Tag: elopement

  • WLE Meets: Professional Makeup Artist, Fred

    Every bride wants to look their absolute best on their wedding day and rightly so! It’s one of the most memorable and special times in a bride’s life. (Not to mention the amount of photos that will be taken that day — no pressure!) So having a professional makeup artist create your favorite look and make sure it lasts throughout the day can make all the difference. We caught up with Fred, one of our favorite makeup artists, to hear what he says about bridal makeup and what it is like being a professional makeup artist.

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    Fred, Professional Makeup Artist

    Photography by Olivier Lalin of WeddingLight 
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    Q:When did you know you wanted to be a makeup artist? How did it become your passion?

    A: Actually, it began with my passion for perfume.  When I was around 18 or 20 and was doing some promotion for perfume companies.  There were makeup artists that came to do promotions as well and I loved watching them. Eventually, I began doing makeup there, too. After that, I had many internships to keep perfecting my craft.

    Q: What is your favorite part about doing a brides’ makeup?

    A: I like taking care of her (the bride) — really looking after her wellness and satisfaction. Brides are usually very stressed on the day they are getting married. So I like making them feel beautiful and when they feels happy with what I did, than that is pure fulfillment.

    Q: How do you make a bride feel special on her wedding day?

    A: Brides are very sensitive to the mood of the atmosphere. Most of the time they didn’t sleep well the night before because of  nerves. So when she is with me, I like to make her feel relaxed and allow her to de-stress.  Murielle (WLE Hair Stylist – blog post to come!) and I usually work together, so we know how each other operates and that makes things easier and is more helpful for the bride.

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    Photography by Olivier Lalin of WeddingLight 

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    Q: Are there any lasting or classic styles that will always be popular with brides?

    A: Brides usually tell me that they want “something soft.”  This means they are wanting a classic look: nude lips with a sheer gloss, light eyes, and sometimes adding false lashes. They don’t want to change their daily makeup style to look different from how they normally do. Brides just want something simple, but with a little more sophistication than their everyday look.

    Q: Do you have any memorable moments or great stories on the job?

    A: Jewish weddings are probably the most memorable for me. We get to see them four times throughout the day: at the town hall, for the oriental service, at the synagogue and then for their evening party. You really get to know them when you see them so many times! Most of the time they invite me to stay for their party and I’ll have a cocktail with them.

    Q: Do you have any helpful tips or advice for our fabulous brides?

    A: Have a good night’s sleep. Make sure to moisturize, do a mask, a body scrub… everything. Nice makeup is made for nice skin. It is also very important to have nice eyebrows.  The shape and style are essential for the overall look of the bride’s makeup. So it’s best to leave it to a professional — they always do them better. And maybe get a facial a week or up to four days before the wedding.

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    Photography by Olivier Lalin of WeddingLight 

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    Q: Ok, last question! Do you have any favorite products?

    A: I have many favorites.  But, I really like products that get rid of dark circles under the eyes. YSL’s Touche Eclat Radiant Touch is great for that. Carmex is also really great for soft lips.

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     Photography by Olivier Lalin of WeddingLight

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    Getting to Know Fred Just a Little More: With over 15 years of experience, Fred has firmly established himself in the world of luxury makeup. Not only has he worked with some of the most fabulous makeup companies in the world (e.g. Chanel, Guerlain, Givenchy, Dior, etc.), but he has also had extensive training with some top of the line brands to make sure that his techniques are absolute perfection, his knowledge of products and tools sharp and thorough and to help him focus on his own creativity and personal touch. 

    To contact Fred about booking your makeup services for your perfect Paris elopement, wedding or other special event, please email us at info@weddinglightevents.com.

  • Paris Elopement: Taylor & Graham from Arkansas, USA

    Wedding Photographer Olivier Lalin of WeddingLight Paris

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    While everyone was enjoying their Armistice and Veteran’s Day holiday, Taylor and Graham were making memories of their own here in Paris. Both of them had already had their “big wedding,” so this time around it was just going to be about them! No hustle and bustle and certainly no stress — just something simple and intimate for the two of them to enjoy.

    Taylor and Graham had their ceremony in Square St. Jean XXIII, just behind the infamous Notre Dame Cathedral and next to the gorgeous Seine river. The weather could not have been better either — a bright blue sky and plenty of sunshine to beam on our lovely bride and groom’s faces! Philippe was there to preform their ceremony providing them with a certificate and a copy of his speech for their mementos. After their ceremony was finished, they walked the cobbled stoned streets of Paris for their photo tour with Olivier. The happy couple ended their evening with a private dinner for two in one of Paris’​ fabulous restaurants just off the Left Bank​. What a great way to begin the first day of their new life together!

    We hope that Taylor and Graham enjoy the rest of their time here in the City of Lights and have a safe journey back to the states! It is always wonderful working with happy couples and we wish them nothing but the happiness they deserve!

    Congratulations, Taylor and Graham!

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    Photography by Olivier Lalin of WeddingLight

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    Photography by Olivier Lalin of WeddingLight

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    Photography by Olivier Lalin of WeddingLight

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    Wedding Photographer Paris – Olivier Lalin from WeddingLight photographed the elopement of taylor and Graham.

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    Photography by Olivier Lalin of WeddingLight

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    Photography by Olivier Lalin of WeddingLight

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     Photography by Olivier Lalin of WeddingLight

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    Photography by Olivier Lalin of WeddingLight

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    Photography by Olivier Lalin of WeddingLight

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    Photography by Olivier Lalin of WeddingLight

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    Photography by Olivier Lalin of WeddingLight

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    To see more photographs from Taylor and Graham’s elopement, please visit WeddingLights’ Blog. 

  • Paris Elopement: Michelle and Anthony from Toronto, Canada

    Paris Elopement: Michelle and Anthony from Toronto, Canada

    Paris Wedding photographer – Olivier Lalin WeddingLight
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    Last Friday, Michelle and Anthony celebrated their 4-year anniversary (from their very first date together!!) with a lovely and simple Paris elopement. The couple traveled from Toronto, Canada for this very special day and their ceremony was held in Square St. Jean XXIII, just behind the Notre Dame Cathedral. Our wonderful Susie was there to officiate their ceremony in front of the garden’s incredible gothic fountain and Olivier was there to capture every moment!

    We wish the adorable couple all the best and happiness in the world! Congratulations, Michelle and Anthony!

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     Paris Wedding photographer Olivier Lalin WeddingLight

  • WLE Meets: Officiants Philippe and Susie

    Ever been to a wedding and wondered what it’d be like to be the one who marries the happy couple? WLE met up with Susie and Philippe to chat about becoming an officiant, getting married in France and their insider knowledge of the best wedding locations in Paris.

    Bonjour Philippe and Susie! So what is an officiant? What do you do?

    Philippe: An officiant is someone who organises the proceedings and coordinates all the different elements of a ceremony. I perform non-religious ceremonies but you could compare it to the role of a priest in a church wedding.

    WLE Officiant and Celebrant: Philippe

    Photography by Olivier Lalin of WeddingLight 

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    Susie: I have done a few religious ceremonies but mostly I do non-religious, non-denominational weddings. I’ve done a couple of spiritual ceremonies, one of which incorporated some elements of native American spiritual rights.

    WLE Officiant and Celebrant: Susie

    Photography by Olivier Lalin of WeddingLight 

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    Have you always wanted to be an officiant?

    Philippe: No… In short, it happened by chance relatively recently. In 2006 I changed my career path and got into media, then I started taking photos, short films and things like that. Then in 2008 a wedding planner phoned me and asked if I could be the officiant at a ceremony and I said yes. I really liked it so I continued. It’s a fun job because I get to discover different places, meet different couples and learn their stories… it’s not repetitive at all, even if I go to the same places the ceremony is different every time.

    Susie: I became a celebrant by accident… I was recommended by a friend. Someone was looking for a native English speaker who could produce a text that made sense, that had a good translation, and someone who had some performance skills. So I said I was available to help, because why not help a couple to fulfil their romantic dream of getting married in Paris? The first one went really well so I was asked to do it again, word of mouth spread and now I do it from time to time… it’s not my regular gig (I’m a screenwriter) but it’s a pleasant little diversion  during wedding season. It’s really nice to meet couples from all over the world and it’s really fun to help them celebrate their day and realise their dream.

    Philippe with Jennifer and Jeff at their wedding in the French countryside

    Photography by Olivier Lalin of WeddingLight 

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    Do you use the same speeches for every ceremony or can the proceedings be personalised?

    Philippe: For me there are two scenarios; firstly there is the ceremony for French couples, who I meet six months to a year in advance on several occasions in order to discuss what they want from their ceremony. We discuss their witnesses, choose the text and the music; I create an original, personalised ceremony for them. The second scenario is the ceremony for Anglophone couples getting married in France. Often they only stay for a few days, so I don’t have the opportunity to meet them in advance. Usually they arrive the day before the wedding and they have a lot of things to organise, so there just isn’t time. For this type of ceremony the text is written in advance. These couples don’t usually want a long or elaborate ceremony because it is only symbolic.

    Susie: Generally I like to work with couples to create a text sur mesure for them but often there are last minute calls… people like to elope. For them I have a set text that I use and I try to gather as much information as I can before hand to tweak it so it’s personalised for them. When I can work with a couple to create something that’s just for them I do.

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    In your opinion, is it difficult for a foreign couple to get married in France? Do you have any advice?

    Philippe: It could be but there are plenty of wedding planners that specialise in helping foreign couples. They can arrange everything that might pose a problem for an Anglophone couple to organise, including the officiant! If you’re asking me whether it’s expensive, it depends on what the couple wants, on what kind of budget they have. They could have a simple wedding in a public garden and take the metro, which costs nothing except for the officiant, or they can get married on a boat on the Seine which costs more, or a Parisian monument. So in that sense, no I don’t think it’s difficult.

    Susie: My advice is to arrange as much as possible in advance so that on the actual day of the wedding you can be in the moment; things in Paris do not work the same way as they do in North America. Things take a little bit longer, they’re a little bit slower… it’s part of the charm of Paris but if you’re feeling impatient or eager to get started it’s going to make your day less enjoyable. Paris is about taking your time, so do as much as you can in advance so that you have nothing more to think about than being carted around, married and enjoying yourself. That’s the best way to do it!

    Our clients, Jennifer and James, who enjoyed a wedding in Marie-Antoinette’s gardens at Versailles.

    Photography by Olivier Lalin of WeddingLight 

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    Are the weddings emotional for you?

    Susie: Usually with couples I’ve found that no matter how calm they start out, I have to remind them that it’s time for them to speak and say “I do”… it’s kind of cute. I’m always told there will be no tears, especially from the groom, and it’s usually the groom who winds up in tears at the end! I’ve actually had a couple who were so sweet they made me cry a little bit!

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    What’s your favourite wedding location in Paris?

    Philippe: I have really good memories of a lovely place called the Chapel Expiatoire in Paris. Although I’m a Parisian I had never been in there before and the first time that I found myself there I was really amazed by the place. For a French person it has historical significance so it was very interesting. I also have some really good memories of ceremonies on boats in Paris. I like them because the ceremony is also a cruise, which is great in the summer. It also gives me the time to get to know the couple a bit more and since I’m Parisian I can give them a little tourist commentary as we go along.

    Susie: My favourite location is probably the Chapel Expiatoire – in warm weather! Not in the winter, it’s so cold! Because of the majesty of the cathedral itself, it helps to add to the inherent drama and meaningfulness of the day.  The acoustics are great and it’s wonderful to see the couple arrive from the park into the chapel itself… it’s stunning. Plus it’s really exclusive, it’s a place that most people never go.

    Our clients, Sophie and Bert, entering the Chapelle Expiatoire

    Photography by Olivier Lalin of WeddingLight 

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    Do you prefer indoor or outdoor weddings?

    Susie: Indoor weddings are nice because they’re uninterrupted but outdoor weddings are fantastic if you want to share your moment with an audience… Paris is the city of love so everyone is really enthusiastic. I did one ceremony where a group of school children happened to come by on a field trip and they all decided to make a circle around the couple. When the couple kissed and I pronounced them man and wife, not only did they applaud but they cheered and then broke out into a song! It was fabulous!

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    Tell us about your favourite place in Paris.

    Philippe: My quarter! I live next to Place de la Nation in the 20th arrondissement and I really love it. It’s near to the Bois de Vincennes which I love because there are trees and big avenues. If I don’t have a reason to travel around Paris I stay in my quarter because it has everything I need. So yes… my favourite quarter is my own!

    Susie: Probably the Parc André Citroen in the 15th, not many people know it… that’s why it’s one of my favourite places! I really like Parc Monceau as well, it’s more of an English style park so it reminds me of Central Park a lot. I love all the parks!

    Our clients, Todd and Michelle, who married in Parc Monceau

    Photography by Olivier Lalin of WeddingLight 

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    Thanks Susie and Philippe! To contact Susie and Philippe and book them through our agency , please send us an email at info@weddinglightevents.com

    To see more of Olivier’s beautiful photography, head over to his blog.

  • Paris Elopement: Tiffany and Jace from Idaho, USA

    May has been already quite a busy month for us over at WeddingLight Events. The WLE team assisted Tiffany with her beautiful Paris elopement at the Chapelle Expaitoire last week. Aren’t they just gorgeous! We love helping couples create magical moments in the “City of Love.”

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    Tiffany Goheen and Jace Davis - Chapelle Expiatoire Elopement

    Photograph courtesy of Tiffany Goheen

    We hope that Tiffany and Jace have a wonderful time here in Paris and wish them only the best in their new life together as ONE!