Effortlessly chic black-tie wedding in the french countryside
You know that effortlessly chic thing that the French do so well? That vibe is exactly what inspired this couple to host a wedding in the French countryside. Instead of fussing over color palettes, they decided to let the natural beauty of their destination shine through by keeping everything monochromatic. Keep reading to hear all about how they managed to keep this black-tie wedding feeling laid-back and to see more of these dreamy photos by Clémence Aresu.
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the vibe: laidback romance
Lucy and Dan traveled from abroad to celebrate their wedding at Clos des Charmes, a romantic estate nestled in the heart of the Dordogne. Drawn to its blend of rustic French charm and modern elegance, they envisioned a celebration that felt timeless, stylish, and deeply personal. Their story is one of effortless balance: sophistication paired with a laid-back summer atmosphere, all shared with their closest friends and family.
Designed and planned by Made Organisation, the wedding was filled with thoughtful, unique touches: a semi-circle ceremony layout, floral arrangements by Les Renouées, custom “Wedding Post” newspapers for guests, stylish black-and-white group portraits, and al fresco dining under twinkling lights in the courtyard. A champagne tower, sparkler entrance, and personalized signature drinks added a festive and unforgettable flair.
the invitations
Cute hand-drawn illustrations of the venue and a lighthearted handwritten font on the invitations set the tone for the laid-back affair. If you want to get a drawing of your wedding venue but don't know where to start, check out Etsy!
the fashion
The morning began with excitement on both sides—Dan getting ready with his groomsmen in the venue’s game room, wearing a crisp black-and-white suit with a white jacket for the ceremony and a classic black dinner jacket for the evening. Lucy prepared with her bridesmaids in a charming château bedroom, sipping champagne as she slipped into her elegant white gown. The bridesmaids wore sleek black dresses, perfectly echoing the couple’s modern monochrome theme.
the food & drink
We rarely post food pics, but when it's this pretty... Guests enjoyed these pretty passed soups as an appetizer during cocktail hour along with cocktails, wine, and beer served with custom stirrers.
on trend: candid photography
Ok, so here's the thing. "Candid" wedding photography is a style, but to get that style, you need to be prepared for some not-so-candid prompts. Think of your photographer like a director, and you and your family are the stars. They'll give you motivation or inspiration behind a scene, and it's your job to feel it and be in the moment. And that, friends, is how you get beautiful lived-in shots like these.
words of wisdom from the happy couple
One piece of advice the couple shares: “Take a moment just for the two of you on the wedding day—it goes by so quickly, and those quiet minutes become your favorite memories.” They did exactly that, enjoying a private toast during cocktail hour before rejoining the celebration.
a sparkler entrance
We've heard of photographers staging sparkler "exits" before the actual exit, but we've never thought about just making a sparkler entrance a thing, and we love it! Like, why not get the party started with sparklers? It's a no-brainer!
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- Event Planning & Design: Made Organisation
- Wedding Photographers: Clémence Aresu
- Venues: Clos des Charmes
- Flowers: Les Renouées
- Wedding Films: Houndstooth Films
- Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Yasmin Schwitzer
- Cakes & Catering: Novelle Traiteur
- Wedding DJ: Julien Flamen
- Dress & Apparel: Suzanne Neville
- Rentals: NPA Evènements