Paris Wedding Ideas and Inspiration - Style Me Pretty

Destination Wedding in Paris from Mademoiselle Fiona

Paris is always a good idea; especially when contemplating where in the world to hold your destination wedding. Romance is woven into the very fiber of the city and Mademoiselle Fiona has captured that je t’aime fervor in the most beautiful way. Her images make the details designed by Mon Plus Beau Jour sparkle extra bright. And the film captured by Duncan Wolfe? Well that’s the sweet little beret on top of this Parisian affair. See it below along with even more imagery from the day in the full gallery.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/76553921 600 338]

Colors

Seasons

Summer Weddings

Settings

Outdoor Weddings

Styles

Romantic

From the Bride… My fingers are hovering over the keyboard and I’m at a loss – how do I describe our perfect day? Our wedding was held on the banks of the Seine on Friday, August 2nd, 2013, one of the hottest days in Paris: the city we fell in love with and the city we fell in love in. The shade from a beautiful old tree created the perfect amount of relief from the sun as we exchanged our vows in front of our closest friends and family. It was perfect for us. It was the best day of our lives.

We spent a week in Paris leading up to the wedding in a beautiful apartment in the Marais. It was truly a mixed bag of emotions: excitement, nerves, laughs, occasional stress… but most of all a lot of love. We couldn’t have pulled it off without all of our family and friends; they literally made our wedding day. It was very important to us to keep everything simple with a lot of personal touches – Paris does provide quite the scenic backdrop, after all. We hit the jackpot with all of our vendors. Our incredible photographer, Mademoiselle Fiona, and our amazing videographer, Duncan Wolfe, were able to capture all the love, joy, and celebration through their beautiful work. I am still in disbelief that we were fortunate enough to work with these magnificent artists. What Duncan created for us leaves me speechless – the joy I feel every time I watch our video is indescribable. How Fiona was able to photograph all the love we felt on our wedding day is beyond me. Every picture is perfect. Our video and photographs are a way to relive this perfect day for lifetimes to come – I am so grateful.

Carrie Barker of Pink Toast Ink and Marie-Emilie of Mon Plus Beau Jour went above and beyond to create the perfect atmosphere for our big day. I truly believe that Carrie had a window into my thoughts when she created all of our paper details for the wedding. From the gold tins holding the amazing flower arrangements, the balloon table number cut outs to the beautiful lavender escort cards and the hand crafted menus – every inch of the ceremony and reception was a reflection of us and our collaboration with these two talented women. Marie-Emilie was with us every step of the way and I can’t thank her enough for everything she did for us. I am in awe of everyone, Fiona, Duncan, Marie, and Carrie and their talents – our day wouldn’t have been the same without them.

Our very dear friend and Brian’s best man officiated our wedding; laughter and tears were a constant theme during the short but very personal ceremony. Lavender seeds were tossed, which were both beautiful and fragrant while Queen’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” wrapped it all up. To this day, Brian and I can’t smell lavender without thinking of our special day. We all walked over the bridge and down the river 10 minutes to our beautiful reception site, a restaurant on the water called Le Quai where we dined, laughed, sang, and danced until 2:00am. At midnight we passed out mini bottles of champagne with straws that read “Merci!” and “Midnight in Paris” and had a midnight champagne toast with sparklers in the rain along the river.

We were both extremely emotional during the ceremony but the day was just so surreal. We kept telling each other over and over again – I can’t believe we get to celebrate our marriage in Paris – because it was so much more than a wedding – it was a celebration of our lives together. It may have been the hottest day of the year in Paris, but we wouldn’t have changed a thing. If I were to pass along any advice to anyone planning their wedding it would be don’t stress the small stuff, and savor every single moment. It goes by SO quickly. People tell you that, but you won’t realize until you’re truly IN it.

Chanel Inspired Destination Wedding in Paris from Fly Away Bride + Brosnan Photographic

Like most girls, I go weak at the knees for all things Chanel. She’s THE icon of timeless style, so to me, a Chanel-driven shoot only makes sense. Fly Away Bride, House of Hannah, and Mon Plus Beau Jour planned a Parisian fête that’s WELL beyond my wildest dreams. And the full gallery from Brosnan Photographic? Best described as a little slice of fashionista heaven.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/65604926 600 338]

From Fly Away Bride… At Fly Away Bride, our passion is destination weddings, so when we decided to produce another photo shoot, travelling to Paris from Ireland was a no brainer for us and in January, we set off on a 3 day trip to the City of Lights. Both Amy and I are huge Audrey Tautou fans and really wanted to re-create the love story between her character, Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel and Arthur Boy Capel from the 2009 movie, Coco avant Chanel. In the movie, Chanel says that I always knew I’d never get married after a heart breaking scene where Boy reveals that he is to marry an Englishwoman of considerable wealth and the shoot was really inspired by the happy ending that they never had. Along with The House of Hannah, we began dreaming and imagining what their wedding would have been like if tragedy hadn’t struck and their love for each other had overcome all.

We were able to take so much inspiration from her life and movie that the shoot took us a day and a half. Simplicity and timeless elegance were the two main elements that we tried to focus on, after all Chanel wasn’t one for frills and feathers. It was really important to us that all of the details and ideas we shot were able to translate and be re-created for a real wedding.

The white wedding dress for look one was chosen for its collared low back, two key features Chanel favoured in some of her older designs. The black sequin dress for look two was also very reminiscent of her own personal style as a young woman and inspired by the night she spent dancing with Boy at the casino. The brief for hair and make-up was to keep it very simple and natural and so we chose not to use a veil or headpiece. The fabric cake with bow detail was inspired by her craft and the stationery was heavily influenced by her signature perfume box design, Chanel no. 5.

The seating plan was made using tweed fabric squares and guest favors were miniature bottles of Chanel perfume. One of our favourite details was the guest book, a French-English dictionary where words circled corresponded to messages left on bookmarks. We wanted to include a drink and cigar bar as it was said that the Chanel No.5 bottle was inspired by one of Boys whiskey decanters and he was fond of a cigar himself. Chanel developed a love for horses and so we were thrilled when we found that Ataturk could star in our shoot. The flowers were a mixture of Juliet roses, ranunculus, anemones and Chanel’s favourite, Camellia.

We were incredibly lucky to have such an amazing team of vendors on board that really made our vision come to life. We can’t thank them enough for their dedication and we had such a great time working together.

Glamorous Elopement in Paris from One and Only Paris Photography

Truth be told, I’ve seen A LOT of weddings. But this Paris elopement pretty much takes the cake on romance. I’m talking vows in the Chapelle Expiatoire, photos by the Eiffel Tower, and glam-driven style that’s got “Carrie + Big” written all over it. And with soooo much pretty who better to capture than One and Only Paris? But don’t just take my word for it. See for yourself in the gallery of Parisian goodies right here.

Colors

Settings

Outdoor Weddings

Styles

Classic Weddings

From Audrey… Tiffany and James flew from the US with 4 of their best friends and eloped in Paris. It was fun and relaxed. Their close friend living in France was their officiant and in front of their friends they exchanged vows in the Chapelle Expiatoire. Then while driving in style through Paris we stopped in iconic locations for photos before going to the Laperouse restaurant for a delicious meal in an intimate private salon of the venue.

Photographer: One and Only Paris Photography | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Transportation: Anciennes De Prestige | Venue: Chapelle Expiatoire | Restaurant: Laperouse

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here

Vera Wang

Spring 2015

Fall 2014

View All Collections

Elopement in Paris from One and Only Photography + Fête in France

Look up the word “romance” online and I am sure you’ll land on a whole host of Parisian-inspired images. Images that conjure up dreams of running off to the Land of Love with your honey and saying “I do” amongst its pure beauty and awesomeness. A little something like this breathtaking elopement planned to perfection by Fête in France, a drop-dead gorgeous day featuring two very stunning sweeties, an amazing cake from Synie and one lovely image after another captured by One and Only Paris Photography. See them all in the full gallery.

Colors

Seasons

Spring Weddings

Styles

Classic Weddings

From the Bride… After seriously exploring options in Dallas and Seattle, Matt and I knew we wanted to elope. We wanted our ceremony to be intimate, romantic and stress-free. Enter Paris… It’s dubbed “the most romantic city in the world” so we thought, why not?! After looking for inspiration on Pinterest for a couple months, I noticed most images led me to one name: Fete in France. We hired Fete in France because their work simply speaks for itself. They were easy to work with and seemed to quickly pick up on what we were going for. Thankfully, they led us to One and Only Photography. We can’t say enough praise about this uber-talented husband and wife team. They truly made our day magical. The rest is history! Our wedding day was everything we hoped it would be and much, much more. Our only wish is that we could do it all over again! My advice to future brides is take time to envision your wedding day, gather lots of pictures and ideas to share with your vendors and/or planner, and if you’re planning an international elopement I would definitely hire a wedding planner. It’s worth every single penny!

From Fête in France… Daryn and Matt came to us from Seattle, traveling across coasts and oceans to land in Paris for their wedding celebration. Their native city was determined not to be completely left behind, so the typically Seattle weather accompanied them for their early April wedding. The bride drew inspiration from another wedding that we had planned two summers ago.

Daryn and Matt’s celebration was very chic– with plenty of their own touches of retro glamour, including a quite useful vintage mink bolero for the bride! The glamour continued from Paris’s own Saint James Hotel {a photographer’s dream!} where the couple primped and prepped to stepping out in a white Rolls Royce Silver Cloud. The couple dined at an elegant restaurant in a hotel lavished with French antiques and topped off their lovely day with a specially made Italian cream cake from Synie’s.

[dotted]

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Fete in France

View Portfolio

Paris Day After Shoot from Kristin La Voie Photography

I love Paris with all my being. So when I see a submission shot in the City of Light, I get a little bit more excited than I should probably admit. And when said submission happens to be as beautiful as this one from Kristin La Voie Photography – I stop everything I am doing to soak it all in. Join me in doing just that right here in the full gallery of images.

From Kristin… I am SO SO excited to share with you this absolutely magical day after session of Anahit & Hayk in the most romantic city in the world, Paris. Married just the day before and having celebrated in a castle in the French countryside, the next day was perfect to adventure around the city to capture their love story with all the most breathtaking Paris landmarks. A little rain couldn’t keep us away either — in fact it was perfect for their session in the city of lights, making it so incredibly authentic. I can’t get enough of this session!

Photography: Kristin La Voie Photography | Dress: David's Bridal | Location: Paris

Chic Paris Elopement from One and Only Paris Photography

I love elopements. The word alone brings a smile to my face a mile wide. So when I spotted this beautiful affair captured by the ever-wonderful One and Only Paris Photography, I was instantly mesmerized. Because this, my friends, is the epitome of elopements; exactly the way you imagine every wedding for two should be. A breathtaking bride, a dapper groom and the City of Light shining brightly in the background of every last love-filled moment of beauty. See it all right here in the full gallery.

Colors

Settings

Outdoor Weddings

Styles

Classic Weddings

From One and Only Paris Photography… A simple yet extremely elegant elopement in Paris. Josh and Brittany are Canadians who recently moved to England but wanted to elope in Paris.

From the Groom… Our wedding plans began in December 2011 on bended knee in the snow under a beautiful tree somewhere in Nova Scotia, Canada. I had spent the previous months convincing Brittany that a wedding and a proposal were years and years away. She thought we were just taking photos together, something that we did often as I had been a photographer before moving into medicine. With the camera firing away I proposed, she said yes, and I whisked her off to Montreal to celebrate our engagement.

We tried our best to plan a “normal” wedding, it felt like such a chore, trying to make everyone happy, the more we planned the less it felt like US. One night while browsing for wedding dresses, Brittany found Style Me Pretty. Her breath was taken away. Just the two of us, alone in Paris, photos by this amazing photographer. It felt like US.

“Do you want to Elope?” she asked me. “YES!” I replied.

There was no other option than Paris. We had had our second date in Paris the year before, spending a week together. It was here that we fell deeply in love. It was our city, it was US!

We spent 5 days in Paris for our wedding. It was incredible– we focused on each other and created the perfect way to start our lives together. Everything from our hotel to our dinner was perfect, nothing felt rushed or harried. We couldn’t be happier. We had heard many friends say they couldn’t wait for their wedding to be over. We felt the opposite, wishing to stop time and stay in that moment forever. It was and is the perfect way to celebrate one another.

Many thanks to our families for being so supportive and to Audrey for creating our wedding photos. They are a perfect memory of our elopement!

[dotted]

Photographer: One and Only Paris Photography | Hotel: Royal Monceau | Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Gown: Vera Wang | Cinematography: The Bride & Groom

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here

Wedding Dresses

Vera Wang

Spring 2015

Fall 2014

View All Collections

Paris Engagement Session from Aneta MAK + Mary Lee Herrington Celebrations

If you know me in the slightest, you know that given the chance, I would pick my hubby (and puppy) up and move to Paris tomorrow. I am not exaggerating one little bit. I love that city as if I grew up there, and it’s only because in a small way, I did. There is something about Paris that is different from any other place, and to see an engagement session capturing the love of two people who grew up in way there too, pulls at my heart strings like you wouldn’t believe. So this post captured by Aneta MAK and planned to perfection by Mary Lee Herrington Celebrations, goes way beyond pretty. It’s magic to me. See it all here.

Colors

Seasons

Spring Weddings

Settings

Outdoor Weddings

Styles

Modern

From Aneta MAK…As all good love stories go, Marie-Claire and Luke’s unique story started at a language school in Paris, four years ago. Stealing secret glances over their french grammar books, they realised they were meant to be and fell madly in love. A few years later, when no longer in Paris, Marie-Claire and Luke decided to return to their city of love and celebrate their story with a themed engagement shoot. With styling help from Mary Lee Herrington Celebrations, and hair & makeup by Kate Taylor, we created an itinerary full of iconic Parisian landmarks & typical french pastimes. Both avid vintage film lovers, Marie-Claire even got to recreate her favourite shot from Funny Face, paying homage to Audrey with colourful balloons and a stunning wardrobe selection beautifully styled by Mary. They were a joy to photograph – they laughed and joked and enjoyed each other’s company like true lovers should. And in true Parisian fashion, we ended our incredibly fun day sipping hot chocolate with whipped cream at the quaint Cafe de Flore, watching the world go by and soak up the city where it all begun for my beautiful Marie-Claire and handsome Luke.

[dotted]

Photography: Aneta MAK | Styling + Planning: Mary Lee Herrington Celebrations | Hair + Makeup: Kate Taylor Makeup | Balloons: Milles Fetes | Hats: Edwina Ibbotson | Marie-Claire’s Wardrobe: Vintage, Alannah Hill, BHLDN, Custo Barcelona, Banana Republic, Nine West | Luke’s wardrobe: Jules, Carmina Shoemaker, H&M, Zara

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here

BHLDN

Bridal 2016

Bridal 2019

View All Collections

Paris with Lexia Frank

So we’re more than fully aware that we’ve already showcased Paris in the past, but when you get a chance to view it through Lexia Frank’s lens you don’t DARE say no. Because the girl has a serious way of capturing the essence, the soul if you will, of each and every thing she photographs. And this series of images is certainly no exception. Oh, and there’s more right here!

From Lexia Frank… For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been in love with all things Parisian; the food, the language, the atmosphere, the crêpes, and of course the city. When my mother and sister and I decided to go to Europe for some girl bonding time, we of course wanted to throw Paris in the loop of beautiful cities. It was our last stop on a whirlwind European tour, and although we were absolutely exhausted we wasted not a minute. Laudurée was obviously a must (they are, arguably, the most famous and world-renowned pâtisserie of macarons) and it did not disappoint. Although I was saddened to hear that we were not allowed to take photographs inside the shop, we divulged in every kind we could get our hands on. Laudurée is such a ‘must’ if you travel to paris- do not miss it!

Other than beautiful window shopping and doing the normal tourist-y things, we also happened upon an intimate orchestral concert at St. Madeleine – one of the most exquisite cathedrals I’ve ever seen. There are no windows except for one beautiful skylight above the altar, where light comes streaming in. It was an extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime experience.

After filling our suitcases with little vintage french children’s toys and books (I can’t forget my little ones at home!) french scarves, and a red Parisian hat, and indulging ourselves on nutella crêpes and gelato it’s no surprise that we slept the entire way home!

[dotted]
Photography by: Lexia Frank

Jacquelyn Clark

Shangri-La Paris Inspiration Shoot from Michelle March Photography

There isn’t a city I love more than I love Paris. How can you beat a place that just happens to be the capital of style, romance and delicious dishes? It’s like the trifecta of fabulous – so I don’t blame Michelle of Michelle March Photography one little bit for planning a little shoot to capture all that fabulous during her visit to the City of Light. She teamed up with La Fabrique à Rêves and Branco Prata to create the perfect winter shoot at Shangri-La Paris, and the result? Magic. See it all here.

Colors

Seasons

Winter Weddings

Styles

Romantic

From Michelle March Photography… When I planned a surprise trip to Paris for December, I knew I couldn’t just sightsee. I reached out to Elodie, from La Fabrique à Rêves, and in a matter of days she put together the most beautiful Parisian wedding I could have ever dreamed up. Ouma Clothing made a custom dress just for this and Jannie Baltzer, who is such a visionary, created a breathtaking headpiece. Branco Prata designed an invitation suite that couldn’t have been more perfect. The Shangri-La in Paris, one of the most luxurious hotels there, coordinated with amazing vendors to put together a stunning reception in their most beautiful ballroom. From the cake to the flowers, everything was grandiose. They also let us photograph our bride and groom in their dreamy La Suite Chaillot. From there, we took over the streets of Paris in the winter. The rain (and almost snow) made everything glisten and the couple looked incredible.

[dotted]

Sarah Lavoines Paris Apartment

Sarah Lavoines is the very definition of fabulous. She is a decorator known for her insanely honed contemporary Parisian approach to design and attention to both color and quality. Her spaces tend to marry form and function in a way that feels new and fresh and utterly fabulous. And if you spend two minutes looking through her most recent projects, I’m pretty sure you’re bags will be packed and your tickets to Paris booked and ready. Thus, it goes without saying that we’re like kids in a candy store pining over the images from Sarah’s own apartment. Black and white and gorgeous all over. With so much more in the gallery.

Pictures by Francis Amiand| Made-to-measure bookcase | Table by Victoria Wilmotte | Napoleon III pedestal table

With its adjoining rooms, high ceilings, fireplaces and decorative ceiling cornices, Sarah Lavoine’s seven bedroom apartment is classic and typicallyParisian. The focus was on creating freedom of movement and colours to clearly define each space.The different openings, be it one of the many windows or doorways, which create numerous walkways, were as much a constraint to construct, without affecting the building.

Rattan lamp shades by Paola Navone for Gervasoni | Photo of a tree signed by Valérie Knight | Sofa from Puces de Saint Ouen | Old Chinese table

The flooring, walls, doors and even the doorframes succumb to the elegance of a deep black, chosen as the main theme and paired either with a clear sun flower yellow or a bright turquoise. Only the sitting room has the soberness of white walls and a natural oak floor, to contrast with the daring palette.

The furniture, which is often made to measure to adapt to the feeling of fluid movement, despite the numerous openings; the refined yet cheerful style of vintage pieces; and the design creations give the entire apartment a beautiful, unified tone and atmosphere. This ambience is relayed by large works of art or art gathered in a decisively graphic manner, which emphasise the beauty of the volumes.

Le temps qui passe’ sculpture by Nathalie Decoster | Trumeau mirror | Vintage chairs

The sitting room is black and white, symmetrical and is decorated with large works of art. The mirroring effect of the sofas placed opposite each other and the coffee tables placed side by side visually fill the space without giving the feeling of being over decorated.

The kitchen, also in black, benefits from a plastic surface imitating sisal which hides the tile flooring underneath. The table is the only splash of colour in this voluntarily sober room.

Winter Wedding in Paris from One and Only Paris Photography + Le Secret d’Audrey

When it’s Le Secret d’Audrey & One and Only Paris Photography on the agenda, I know it’s going to be the kind of day that demands sparkly shoes and a bit of bubbly. The City of Lights is at it’s prettiest when Audrey is involved. At it’s glittery, romantic prettiest. This wedding was no exception. Dripping in glamour, it’s is exactly what our dreams are made of here at SMP. Care to join us in the most amazing daydream here in the gallery?

Colors

Seasons

Winter Weddings

Settings

Ballroom Weddings Hotels + Resorts Weddings

Styles

Romantic

From the Bride… This is a second wedding for both of us and we wanted to create a special memory that was true to how we felt about each other. We both love travel, we both love Paris, and we are madly in love. We knew that during the holidays, Paris would be even more beautiful and magical, than usual, and combined with the exquisite beauty of the Hotel de Crillon, our wedding and the many festivities we planned in Paris for the holiday week we would create memories with our newly combined family and friends to share for a lifetime. It was magical, romantic, exquisite, stunningly beautiful and most of all, so much fun!!

Our dream came true thanks to Anne, and Fete in France. I could not have done it without her and the planning would not have been nearly as fun. Anne is a delight to work with and she has exceptional taste. She made everything easy and stress free, and gorgeous. My favorite activity was running around Paris with John and the kids, in the rain and wind, taking photos before the wedding. It was an adventure and nice to have the time just the five of us before the big event in the beautiful city. Audrey made us feel like superstars. We love the photos!

[dotted]

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Fete in France

View Portfolio

Paris Wedding from Polly Alexandre + Fête in France

I might be a tad bit jealous as I write this introduction to what can only be described as Paris magnificence. It’s everything you would imagine a Parisian wedding to be: exploding off the romance scale, ripe with gold details by Fête in France plus a chic combination of blooms by Sol y Flor and a sparkling croquembouche to wrap it all up. Even the Eiffel Tower makes an appearance or two. So if ever there were a wedding that I would kill to be a guest at, it most certainly would be this fête. And the images by Polly Alexandre make it all the more beautiful. Click here for the full gallery.

Colors

Seasons

Fall Weddings

Settings

Hotels + Resorts Weddings

Styles

Romantic

From Fête in France…Julie & Zak celebrated their elegant wedding in Paris and despite the November chill, they were lucky to have some soft sunshine for their photos around the City of Light with the very talented Polly Alexandre. Like many of our clients, Julie & Zak have an incredibly busy schedule, which was made even more so by a move from Washington DC to the Middle East in the middle of the wedding planning. The bright side was that they went from being 6 hours behind to 1 hour ahead, and Julie’s work brought her through Paris – a great opportunity to get her beautiful Vera Wang dress tailored and pick up some kicky peacock-blue Louboutins. Julie & Zak truly were a wedding planner’s dream: they gave great direction but were flexible, and trusted us to create a beautiful wedding day for them and their guests. They were delighted with the results and enjoyed all of the details we had brought together: Ladurée macaroons as favors, an accordionist playing classic French songs, lovely decor including gilded ferns and sparkly candles… But above all they enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends on such a happy occasion!

From Polly Alexandre: The couple met at work in Washington, and still work in the same office today, albeit thousands of miles away from their original meeting place. Their weekend celebrations kicked off with a sunset champagne cruise down the Seine They gave beautiful little goodie bags to guests filled with gifts that reflected the the past, the present and the future – America, Paris & Jordan – a Eiffel tower soap handmade by Julie’s mother, heart shaped glasses, some city of love shower gel, American gum & lip balm, and Dead Sea products from their new home. Attached to these was a custom map of Paris showing the locations of their celebrations made by the bride’s brother’s girlfriend Kaitlin Manning and it was all presented in a pretty muslin bag.

Julie & Zak were a dream to work with, and took on board my advice to schedule their couple’s portraits for during the afternoon to catch the best light. As this was a winter wedding it was a little chilly, but they were game for running round the locations I had chosen in Paris, and have such a great connection they were lovely to photograph. Once the portraits were done it was back in the warm, to sign the kettubah and for a heartfelt civil ceremony under a cream and gold canopy. From then on the celebrations began, and knowing this couple, I expect they went on long into the night!

[dotted]

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Fete in France

View Portfolio

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here

Wedding Dresses

Vera Wang

Spring 2015

Fall 2014

View All Collections

Travel to Paris with Eat Boutique & White Loft Studio

Paris. The land of love. And of baguettes and macarons and well pretty much everything sinfully delicious in the world. It’s architecture and history and layer upon layer of beauty. So lucky for us, the lovely, lovely Maggie Batista of Eat Boutique with photographs by our friend Heidi Murphy of White Loft Studio is taking us along to discover her Paris. The cafes and cobblestone streets of le Marais that she has fallen in love with and that has fallen hopelessly in love with her. And we couldn’t be more excited for the ride. Click here to see the gorgeous gallery.

From Maggie of Eat Boutique…I never daydreamed of Paris. I wasn’t the sort of girl intent on finding her love somewhere along the Seine. And after living on and off in Paris for the last few years, I must admit it’s now all I dream about, especially on gray drizzly days in the suburban hills of New England when all I want is a café perch with a marble-top table from which to watch dressy Parisians stroll through their day.

I actually met and married my love years before Paris, and our honeymoon was not at all exotic, spent savoring the sunny California wine towns north of San Francisco. But he did get to visit me in Europe and we now have our Paris moments, moments where our glances meet and we remember a brisk walk across the Pont Marie after a Sunday at the contemporary photography museum, a glass of red wine that made us completely understand why French wine rules and baguettes that will turn you off of bread from anywhere else, forever. Seriously, he’ll bite into an American-made baguette, give me one look and I know.

I suppose our time in Paris could count as a second honeymoon, but if we had been able to escape to Paris originally, younger and blurry-eyed from three days of wedding festivities, we would spend it holed up in a tiny two-room apartment in le Marais (a studio with an impossibly small kitchen) with brief exits to seek the vitals of Paris life: coffee, bread, chocolate, wine and la vie en rose.

The northern part of le Marais (informally known as the Haut-Marais) is perhaps my favorite neighborhood in all of Europe (comparative research and investigations still underway) and here is exactly where I spend my time there.

Briezh Café: Crepes are sold all over Paris but those served at Breizh Café are a bit authentic plus a bit unique, making them totally delicious. Inspired by a Bretagne boy’s chef adventures around the globe, including a stay in Tokyo, these buckwheat style galletes are a healthy and firm canvas for savory and sweet creations, appropriately washed down with a bubbly hard apple cider or, in one rare case when a best friend surprised me, a full bottle of French champagne. Reservations recommended and worth it.

Glou: On my first visit to Paris, Glou saved me from piles of bad French food (yes, there is such a thing!) and I am quite certain I could live on their warming pot au feu (French beef stew), oyster platters, homemade charcuterie, and never-failing wine list. Their Café Gourmand – a small plate of fresh-daily dessert samples and espresso – remains one of my favorites in all of Paris.

Nanashi: The lightest, healthiest lunch waits at this modern bodega-style lunch spot. Grab fresh fruit or pastries to go, or sit in the airy dining room. Coined “Le Bento Parisien”, the dishes are compact but filling, loaded with crispy vegetables, fish or meat. There are now three outposts in Paris, but I’ll always be partial to the original location on rue Charlot, around the corner from le Marais apartment where I finally considered myself at home abroad.

Café Crème: This unassuming café is actually not at all impressive, but it was my local in le Marais and could be counted on to provide friendly service, a big glass of wine and a casual, chic meeting spot for all of my friends – I’d randomly and coincidentally run into acquaintances at all hours there, especially at 1am. Perfectly cooked steaks, and that means “rare” to French, are served on slate plates, a design aesthetic that I just loved.

Ofr: When I needed a break from all the food, this little artsy bookshop charmed me with local author appearances, pretty coffee table books, a curated smattering of curiosities, and a little café in the back. The owners’ friends dropped by periodically, gathering out front with a glass of something to gab about life. I stopped in most days to get my neighborhood news.

Le Chocolaterie de Jacques Genin: Since my very first visit to the north Marais, I assert that no other chocolatier can compare to Jacques Genin. When I moved in around the corner, I always found a way to drop in as I wove my way toward the Metro. His passion fruit caramels are incomparable. The chocolat chaud (hot chocolate) is exquisite and rich, that I always end up sharing a pot.

Merci: If I had walked into funky concept store Merci during my honeymoon, I imagine that I would spend the afternoon with my husband, mentally pinning images for my someday home. Between the furniture, tabletop items and fashion, Merci crafts a dreamy domestic life that I can pine for from my table in the café and tea room. I first stumbled upon colorful washi tape here three years ago, and drink my daily coffee from glass mugs discovered downstairs with a friend.

Bonton: This is the kids-version of Merci, and worth a visit for the bright candy-colored objects on display. Truth be told, I visit for the old-fashioned photo booth in the front of the store. Ever nostalgic, I mark each visit to Paris with a strip of quick-printed sometimes smiley, sometimes wacky self-portraits.

Rose Bakery: Don’t even think of coming to Paris and not eating at Rose Bakery, especially if market-fresh salads, vegetable-dense quiches and sweet teacakes are your thing. Opened more than 10 years ago but still going strong, Rose Bakery satisfies immensely, and was on my regular lunch rotation. You can’t miss the entryway; it’s dotted with English imports (jams, teas, etc.) and one of the most colorful bakery displays in the entire city.

Café Charlot: Café Charlot comes in and out of favor with the fashion-forward set, playing host to laid-back lunches between models, editors and designers throughout fashion week. Its décor suggests busy Paris bistro but, really, it’s more gastropub in style, serving up-market takes on club sandwiches, cheeseburgers and steak tartare. The fries are well crisped and thin, brought to the table in the sweetest small metal mug.

Marche des Enfants Rouges: Just across the street from Café Charlot, the oldest covered market in Paris, established in the 1600s, is a hub of gastronomic activity everyday but Mondays in le Marais. Grab your daily fruits and vegetables at the Marche des Enfants Rouges or do as I have: settle into a counter with a plate of just-made risotto, a glass of wine and your favorite novel.

La Perle: After a day of gallery hopping up and down le Marais, I always sneak a coffee at La Perle. The service is zippy and the coffee is always good. Sit inside or grab a spot at the tall tables out front, as this corner at Rue Vieille du Temple is the unofficial waypoint between the north and south Marais; the people watching can be gripping. This used to be the typical haunt for the true fashion crowd, but after John Galliano’s drunken outburst there two years ago, the fashion set comes and goes. The crowds are absolutely maddening at night so I stick to late morning or early afternoon espressos.

Verjus: Once in a while, I do leave the confines of the haute Marais. On my last visit, I was drawn to Verjus in the first arrondissement three times in a single month. Opened by Braden Perks and Laura Adrian, hospitality veterans who used to run a smashingly successful hidden super club in their home, Verjus is a delight, serving small plates and small production wines downstairs and a nightly shifting chef-style menu upstairs. I love the option of eating by my mood, sometimes going all out upstairs or grabbing just a few bites downstairs. The food is fresh, inventive and inspired by a variety of international cuisine, a little bit of America in Paris.

Maggie Battista started Eat Boutique as a blog in 2007, and sold out of her first gift box of small batch independent food in 2009. Discovering the best small batch foods by boutique food makers, Eat Boutique has been featured in The Boston Globe, The Wall Street Journal, Gilt Taste, Daily Candy and now Style Me Pretty. Maggie continues to offer unique and delicious handmade food in monthly tasting subscriptions and seasonal gift boxes for food fans and home cooks. Maggie also hosts Eat Boutique Markets, where she gathers cookbook authors, food and drink makers, and food fans.

Heidi Murphy, wedding + lifestyle photographer, and aspiring foodie. Though her heart belongs to Martha’s Vineyard, she lives north of Boston with her husband and their three dogs in a charming seaside town. She has an affinity for simple flavors + simple pleasures, farmer’s markets, organic everything, s’mores, corn from the grill, and all served up with a glass of champagne. Heidi’s work, on film, has been featured stateside and abroad; and her musings + imagery can be found on her blog – White Loft Style.

Paris Engagement Session from Capture Life Photography

If there was ever a place to ooze romance, Paris would be it. You can’t mention that stunning city without thoughts of a little ooh la la, and really, why would you want to? It’s what really makes the City of Light shine. This couple was nothing short of genius to hire Capture Life Photography for a little e-sesh magic as they strolled the city streets, and you can see all the sweet romance unfold here.

From the Bride… After Mike proposed in the summer of 2012, I surprised him with plane tickets to Paris, the city where I had spent my junior year abroad learning French and developing a love for the city. After making our travel arrangements, plans to take our engagement photos in my favorite city quickly followed suit. Through a friend’s recommendation, we found Stéphanie Le Guenne of Capture Life photography. Although we didn’t meet until the morning of the shoot, Stéphanie perfectly understood our vision and captured our afternoon in her classic and romantic photography style that we had so admired on her website. Together, we visited the Palais Royal, the Louvre, the Pont des Arts, the Seine, and the Pont de Bir-Hakeim. The highlight of our session was placing a lock onto the Pont des Arts after Mike surprised me on the eve of our session with a lock he had engraved with our initials and wedding date! We cannot thank Stéphanie enough for her creativity, patience, and gorgeous photos that we will forever cherish.

Photography: Stéphanie Le Guenne from Capture Life Photography / Location: Paris, France / Bride’s Attire: Zara + J Brand + J.Crew / Groom’s Attire: Banana Republic + J.Crew

Parisian Elopement from WeddingLight Events

Confession time. When I saw “Parisian Elopement” on our little editorial calendar, I grabbed it up so I could spend some QT with that pretty little city by way of the breathtaking images from WeddingLight. It’s like a virtual vacation to my favorite city in the world, complete with a love story and a wedding. And one gorgeous Monique Lhuillier gown. Which could be my favorite combination ever. And after cozying up with all the chic in this gallery, I’m pretty sure it is. See so much more here.

And if you’re just dying to see more of Paris, check out the couple’s beautiful elopement film from WeddingLight!

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/45432374?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0 600 337]

From Olivier of WeddingLight… Jennifer and Donny, a couple from Louisiana, came to Paris for their elopement. They chose to have an romantic and intimate ceremony, just the two of them, in the elegant and classic Parisian Chapelle Expiatoire. Everything looked just stunning, from her Monique Lhuillier dress to her perfect bouquet of pink and white flowers. Afterward, I took the couple through Paris for some wedding portraits, choosing to shoot at some great locations, such as Pont Alexandre III, the Jardin de Tuileries, the Lover’s Bridge, and all through the lovely cobbled stone streets of St. Germain des Pres. Jennifer and Donny were so very nice to work with and such lovely people.

From the Bride… We both had such a wonderful day and experience. It was great to have Olivier there to capture this very special time in our lives.

Wedding Photography: Olivier Lalin of WeddingLight / Ceremony: Chapelle Expiatoire in Paris, France / Wedding Planning: Yanique Lalin of WeddingLight Events / Floral Design: Clarisse Beraud of Atelier Vertumne / Wedding Cinematography: Marco of WeddingLight / Accommodations: Saint Vincent Hotel / Transportation: Victor of WeddingLight Events / Wedding Dress + Veil: Monique Lhuillier / Hair + Makeup: Murielle + Fred of WeddingLight Events /Groom’s Tuxedo: Joseph Abboud

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here

Wedding Dresses

Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2015

Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids Fall 2015

Spring 2016

View All Collections

Parisian Engagement Session from One and Only Paris Photography

Ah Paris. It’s hard not to love every inch of its historic streets. I, for one, might be the city’s biggest fan, and it’s not really hard to convince people why I love it so. This couple? They totally get my love affair with the chic city, and decided to ask the lovelies at One and Only Paris Photography to snap up some shots as they enjoy all the Parisian pretty which eventually turned in an engagement session. Which is just genius (nice work to the Mister). The result is a gallery of precious Paris memories for them to cherish forever and ever. And it’s simply stunning. See it all here.

From the Bride… For James and me, a trip to Europe never feels quite right without at least a couple days in Paris. We have spent quite a lot of time together in the City of Light. One of the unfortunate parts of traveling as a twosome is that even though we’ve explored the city many times, we have very few photos of the two of us together. So when we started planning our latest trip to Europe, we thought that it would be a fantastic opportunity to have some beautiful photos taken in the city that has become like a second home to us. As an event planner, I spend a great deal of time keeping up with the latest event trends and became an instant fan of One and Only Paris Photography. Naturally, when we decided to have photos taken in Paris, I knew exactly who to call.

With the invaluable help of my good friend and stylist Sima Kumar, we focused on a palette of rich colors to pair with the cool fall tones we expected to find in the ile-de-France in late October. As my partner and I were not married or engaged, I specifically stayed away from any clothing that was white or could be considered “bridal.” Little did I know that our photo shoot would actually turn out to be our engagement session!

At the start of our seven-city trip, my now-fiancé, with the help of our two dearest friends, proposed to me on a private sailboat on the River Thames in London. Five Italian cities later, and we were back in Paris. We were blessed with beautiful and unseasonably warm weather on the day of our photo shoot. One of our favorite moments that day was when we were standing in the gardens behind Notre Dame de Paris and a large group of tourists walked into the park and started taking photos of us instead of the iconic cathedral behind us. All the while, the duo from One and Only Paris kept us relaxed and focused on each other. Audrey and Anthony were phenomenal to work with. Having your photo taken can be an awkward experience, but with the two of them, it felt like we were exploring the streets of Paris with two old friends. Audrey and Anthony were excellent at giving us direction and ensuring our photos were a natural and honest representation of our relationship with each other in the that city we love so much.

Wedding Photography: One and Only Paris Photography / Location: Paris, France / Hair: Sonja Stein / Makeup: Sanni Sorma

Paris Destination Wedding from Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography

When little girls were off dreaming of their wedding day, I was, in turn, dreaming of Paris. Baguettes and white limestone and truck loads of nutella danced through my head. Now turn that dreamscape into a real life, incredibly gorgeous and intimate destination wedding. With the help of Alliance Par Fête and Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography, this couple reshaped their big Melbourne wedding into an intimate, wildly heartfelt Parisian affair. In two weeks. Seriously. Comb through the gallery of images for even more from this love fest in the City of Light.

From the Bride… We had been planning a big wedding in Melbourne for months and after speaking to numerous venues and vendors our options were moving further away from we actually wanted. At that point we knew one thing – a big wedding wasn’t us.

It so happened we were going to France in two weeks to visit some family members, and we said to each other “Let’s have an intimate ceremony in Paris!” After several high pitched squeals and high-5’s it was decided. Somehow in just a few short weeks it all came together thanks to our superbly talented photographer Fiona and her referral to the brilliant wedding planner Ophélie of Alliance Par Fête.

Our ceremony location at the courtyard of Hotel d’Aubusson was the perfect setting for an intimate, elegant affair and the 17th century architecture just radiated romance. Tears of emotion were unstoppable. We just couldn’t feel more in love with each other. Blessed with a bright, sunny day we spent most of it outside enjoying the beautiful city together with our bubbly baby boy and a close group of family and friends.

Wedding Photography: Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography / Wedding Venue + Catering: Hotel d’Aubusson in Paris, France / Wedding Planning: Alliance Par Fête / Floral Design: Olivier Gental / Officiant: Jeff Powell / Car Rental: 4 roues sous 1 parapluie / Wedding Dress: Raffaele Ciuca / Hair + Makeup: Lili Briand

Parisian Wedding from One and Only Paris Photography

After pouring over the images of this gorgeous, simple Parisian wedding from One and Only Paris Photography, and then falling even more for the beautiful couple after reading their perfect story, I am all but packed and in the cab on the way to the airport with my love. Destination: Paris. It’s the most romantic city in the world for a reason, and that reason is spelled out right here in the full image gallery. Fall in love with Paris, these two sweeties, and One and Only Paris Photography – and then come back for more this afternoon from the talented photographer!

We met exactly two years before our wedding day in August of 2010, at the airport in Las Vegas. We were both in town the same weekend with friends and traveling back home to Phoenix on the same flight. I remember waiting for my plane when this beautiful man jumped in line next to me and said “Hi”… we were inseparable from then on. Exactly one year later he took me to the city I’ve been dreaming about since I was a little girl, Paris. I literally burst into tears as soon as I saw the Eiffel Tower (we have photos)! At the end of our week in Paris, he took me to Le Jules Verne at the top of the Eiffel Tower for dinner and while the tower sparkled, heproposed. I said a very teary “Are you serious??…. YES, of course!!!”

The next year we spent planning our Big Day, mutually decided that Paris was “our” special place and that it only made sense to have our wedding there. Then on August 17, 2012 we were married beneath the tower, surrounded by our nearest and dearest. We wanted a very intimate and simple, elopement style ceremony that was more about Dan & I, than tradition. We wrote our own vows. We chose classic black and white instead of colors. We didn’t have a bridal party, decor or even chairs for our guests. We had a celebrant, a violinist, our amazing photographer and our 18 guests, who stood around us in a half circle. I had my hair done at a local salon the morning of, after stopping by a local florist and buying three dozen roses for my Mom and Mother-in-law to create my bouquet (wrapped in the ribbon cut from the belt sewn onto my dress). I did my own makeup and my best friend, Mom and Mother-in-Law helped me get dressed. A limo took us girls and a mini-bus took our guests + my groom to the location. At the limo I was greeted by my first love, my Father, who walked me down the aisle and gave me away to my husband.

After our ceremony and photo-shoot (near the tower, the Seine and the Notre Dame) we joined our guests at our reception, which took place at L’Atelier Maître Albert. There was no dj or dancing, just a long table of laughter and love with all of our favorite people! An eat, drink & be “married” celebration with wine, gifts and teary speeches. Our Wedding was perfect, a dream come true and an absolute fairytale!

Photography: One and Only Paris Photography / Dress: Stephen Yearick, Destiny’s Bridal / Brides Belt: YJ Design / Bride’s Shoes: Parisxox by Arbie Goodfellow / Earrings: YJ Design / Officiant: Colin Ward / Violinist: Caroline Pearsall / Lock: Lock Itz / Tuxedo: Ike Behar, Savvi by Mr. Formal / Groom’s Shoes: Bostonian

French Wedding from One and Only Paris Photography + Rendez-Vous in Paris

I’m thinking 2013 is going to be the year of romance, largely because we are starting it out on such a lovely note. A couple of art buffs, tying the knot in a super gorgeous French wedding from Rendez-Vous in Paris. Romance, romance, everywhere. Pouring out of every image from One and Only Paris Photography. It’s romance embodied and I, how you say, adore. Don’t you dare skip the full gallery – it is an absolute beauty.

Jason and I met in New York City, where he was an artist and I was an art history graduate student. We both loved Paris, and I lived there for several years researching seventeenth and eighteenth century French art and writing a dissertation. With some inside knowledge, and a bit of pleading, I was able to arrange our marriage in an extraordinary venue: The Pavillon de Musique in Louveciennes, France, which Louis XV constructed for his mistress, Madame du Barry. We knew that the gorgeous grounds, panoramic views of Paris, and neoclassical architecture would be a special treat for our guests.

We selected colors for the flowers and ribbons that would match the paintings and silk wallpaper of the pavilion. We wanted a soft, elegant, and natural look that would meld with the building and its beautiful interior decoration.

While the wedding was “Parisian” in location, we both wanted “American” touches–like a carrot cake with cream cheese icing (beautifully designed by Sugar Plum Bakery) and a Philadelphia jazz trio for the cocktail hour. The wedding day was seamlessly coordinated by Heather Jerue of Rendez-Vous in Paris.

The day of the wedding there was not a cloud in the sky and the sun set at 10 p.m. The champagne was crisp, and the traditional French meal was spectacular (foie gras in a beetroot emulsion, volaille de bresse stuffed with langoustine, and a cheese course–all before the wedding cake). It was a joy to share a personally selected assortment of French wines and champagne with our family and friends, along with an “up close and personal” view of the eighteenth-century art and architecture. And, best of all, to share our exchange of vows beneath a canopy of hydrangea, roses, and sweet pea.

Photography: One and Only Paris Photography and Le Secret d’Audrey / Planner: Rendez-Vous in Paris / Gown: Rivini / Venue: Pavillon de Musique de la Comtesse du Barry / Cake: SugarPlum in Paris / Make Up and Hair: James / Florist: Frédéric Bertin

Paris Honeymoon Session from French Grey Photography

If you don’t already have plans for your honeymoon, I suggest you take a look at this masterpiece of a photo session by the uber-talented French Grey Photography. Because if ever there was a honeymoon shoot to completely sell you on the City of Lights, it’s this gorgeous Canadian duo, that amazing Brose dress and the breathtaking Eiffel Tower backdrop that makes every moment look straight from the big screen. Join me in the gallery for all of the pretty… and then start packing.