Where do I start to tell the love story of Julie & Zak? I may only have met the couple for the first time the night before their wedding, but it was evident immediately on meeting them what a brilliant couple they make, and the strong connection they share. From the moment the night before cruise down the Seine began, to moment I left the couple dancing the night away, I don’t think Julie stopped smiling. Her happiness was infectious and a reflection of the great love and connection Julie & Zak share together. After a sweet first look….we strolled around Paris: a trip to the Eiffel Tower, a quick visit to the lovers lock bridge where they attracted a crowd of paparazzi, a stroll around the Louvre, ‘un petit cafe a deux’ to keep warm…. I mean really, could there be anywhere more quintessentially romantic for photographs of love?! It was so wonderfully elegant and atmospheric….

Julie & Zak met at work in Washington, and still work in the same office today, albeit thousands of miles away from their original meeting place. Their weekend celebrations kicked off with a sunset champagne cruise down the Seine. They gave beautiful little goodie bags to guests filled with gifts that reflected the the past, the present and the future – America, Paris & Jordan – a Eiffel tower soap handmade by Julie’s mother, heart shaped glasses, some city of love shower gel, American gum & lip balm, and Dead Sea products from their new home. Attached to these was a custom map of Paris showing the locations of their celebrations made by the bride’s brother’s girlfriend Kaitlin Manning and all presented in a pretty muslin bag. Julie told me it’s a tradition amongst their friends to see how late they can party the night before their wedding….and whilst I won’t be revealing what time they eventually made it to bed, let’s just say Julie & Zak are the current record holders……!

The couple have an incredibly busy schedule, which was made even more so by a move from Washington DC to the Middle East in the middle of the wedding planning. This brought some great benefits….. they went from being 6 hours behind to 1 hour ahead, and Julie’s work brought her through Paris – a great opportunity to get her beautiful Vera Wang dress tailored to fit, and to pick up some peacock-blue Louboutins. Julie & Zak truly were a wedding planner’s dream: they gave great direction but were flexible, and trusted Fete in France to create a beautiful wedding day for them and their guests. They were delighted with the results and enjoyed all of the details they created: Ladurée macaroons as favors, an accordionist playing classic French songs, and a lovely gold & pink decor, including gilded ferns and  gold glitter candles… Above all however, they enjoyed being surrounded by their precious family and friends on such a happy occasion.

In terms of photography, the couple took on board my advice to schedule their bride & groom portraits for during the afternoon to catch the best light. As the wedding took place in late November, it was a little chilly, but they strolled the streets of Paris, hand in hand, kissing, laughing and enjoying every moment. Once the portraits were done it was back in the warm, to sign the kettubah (which I had the huge of honour of doing as a witnesss, so thank you Zak & Julie for that beautiful gesture) and then for a heartfelt civil ceremony under a cream and gold canopy. From then on the celebrations began, and knowing this couple, I expect they went on long into the night!

Wishing you both all the very best for a bright and exciting future together…xxx

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Maison des Polytechniciens; Wedding Planner: Fete in France; Bride’s Dress by Vera Wang; Hair & Make Up: Laure Baruch; Florist: Sol Y Flor; Cake: Laduree