Ever since our first styled shoot that we did this past summer, we have been itching to do another. After discussing everything with Olivier Lalin of WeddingLight Photography, our fabulous in-house photographer, we were able to put everything into motion. We both felt it was important to show couples that it does not take a lot to create something beautiful and special. It does not matter if you have decided on the spot to elope or have taken the time to plan your day out months in advance. There is something so very magical about Paris that takes over just simply evokes romance wherever you turn. Match that with an outstanding team of English-speaking vendors and you have something quite stunning to say the least!
The day began with hair and makeup by the very talented, James of JMS by James. He not only works the fashion weeks of Paris, Milan and New York, but for luxury brands such as Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton, and even with superstar celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Olivia Palermo to name a few. Someone with that amount of experience is a great asset to have on your big day as a bride and that is exactly how we felt when we contacted him. James was absolutely excellent when putting together the looks for both the models. He was extremely professional and ready to jump in and make things happen. He opted for a shimmery smokey eye for Hana accompanied by natural cheeks and a nude lip. For hair, both models had a natural curl, so he polished their soft waves and both Hana and Mathieu looked unbelievable!
We teamed up with Axelle of Ma Bonne Amie for Hana’s complete wedding day ensemble. She runs a wonderful business that lends couture and luxury brand evening gowns and cocktail dresses for special occasions. This summer, she recently added wedding gowns to her already exquisite collection. Axelle has a fabulous selection of wedding gowns and the pieces vary depending on the style you are wanting. We ultimately fell head over heels for an exquisite Monique Lhullier gown. It fit Hana perfectly and we felt it really tied into the romance of the day we were trying to create. Since her showroom is basically any fashionista’s dream, it was easy to find other pieces to finish the rest of Hana’s look. Edith of “Une Fleur en Liberte” provided Hana with delicate long-stemmed powder pink roses that were hand-tied with ribbon to match. We wanted to keep things uncomplicated, but, of course, beautiful, and her bouquet showed just that!
As for Mathieu, our male model, we were lucky enough to have the creative talents of “Faubourg Saint Sulpice” to take on his wedding day attire. We loved that they offer one-of-kind custom suits that provide men with very dapper and dashing looks that you do not see all the time. Working with Arthur and his stylist, Joséphine, was a dream, too. They provided us with a few choices and we opted for a rich navy blue number that included a tailored jacket, matching tie, slim cut pinstripe trousers and caramel-coloured shoes.
Both Hana and Mathieu wore rings by the innovative jeweler, Didier Guillemain. Mathieu gold band is from an elegant collection titled “Yi-King,” which was influenced by one of the oldest books in China that offers men and women a timeless key to access the mystery of his or her own destiny. As such, each “Yi-King” piece expresses the strength and refinement of the owner. In addition, Gullemain also lent us an extremely special and unique piece called Le collier incandescent, which translated means “the glowing necklace.” As a tribute to women and diamonds, he created a modern white gold necklace with 11 carat diamonds that includes 1.6 carat diamonds at the base, which Hana gracefully wears throughout the shoot.
Hana also wore the Kalisee ring in 18K white gold and platinum with a round-cut .6 carat diamond framed by a dozen .7 carat diamonds. Can you say, “oo-la-la?!” We posed the couple at one of our favourite romantic locations along the Seine: the Île Saint-Louis. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding area, this little gem of an island is often very calm and quite. At the very tip rests a beautiful lone oak tree and an antique streetlight post. With views of the city’s incredible architecture, beautiful bridges, the subtle autumn sky and the amber coloured leaves scattered all around, it could not have been a more ideal spot. Chef Justin Kent of Picnics Paris was kind enough to provide us with his perfect picnic set up and a few yummy treats and champagne to help create the intimate picnic scene for our young lovers.
We were thrilled with his participation because there is something so romantic about a picnic in Paris. Kent began working at the Michelin-star restaurant, L’Arpege and then went on to the Agape Substance and Restaurant Verjus, so he certainly knows his way around a kitchen! After the picnic scene was photographed, Olivier took the attractive couple on a photo tour around the French capital. Wanting to stick to some of the more classic elements of Paris, he included the incredibly tailored tree-lined elegance of the Palais Royal and its delightful garden, the charming cafés that the city is so known for and the dreamy cobblestone streets that remind you of another time.
To finish the shoot, Olivier fell in love with a very stylish hotel in the 9th called Hotel Providence. Their chic rooms provided a splendid background for the intimate boudoir scenes. Dressed in a custom designed Max Chaoul piece with a lovely feathered bolero to match, Haha finished the shoot with a few beautiful sensual shots. It was truly wonderful to work with such a dedicated group of people who love what they do and we hope you do, too!
Planning: WeddingLight Events | Photography: Olivier Lalin of WeddingLight Paris | Models: Hana & Mathieu | Monique Lhuillier gown, Paule KA leather jacket and Helene Zubelidia earrings via Ma Bonne Amie | Custom Suit: Faubourg Saint Sulpice | Hair and Makeup: JMS by James | Flowers: Une Fleur en Liberte | Picnic: Picnic in Paris | Picnic Location: Ile Saint Louis | Wedding Bands & Necklace: Didier Guillemain Paris | Antique Ring: Anne Defromont | White Bolero & Pancho: Max Chaoul Couture | Hotel: Providence Hotel
