An intimate France destination wedding in Bourg-Charente – timeless moments, local flavors and warm countryside charm.
France / Nouvelle-Aquitaine / Bordeaux / Bourg-Charente / The Riverside Priory
Paulina & Dane
Paulina and Dane celebrated their wedding at The Riverside Priory (Le Prieuré) in Bourg-Charente, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, a peaceful corner of the French countryside not far from Bordeaux. This was my second time photographing a wedding at this beautiful priory, and it was a pleasure to return after being recommended by Dominic, the owner.
Their day was warm, relaxed, emotional and filled with small personal touches – from translations for the Polish family to an unplugged ceremony sign and a long-table dinner setup newly built by the venue.
The couple has been together for a decade and flew in from the UK with a group of wonderful guests who made the whole celebration feel easy and genuinely joyful. Before the wedding, Paulina shared her Pinterest mood board with me, and we shaped the day to match her vision of natural, candid, documentary-style images.
I flew into Bordeaux a few days early with my girlfriend for a small city break, and coming back to the priory felt familiar in the best possible way – calm, rustic, and surrounded by vineyards and Cognac country. We even had a chance to taste some local Cognac, made just a few minutes from the venue.
This is exactly the type of French countryside wedding I love photographing, and I hope to return many more times.
Getting Ready & Details
The day began with relaxed preparations inside the priory, where I captured details, morning atmosphere, drone views of the estate, and separate getting-ready moments with the bridal party and groomsmen. Paulina’s bridesmaids and Dane’s groomsmen created a warm, supportive atmosphere from the very start.
Riverfront Ceremony
At 3pm, guests gathered by the river for an unplugged ceremony led by a close friend. A second friend gave a heartfelt speech, while Paulina’s Polish family followed along with printed translations. The setting was quiet, emotional, and beautifully personal – exactly what the couple wished for.
Cocktail Hour & Live Music
After the ceremony, everyone enjoyed bruschetta, champagne and two hours of live cello music in the garden. The mood was relaxed and joyful, with guests exploring the grounds and catching up under the warm September light.
Couple Session Around the Priory
We took a short walk through the estate and inside the main building for portraits – soft light, stone walls, and the rustic charm that makes this venue so special. Everything felt natural and effortless.
Long-Table Dinner
The venue prepared a brand-new long table under a roof beside the main building. Guests welcomed the couple by waving napkins, speeches followed, and the atmosphere quickly turned lively. The priory roasted a whole pig for dinner, adding a touch of local tradition to the meal.
Cake, Dancing & Sparkler Moment
The traditional French wedding cake was served just before the dance floor opened inside the main building, where cocktails were prepared fresh by the catering team. Around midnight, Paulina and Dane walked through a sparkler tunnel – one last bright moment before the party continued into the night.
Thank you for browsing this beautiful celebration at The Riverside Priory. Capturing weddings in France – especially in the Bordeaux and Nouvelle-Aquitaine region – is always a special experience for me. If you’re planning your own destination wedding in France, I would love to document your story with the same relaxed, timeless approach.
