A Wedding in Paris

Late last year I got an email from my friend Laura, who I studied abroad with back in Italy. She was asking about a photographer for a wedding in Paris. Over the years, I have gotten a lot of inquiries, but I have never done a wedding so I have always declined. But a wedding in Paris? This I had to think about… Megan and JP were planning a small (30 person wedding) in the center of Paris. I wrote back telling them that I had never done a wedding before but I would still be interested in chatting with them. 

I spoke with Megan and JP and they were so sweet! We talked about how they met and their plans for the wedding and why they chose Paris. I checked my schedule and everything lined up. I agreed to photograph their wedding in Paris. You might be wondering why I kept it a secret this whole time? I was nervous and excited. I told a few people but I didn’t realize how secret I kept it until right before I left for Paris. My family and I were talking about my upcoming trip to Paris and I mentioned the wedding. They had no idea… 

I have been to a few weddings over the years and I have even stood up in some. I have never met a more calm and relaxed bride than Megan. I was in Paris in May for the month and asked if she wanted me to stop by the venue. I really wanted a look at it so I could figure out how everything would be organized on the day of the wedding. I needed to know lighting options and where the ceremony would be held. Megan and JP had never seen the venue until the day of the wedding. They found and booked the wedding venue online. We were fortunate to arrange a tour of the rooms and I felt a little bit more at ease about the day. 

The year flew by and September was here before I knew it. I flew in a few days before the wedding and I had planned to meet Megan and JP for a photo shoot. Keep in mind, I had never met Megan and JP until this time. I tried to hide my nerves, I had never really shot a couple before. They wanted photos in Paris and they chose the Seine because it was personal to them. We walked to The Tuileries and started there to have a few options.

It wasn’t long before the sky looked dark and rain set in on us. I had my red umbrella like always which I thought would make a great addition to Megan’s Black and White Dress if it was needed. Luckily, JP had an umbrella in his bag for me to swap out so I could still shoot for a bit.

We ended up walking quickly to Café Nemours to wait out the rain. I had them order drinks and just hang out while I captured them. I think this is where I finally let my nerves go a bit and got to work. Megan and JP wanted photographs that weren’t too posed and more natural. They made my job very easy and were very comfortable in front of the camera. I will say that it took longer to get our bill at the end than the whole photo shoot at the café but I guess that is Paris for you.

The rain finally stopped and the light started to come through the sky so we headed towards the Seine. Megan and JP had a rehearsal dinner that night so they had to make their way back to change clothes. 

We parted ways for the evening after they danced on the Seine. 

The Wedding

I arrived at their Airbnb to take photos of Megan getting ready. I met the bridal party and a few of the family members. My friend Laura, who introduced us, was crafting the bridal bouquets for the ceremony. 

Hair and Makeup was done by Trine Juel

The bridal party popped a bottle of champagne and toasted to the bride before they finished getting dressed. I had a little time in between to take some fresh air before meeting them at the ceremony.

The ceremony took place at La Maison des Polytechniciens (this is located on the left bank not far from Julia Child’s apartment)

Megan’s Wedding Dress was by Calla Blanche

We spent a little time in the courtyard while they finished setting up for the ceremony. There ended up being rain in the forecast so they moved the wedding inside last minute. 

The first look is where I got emotional. We cleared the patio and I started to cry right when Megan was walking up to JP. 

We took a few family photographs before the ceremony started. The inside space was just stunning. The bride was after 1920’s Paris and it worked out beautifully.

The wedding was officiated by Megan’s Uncle. 

The Reception 

During the cocktail hour I borrowed Megan and JP for a few photographs in the dining room before the light changed. This ended up being a favorite moment of theirs as they were able to reconnect and take a moment alone.

Once I finished photographing I was invited to be a guest at the wedding. I sat next to my friend Laura and caught up on life while dining on a lovely meal with wine.  Megan and JP were the sweetest and I couldn’t have asked for a better couple to be my first and ONLY wedding. Yes, you read that right. I am not for hire. This was actually discussed before the wedding that I only wanted to do one. It was an emotional weekend to shoot. If you have heard me talk about my work in the past you know that I have to feel an emotional connection to shoot it from my perspective. I instantly clicked with Megan and JP when I met them and I loved their story. I shot them the way that I wanted someone to shoot me on my wedding, with love. There are amazing photographers that can do this every single weekend and that isn’t me. After the wedding I was emotional drained. Not in a bad way, but this was one of the most challenging projects I have ever shot. This was their one special day and these photos will be shared and viewed for years to come. 

I can’t thank Megan and JP enough for letting me capture their special day. The wedding was perfect and I am sure you aren’t surprised by reading this, but I would love to be married in Paris.