmosphere. The chairs, a mix of white frames with wooden seats, complemented the modern yet timeless aesthetic.
Each place setting was carefully designed: white plates, matching napkins, and gold flatware, with a black ribbon tied delicately around each guest’s name card. The black accents were subtly repeated across the tables, bringing the couple’s black and white wedding theme to life. A beautifully designed seating chart guided guests to their places, setting the tone for an organized and stylish dinner experience.
As Lucy and Dan made their entrance, guests welcomed them joyfully by waving their napkins in the air, creating a vibrant and celebratory start to the evening. Throughout the meal — which included a starter, main course, and dessert — heartfelt speeches filled the night with laughter and emotion.
To finish on a high note, espresso martinis were served, a fun and modern twist that energized everyone for the party to come. The combination of beautiful décor, incredible food, and a lively atmosphere made this dinner an unforgettable highlight of the day.
A Sparkling Celebration to End the Night
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After dinner, the celebration moved seamlessly into the evening festivities. Lucy and Dan made a spectacular entrance, walking through a tunnel of guests holding glowing sparklers, a magical moment filled with cheers and excitement.
Before hitting the dance floor, the couple poured champagne into a towering champagne cascade, toasting to their new life together while their friends and family looked on with joy.
The party officially kicked off with Lucy and Dan’s first dance, a romantic and memorable moment that quickly turned into a full dance floor as guests joined in, dancing beneath a custom neon sign featuring the couple’s last name — a fun and stylish centerpiece for the evening.
Adding a personal touch, there were special signature cocktails created just for the night:
Hers: Cherry Amaretto Sour 🍒
His: Classic Margarita 🍸
As the music played and the energy soared, laughter and clinking glasses filled the room. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable wedding day at Clos des Charmes, blending elegance, modernity, and pure joy.
Wedding team
Planning: Made Organisation
Venue: Clos des Charmes
Floral design: Les Renouées
Photo: Clémence Aresu
Video: Houndstooth films
Beauty: Yasmin Schwitzer
Catering: Novelle traiteur
Dress: Suzanne Neville
DJ: Julien Flamen
Rentals: Npa evenements
