Paris Ritz Elopement
From the start, I could tell that Jenny was really organized! We have been in touch nearly 2 years before her Paris Ritz elopement, and when she sent me a precise schedule of our Paris photo session itinerary (by the minute !), I knew for sure that she had a precise vision. At the same time, Jenny told me from the start that she trusted me and picked me for my « airy, soft, feminine and romantic style » which really put me at ease !
After talking about what she envisioned, we decided to split the wedding day into 2 different sessions, with a morning photoshoot around Paris to make the most of the light and crowds, and the actual elopement with the wedding ceremony at the Ritz in the afternoon (including some getting-ready shots and couple photos around the Ritz).
This blogpost is about the Ritz Elopement in Paris, but here is where you can see the photo session in Paris in the morning (with a golden and burgundy dress). You can also learn about getting married in the Ritz with this guide dedicated to Ritz Paris Wedding.
When, where and how did you meet and fall in love with each other? We first met in Sep 2016 at a mutual friend’s house party. We kept seeing each other at events over the next few months, and started dating in Dec 2016. By Jan 2017, we were in love and moved in together in June 2017.
When, where and how did he propose? There was no official proposal. We started discussing our future together and both decided that getting married was the best way to celebrate our love. Our wedding planning began Feb 2018 and that’s when we reached out to Pierre first 🙂 We ordered our rings in Nov 2018 (they said the rings would be ready by end of Dec). So, Nate and I planned a romantic spa getaway when our rings arrived, and during our trip, we became officially engaged 🙂 It was our engagement trip!
What was most important for you on your wedding day, how did you envision it? Everything about our Elopement at the Ritz in Paris happened exactly how we envisioned it (minus the very cold wind for me and the jet lag for Nate). It was honestly as perfect as it could be! The ceremony for our Elopement at the Ritz Paris was the most important to us. Having our closest friends being a part of our celebration, saying our vows to each other, and having it all happen at the Ritz in Paris was the happiest moment in our lives.
What was your style/ vision? We wanted our wedding to be very glamorous and romantic! And there’s no city more glam and romantic than Paris. I’ve been in love with Paris (and the French culture in general) since I was a teenager (after I watched the movie Amelie), and always felt that if I got married, Paris would be my dream location. After we researched many many locations, we decided the Ritz in Paris was the most beautiful hotel and would be perfect for our special Paris elopement day.
Who were your vendors? wedding dress Essense of Australia bought at Lisa’s Bridal in New Westminster, BC, Canada. My wedding shoes Betsey Johnson, both bought online. My veil was Noon on the Moon bought on Etsy, bridal earrings also bought on Etsy, emerald earrings were Kenneth Jay Lane, gold earrings Karine Sultan from Nordstrom, rings are all from The True Gem, Nate’s suits are from Debonair Formal Wear in New Westminster, BC.
What was your favorite moment during the wedding day? Walking down the aisle and listening to Nate’s vows. They were so well written and very touching. 🙂 From Nate : Reading my vows to Jenny and feeling how much I love her while doing so, and seeing how in love she was with me while I was reading them to her, was the most memorable part of my Paris Ritz Elopement that I will never forget.
Do you have any wedding planning or marriage advice that you’d like to share with other couples planning their day? What worked well for us is that our Paris Ritz elopement was just about us and no one else (that’s why we decided to elope and get married in Paris at the Ritz). I’ve helped plan weddings before and seen couples plan their weddings for their family and friends. Together and separately, Nate and I have been to many weddings where the bride and groom are stressed and tired and don’t have any fun, and lots don’t even have time to eat their reception dinners. Our advice to anyone is to make sure not to forget that the wedding day is about the couple and that on that day, their happiness is what matters most!
Where did you spend your honeymoon and how was it? We still haven’t gone on our honeymoon. We wanted to celebrate our 1 year anniversary during our honeymoon and were planning to do Southeast Asia and Japan for a couple of weeks.
