A South of France Wedding at La Leotardie – Lauren & Nils’ Incredible Day

We never need an excuse to head to the South of France, so when Lauren and Nils asked us to capture their South of France wedding, we started counting down the days. Their dream destination? The beautiful La Leotardie, a secluded French wedding venue tucked away in the Dordogne Valley, surrounded by a thousand acres of serene woodland. But their wedding didn’t unfold quite as expected. In fact, it turned out to be one of the most extraordinary stories we’ve ever had the privilege to be part of.

An Unforgettable Wedding Against the Odds

Just two weeks before their wedding in France, Lauren suffered a severe leg break and underwent urgent surgery only days before they were due to travel. On top of that, the forecast for their wedding day predicted record-breaking heat — and France delivered, peaking at a staggering 48°C. With flying no longer an option due to her injury, it seemed the day might not go ahead at all. But Lauren and Nils were determined. They made the journey to their Dordogne Valley wedding by car with their loved ones, arriving at La Leotardie ready to celebrate. Their strength, positivity and resilience were nothing short of inspiring.

Making the Most of a South of France Wedding

We’re lucky to travel for weddings across Europe, but it’s never just about the beautiful locations — it’s about the people. Lauren called us before the wedding, understandably anxious about how her injury might affect their photos. The only advice we could offer was simple: be present, be yourselves, and live every moment of the day with your people. That’s what always makes the most memorable images. And that’s exactly what they did. Despite being in pain and barely able to stand by the evening, Lauren’s joy radiated all day long. You’d hardly know the challenges they faced looking at the photos — both she and Nils were completely immersed in their wedding, soaking up every second of their long-awaited celebration.

A Dordogne Valley Wedding to Remember

This wedding in the South of France was one we’ll never forget. From the stunning location at La Leotardie to the way Lauren and Nils poured their hearts into the day despite everything, it was a reminder of what weddings are really about — love, connection, and making the best of every moment. If you’re planning a destination wedding in France, especially somewhere like the Dordogne Valley, we can’t recommend La Leotardie enough — and we’d love to hear about your plans.

Here’s a few favourites…
L&T