Reason number 782 why I love photographing weddings: there is so much of you and the people who mean the world to you that goes into your wedding, stories and narratives that come together somewhat serendipitously on the day but have actually carried you to exactly that moment all along.

Julie and Justin’s wedding in Paris was a testament to precisely this kind of story – a deeply personal celebration that beautifully intertwined past and present, bringing generational stories to life and serving endless goosebumps, happy tears and pinch-me-I’m-in-Paris moments for everyone lucky enough to witness it. 

Julie’s connection to Paris is profound, having moved there from the states in her teenage years to live with her French grandmother and finding work at the Pullman Hotel, the place where she’d later marry Canadian-born Justin. The city of light became the perfect backdrop for her wedding, blending her personal history with her new life with Justin.

Julie’s journey is particularly touching; she is legally blind, having lost her sight in her twenties. Watching Justin care for her, supporting her while still honouring her independence, was incredibly moving and beautiful to witness and every guest was a rallying team of support, love and positivity for the couple before, during and after their day. 

I am an enormous proponent of learning something new whenever I can, and Julie and Justin’s day gave me just that. Their wedding was particularly special because it also provided me with an opportunity for professional growth as part of a workshop hosted by the talented American photographer, D’Arcy Benincosa. This experience allowed me to capture not just another styled shoot, but a real, heartfelt wedding, adding greater depth and authenticity to my portfolio.

The Pre-Wedding Celebrations

The celebrations kicked off the night before the wedding with an intimate engagement shoot followed by a welcome party. Julie looked stunning in a chic silk suit, adorned with a necklace that belonged to her grandmother and a handmade hairpiece crafted by her best friend, who also styled her hair. We strolled through the impossibly romantic streets of Paris, capturing candidly editorial moments as they headed to their Welcome Party where their loved ones were waiting for them. 

The welcome party was held on a boat on the Seine. Although the boat had to remain docked due to high water levels from heavy rains, the spirits were high. The champagne flowed and the air was filled with excitement and joy as friends and family celebrated the gorgeous couple. 

The Wedding Morning and The Portraits 

Unlike traditional European wedding timelines, Julie and Justin opted for a sunrise first look at the iconic Eiffel Tower. Bathed in the early morning Parisian light, they saw each other for the first time, with the tower standing majestically in the background. It was an iconic yet intimate moment and I just could not get enough of the light, the setting and the love between these two. These moments truly set the tone for the rest of the day and I was ready to let it swallow me up, in the very best way. 

After their first look and couples portraits, they returned to their luxury Parisian apartment which provided the perfect backdrop for their getting-ready photos and overlooked the beautiful gardens of Palais Royale. The morning was relaxed and filled with anticipation as they prepared for their big day and allowed us plenty of time to capture editorial moments that involved Julie and Justin’s favourite people. The elegant surroundings added a touch of sophistication to the images, complementing the couple’s style and the significance of the day.

The Venue

Their wedding venue, the Pullman Hotel, offered an up-close and personal view of the Eiffel Tower, making it an unforgettable location. It truly felt like today, the tower was there just for them and returning to the place where Julie had worked as a young woman added so many layers of meaning to their choice of venue. 

The Ceremony

“But I’ve been keeping hope,
And I’ve got a fairy tale in my heart, I can cope
But I’ve been keeping hope,
I bet they had you in mind when naming the rose.”

The ceremony was brief but filled with heartfelt moments, followed by cocktails and champagne with the breathtaking Eiffel Tower in constant view. The culmination of their celebration was their first dance, timed to perfection so that the Eiffel Tower began to sparkle just as their dance ended. 

They swayed to Dermot Kennedy’s “Shelter,” a song that held special meaning for them and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house, including mine, not only because these lyrics are so poignant and touching, or because Paris is perfection, but because every moment was a testament to their love and joy, leaving me swept up in emotions that always find their way to the surface at weddings like these. 

Julie and Justin’s Paris wedding was more than just a wedding; it was a beautifully written narrative of love, resilience and joy that I found myself completely lost in. Capturing their moments allowed me to see and share the depth of their connection and most importantly, document and share their story and their legacy for forever. 

All in the impossibly chic City of Light. Because Paris is Always a Good Idea. 

If you’re planning your own Paris wedding or an equally lovely UK celebration and want an editorial wedding photographer who can find and celebrate your unique story with authenticity and emotion, get in touch. 

Team: 
Host – D’Arcy Benincosa 
Videographer – Claire Forrest Films 
Florist – Wild Blossom Flowers 
Wedding Planner – Madame Wedding Design 
Makeup – MindyB Makeup Artist
Hair – Kendall Shira 
Bridesmaid Hair & Makeup – ASBeauty Masters 
Engraving & Calligraphy –  OpenInkStand Studio
Printed Fabric Graphics – The Happier 
Rentals – Maison Options 
DJ – Paris Event DJ 
Croquembouche – Ladurée 
Wedding Venue – Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel 
Rehearsal Venue – Yachts de Paris 
Engraving & Calligraphy –  Schin Loong