We’ve seen our fair share of weddings set in the City of Lights, but this destination affair photographed by Clary Pfeiffer is going down as my absolute favorite. A mix of old world romance and modern luxury, it’s a day you’d probably never guess was primarily planned by the couple and their vendors via email – with a little help from Google translator along the way! Get your swoon on in the gallery right here.
From The Bride… If one were to ask about the idea of a destination wedding in Paris – elopement or intimate wedding – my advice would be: DO IT! It was the best decision that I could have made. The beautiful, old world architecture was perfect for wedding photographs, the most Michelin star chefs per square capita in the world was perfect for a gourmet wedding meal, and the romance of the city makes Paris a wedding destination second to none. In addition to these reasons, we originally chose Paris as a honeymoon destination because my groom is in the food and beverage industry, and we planned to indulge in the finest culinary creations in the world. In researching Paris as a wedding destination, I thought: How daring, romantic, luxurious, and unforgettable!
Three things to note about Paris…(1) There are strict residency and legal requirements to get married in Paris, but nothing is stopping you from getting married in the U.S. beforehand and having a symbolic ceremony with a celebrant in Paris; (2) Many vendors and venues are closed for part of July and the entire month of August; (3) Google translate via email will become your best friend as many vendors prefer to communicate in French. The good news – you could plan your own wedding in Paris mainly via email as I did with patience and persistence.
In 1826, Chapelle Expiatoire was constructed in memory of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. The old world architectural features, acoustics, natural lighting, and circular structure are perfect for an intimate ceremony. Violinist Rodolfo Benitez played some of our favorite classical music to include Ludovico Einaudi.
We could not marry in Paris without obtaining wedding photographs in front of Lady Eiffel and Pont des Arts. Clary Pfeiffer, our wedding photographer, was amazing about placement and poses, incredibly professional and hardworking, and fun to be around. I was drawn to Clary Pfeiffer’s photography because she captures romantic photographs using soft light at flattering angles. The Eiffel Tower, riddled with tourists, added to the character of the photographs. We followed tradition at Pont des Arts, and enclosed a heart-shaped locket with our names and the wedding date on a chain link of the bridge, and made a wish upon the skeleton key as it was launched in to the Seine.
During our photography session, we sent our guests on a tour of Paris in a luxury vehicle with an English-speaking tour guide and champagne. The tour included all of the major sights in Paris.
The Four Seasons Paris George V offered us the most comprehensive and attractive wedding package of all luxury hotels in Paris. I have never experienced luxury, first class service, exquisite French design, and mind-blowing cuisine as during my entire wedding experience at the Four Seasons Paris. The reception took place in Salon Anglais modeled after the library at Versailles. Jeff Leatham created an amazing floral design. Our decadent wedding meal was the best I have ever had to include foie gras, sea bass, filet mignon, and chocolate mousse cheesecake. Violinist Rodolfo Benitez provided amazing music from Bob Marley to Lauryn Hill.
Photography: Clary Pfeiffer Photography | Invitations: Smitten on Paper | Ceremony Venue: Chapelle Expiatoire | Reception Venue: Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Makeup: Clotilde Sourisseau | Hair: Harold James | Bride's Bodice : Monique Lhuillier | Bride's Custom Skirt: Green And Blue Studio Couture | Engagement And Wedding Rings: Eli Jewels | Florist For Ceremony: Amaryllis Fleurs | Groom's Tux: Tribut Ives Saint Laurent | Porsche Rental : AAA Luxury Car Rentals | Violinist : Rodolfo Benitez