I honestly don’t even think I have the right words to open up this next jaw-droppingly beautiful feature. The gushy words that generally come so easily when I spy a pretty wedding have left the building. Totally and completely disappeared as this is a bring-you-to-tears, squeeze your hubby tighter love story like none you’ve ever seen. An engagement session in Paris. Photographed by Jose Villa. A wedding to follow. Filmed by Elysium. Designed by Michelle Rago. And a so-crazy-gorgeous-it-will-literally-make-you-gasp gown. Oh and a croquembouche with sparklers. Yep, a freaking croquembouche with SPARKLERS people. I told you, it’s beyond words. So sit down, grab a cocktail and prepare to die from total lovely overload. And click here if you need even more.
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Carolina + Jaime’s Highlights // Destination Wedding Paris from Elysium Productions on Vimeo.
From the beautiful bride…Paris holds a special place in my heart. It’s where my husband proposed on my birthday in 2009. During that magical holiday, my father asked me to visit L’Eglise de Saint-François-Xavier to light a candle for St. Madeline Sophie, founder of the Society of the Sacred Heart. As soon as we entered this exquisite church,Jaime and I knew it was the place we wanted to be married. The City of Lights, nothing could be more inspirational!
We were married on March 19, 2011. Our reception was at France-Amériques, a gorgeous Parisianmaison near the Champs-Élysées and now a private club for French and American opinion leaders. You can feel the history and the mixing of cultures in the grand halls and limestone terraces. Because weather in Paris is unpredictable in March, France- Amériques provided beautiful indoor spaces, intimate gathering places and a dining room to accomodate dinner and dancing. Parisian wedding venues tend to be small. France- Amériques, was an ideal venue for our party of 200 — our guests traveling to join us from the US, Latin America and beyond.
We embraced the regal look to reflect the 19th century and the golden age of Napoleon III when this stunning home was built. Large chandeliers graced the dining room and tables were decorated with twinkling crystal candelabras. Our flowers were simple yet elegant: deep red, purple and gold. The room, so ornate with its gold engraved walls and fresco paintings made the most dramatic statement.
I was most delighted with the details, such an important part of the effect and what made the evening so spectacular. The amber lighting emphasized the gold filligree in the moldings. around the tables were gold Louis XVI dining chairs, upholstered with red velvet button — the tufted cushions set a romantic mood and brought the elegance of the era to life. My dress was custom made by Parisian haute couture designer, Zuhair Murad and it weighed over 20 lbs. The handmade silver, antique white and gold embroidery truly channeled the uniqueness of Paris.
Event Planning: Michelle Rago Destinations / Photography: Jose Villa Photography / Videography: Elysium Productions / Dress: Azzedine Alaïa via Neiman Marcus / Shoes: Christian Louboutin via Neiman Marcus / Jaime morning frac: custom made from Damiani /Jaime shoes: Damiani / Caro Headpiece: special order from Maria Elena Headpieces / Caro Veil: Zuhair Murad Haute Couture / Dress Engagement Photos Shoot: Azzedine Alaïa Neiman Marcus / Shoes Engagement Shoot: Christian Louboutin Neiman Marcus / Caro’s Hair: Katia Quintero at OM Beauty / Caro’s Makeup: Eric Cuesta at Neiman Marcus / Church: Saint Francois Xavier / Reception: France Amerique / Rehearsal Dinner: Maison Blanche / Flower Production : Hervé Chatelain / Paperie: Ceci New York / Rentals: Options / Macaroons: Laduree / Piece Monte: Fauchon / Lighting and Sound: Magnum / Film Work: Richard Photo
