{The Paris Wedding} Part 1: Paris Wedding Photographer

Weddings

I anxiously awaited our take-off from Washington D.C. as I sat closely nuzzled to my groom of five years. Our first big trip sans-bebe (without the baby), and we were to be gone 10 whole days. Part of me was wrenching inside for leaving so long, but the other part could hardly wait for what was waiting for me in Paris. A city I dreamed of for over 10 years now since I had last been back, Paris was (is!) my ultimate dream city. I’m completely romanced by the idea of sipping strong espresso in a corner cafe, people-watching from my chair. I’m utterly bewitched by roaming the lazy streets of this ancient and beautiful city. Around every corner is a famous landmark. The people are the most fashionable in the world (including the men!), and despite what the rumors tell you, I found the French people to be delightful. I enjoyed using my high-school level French as much as I could (even though I was very rusty), and Bobby enjoyed following me around as I swooned at every turn.

When it came time to meet the lovely bride and groom (whose anonymity shall remain intact) a few days before their wedding, all anxiousness had drifted away. We met at a small cafe with the Eiffel Tower in the far distance and chatted details about their upcoming wedding day. I was reminded just how much I adore these two people. After our first meeting in New York City last fall for their engagement pictures, I instantly loved them and was so happy that I was able to spend the next couple days with them again! Our meeting ended and off we were to get the festivities rolling!

The afternoon of the wedding was quiet and calm. I met the lovely bride in their 5th arrondissement apartment (which, of course, was bursting with 1600’s charm) to photograph her getting ready. By far, it was the most enjoyable and relaxed “before” time I have ever experienced. It was just the bride and her sister… they chatted about everything, and giggled relentlessly about how soon it would be before the nuptials began! After a short while, the bride’s mother arrived to join the party. Donning glasses of champagne in her hand, the three of them toasted to every happiness they could think of. Tears were shed, hugs were shared and loving smiles were exchanged. A tender few moments of peace before the wedding day continued. Everything about that time was incredible.

It was time for me to meet the groom. They were to be married at the Mayor’s office of the 5th arrondissement in Paris, just around the corner from the couple’s apartment. The groom was waiting with their guests outside the office, which overlooked the incredible Pantheon. In a few moments, the bride would be walking around the corner to see her groom for the first time on their wedding day! The excitement was contagious and the groom’s face held a permanent smile. He waited at the corner for her, and the moment she tapped his shoulder to turn around, everyone’s breath hitched, and he finally saw his bride! Awe and tears overwhelmed them both… and at that sweet moment they shared alone, they realized their dream of marrying in Paris was completely real.

To be continued….