Paris wedding at The Peninsula | Chris & Kelly
LUXURY BLACK TIE WEDDING IN THE HEART OF PARIS
When Chris and Kelly started to plan their wedding, Paris soon became their dream. With Chris’ family ties to the city of light, and their first special trip as a couple in the French capital, it felt like a natural and truly special place for their special celebration.
It goes without saying, this is an experience I am incredibly grateful for, Paris has a very special place in my heart as I got engaged there myself many years ago…
The couple wanted a relaxed, fun but incredible few days that would treat their loved ones, giving them the best Paris could offer; as Chris said to close his speech - ‘Live the motto! Enjoy yourself!’
No detail was left untouched, with a carefully curated experience featuring drinks, canapes, hats embroidered with French sayings (and a nod to Kelly’s beloved Taylor Swift), music and dancing, we all truly lived our best Paris lives in those wonderful few days.
The elegant and sophisticated The Peninsula, stole their hearts, with an incredible team of in-house suppliers, and a secret rootop with the iconic Eiffel Tower in the background for their couple portraits.
There is SO much more I will be bringing to the blog from this weekend, with an engagement session at the Eiffel Tower, and welcome drinks at the famous Plaza Athenee, here are just a few previews of their wedding day.
Chris and Kelly, if you are reading this, a thousand thank-you’s once again for choosing me.
You made my dreams come true, and I hope I could do this for you in return. xx
GETTING READY WITH LOVED ONES
Kelly and Chris both have a way with style, and I really wanted to pay homage to that, especially with Kelly’s roots in fashion!|
Kelly wore a stunning Berta dress, with accompanying veil, with her special Christian Louboutin’s gifted to her by Chris.
With a Taylor Swift playlist in the air, Kelly was helped into her dress by her lovely mum Darlene. We took a few moments on the balcony, to soak in that Parisienne breeze.
Chris twin brother was on hand to make sure his bow-tie was on just right, looking super suave in his black tuxedo. I suddenly realised writing this there really is something Mr Big and Carrie about this pair, and not just because their from NYC!
AN EMOTIONAL FIRST LOOK
Being based in the UK, I see alot of suppliers and couples feel that a first look is an American custom. Personally, I love it. A first look gives you the opportunity to see each privately, to say whatever you wish, to be together before all the other perhaps more formal parts of a wedding take place.
Chris and Kelly followed their first look and couple portraits with family photos on the sweeping staircase, which meant that after their ceremony, everyone could just truly relax and enjoy drinks, dinner, and party time!
Chris was rendered speechless by Kelly, simply adoring her, her elegant choice of dress, her quiet but luminous beauty. As Kelly mentioned in her welcome drinks speech, Chris is her constant in an ever changing world. He is the X to her Y. Kelly truly became her self, content, composed, peaceful, and so excited in his company.
A SECRET ROOFTOP TERRACE
The secret terrace of the Peninsula is usually only available to guests for private dining at sunset, so we felt incredibly grateful to have some time to access this most incredible view of Paris with the Eiffel Tower glinting in the background.
It was an unbelievably hot week that week, but Chris and Kelly took to the weather like absolute pros! Kelly was serene as her veil blew gently in the breeze, Chris completely at ease and mesmerised at his bride.
We then took a moment to pause, and grab some of the air conditioning on that grand staircase to really show off Kelly’s train, with Chris suit complimenting the chic colour palette of the hotel.
‘CAN I GET A ‘THE GODFATHER’ SHOT?!’
During family group photos, Chris had a request that I absolutely LOVED. We are both film buffs, and Chris requested a version of a family photo from The Godfather (give it a Google, you will see what I mean!).
I wanted to combine this absolute classic shot with Kelly’s flair for fashion. So here is my take on The Godfather meets Vanity Fair ensemble photo! I think my guidance was ‘just look right down my camera, but don’t look happy about it’. And I would say, they all absolutely smashed it! What an absolute vibe!
AN INTIMATE CEREMONY
Kelly was walked down the aisle by her mother Darlene, I really wanted to capture a moment for them together just before they did though, when it really was just about the two of them. Chris could not contain his excitement as he walked into the room to a round of applause and cheers, a much deserved hype!
The couple exchanged personal vows, as their dear family friend Rhonda led the service. This was just such a sweet and personal ceremony, I highly recommend taking a leaf out of their book to make the most of your ceremony. With a backdrop of white orchids, hydrangeas and gypsophila, by The Peninsula florist, they shared their first kiss as husband and wife.
A GLITTERING RECEPTION
Following their ceremony and drinks on the terrace in the glorious sunshine, Kelly and Chris hosted their reception in under the glittering lights of the chandeliers. The band surprised them with a serenade of ‘La Vie en Rose’, before encouraging their guests to get up and dance, to soak in the celebration.
The couple chose white florals, with white and gold stationery to echo their elegant surroundings.
After speeches and a gourmet dinner, the party got started as Chris and Kelly danced to their song ‘Cruisin’ by Smokey Robinson.
More to come soon….
Let only the flashing lights be the tower at midnight
In my mind - Paris, Taylor Swift
SUPPLIERS:
Venue: The Peninsula
MUA, Florist, Caterer: In-house at The Peninsula
Kelly’s dress and veil: Berta
Kelly’s shoes: Christian Louboutin
Chris suit: Brioni
Band: Jazz Around Midnight
Second photographer: Jessica Bevan