REAL COUPLES AND THEIR ELOPEMENTS
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Planning and photography by Tim
Story by Helene
CAROLINA AND GABRIEL
HOW MIAMI COUPLE PLANNED THEIR 'I DO' IN A FRENCH CASTLE WITH EIGHT GUESTS
LATE NOVEMBER ELOPEMENT
How partners for lifetime Carolina and Gabriel planned their beautiful French castle elopement. They booked our all-inclusive Château de Sceaux elopement package, with a castle ceremony and Paris photoshoot. Here is their story.
Helene: "Bonjour all the beautiful, adventurous, and ambitious ladies, our wonderful brides who are exploring this article. And our respect to the intelligent handsome future grooms. Hope you have a good time reading this case study. Let's begin!"
MEET CAROLINA AND GABRIEL
Vacation selfie from Atlanta, Georgia
Meet Carolina and Gabriel, a couple from Miami, Florida. They share a love for trying out new restaurants and enjoying movie nights together. Their journey began in 2013, blossoming into a romantic relationship in 2016. Last November, Gabriel surprised Carolina with a proposal in Central Park, New York.
Carolina said she wasn't happy when she imagined her having a traditional big party as a wedding, "Because it was too stressful and not what we want. Elopement was not an impulsive decision, we thought about this for a couple of months. We are planning to invite 8 guests. Our dream elopement is modern and elegant."
OUR CHALLENGE
Carolina and Gabriel shared their reason for eloping in France: "Paris the city of love and looks like a fairytale."
For us as elopement planners, the challenge was to create a dream wedding for Carolina and Gabriel that was modern, elegant, and stress-free, and focus on an intimate ceremony with just 8 guests. Our goal was to listen closely to their vision and make it real.
Think less traditional wedding, more french modern love party.
PLANNING PROCESS
Working with Carolina was amazing, she is such a calm and balanced bride. Here's the rundown of how it all happened:
1. Carolina got in touch through our website's contact form, she sent us a message: "Hi there! I am newly engaged and looking at different elopement packages. The elopement will be small, me, the groom, and 8 people. Thank you! Carolina."
2. We locked in the dates and Carolina chose the perfect elopement package, which was the Chateau de Sceaux package. We got the deposit and contract all sorted.
3. Carolina and Gabriel picked their ideal spots for the ceremony and photoshoot.
4. Carolina and Gabriel announced big news to their families.
5. The couple went on a shopping spree for their outfits.
7. Carolina shared her vision board with Helene for the bouquet, hair and makeup.
8. Carolina bought her stunning blue Manolo Blahnik heels.
9. Tim put together a wedding day timeline three days before the big day.
10. We assisted the guests with Uber directions for a smooth ride to the castle.
On the wedding day, the vibe was totally relaxed because we had everything ready to go, allowing us all to truly soak in the joy of the day.
TIMELINE
Here is the timeline for their late November elopement:
5 AM Yana is coming for Carolina's hair and makeup to their airbnb. Gabriel is getting ready in the next room so they don't see each other
7:20 AM Yana ends her work, and helps with the bridal dress
7:45 AM Pick up by Tim Driving to Avenue Camoens which is the first photoshoot location
Pont Alexandre III photos
Driving to the castle Chateau de Sceaux with the couple, meanwhile, the guests take an Uber
09:45 AM The officiant is meeting the guests at the castle
10:00 AM ceremony begins. Champagne
Family photos
Château de Sceaux couple's portrait shoot begins
11:40 AM Driving back
Why the ceremony is at the end, and why do we swap the photoshoot and the ceremony? For two big reasons. First, we start taking photos in Paris at sunrise to avoid the crowds and get those awesome shots, because the castle we're heading to opens up later in the day. Second, this flip-flop lets all our guests have extra zzz's and get ready without rushing. This way, the guests are eady to enjoy the day without any stress.
CAROLINA'S BRIDAL LOOK
When she was making the final decision
Carolina is head over heels for her bridal gown: a stunning piece featuring a strapless top, an A-line cut at the bottom, and a chic slit.
"What I love most about the dress is the top design and the hidden slit. The buttons trailing down the back are just the cherry on top," said Carolina.
For flowers, Carolina asked a round bouquet from white carnation and roses:
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Flowers Carolina wanted and what Helene created
Carolina worked with Yana, a default artist included in our elopement package. For her look, she opted for a sleek modern updo and a classic makeup style. Additionally, she requested individual falsies, which were also provided by Yana.
When it all comes together
Carolina looked absolutely amazing! Her style was elegant and modern just the way she imagined, making her stand out in the best way possible. We're fans of her fantastic look!
Our beautiful bride
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Detail shots
Closer makeup look
CAR AND LOGISTICS
Carolina and Gabriel didn't have to think about logistics and directions, our package came with a car. This made their day less complicated as they didn't have to worry about getting around the city. It helped them enjoy the romantic side of Paris. Our goal is to make weddings stress-free and enjoyable, so couples can focus on love and adventure, not on traffic and gps.
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The day begins
We picked the couple up from their airbnb
Tim: "Carolina requested candid solo shots as part of her elopement photography. That's why I took a photo of her stepping out of a car. Think about adding this idea to your Pinterest board if you'd like to have the same portrait."
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Backstage iPhone moment VS the shot
PARIS PHOTOSHOOT FOR THE COUPLE
The couple picked 2 locations that were included in the package: Avenue Camoës and Pont Alexandre III.
They wanted something different - not too posed, more real. A photoshoot that was less about formal poses and more about capturing their genuine connection in a creative, modern way.
The couple's request was to have a nontraditional, creative, and modern photoshoot. Less formal, more candid.
"Would like it to be more unique and fun," said Gabriel.
Tim: "Our assistant Olga helped the couple with the veil for these shots. She also holds the bride's warm coat since it's a late November elopement"
Holding the veil, iPhone backstage
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It's very early so first photos are taken with moody and dark light
This street is called Eiffel balcony or L'avenue de Camoëns
Tim: "Under the veil poses are romantic and brides request them all the time. We helped Carolina to place the veil a certain way so it lays perfectly."
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Tim places the veil and Olga holds it for photos, iPhone backstage
Carolina's idea of a shot under the veil
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Couldn't decide between these two
This early morning light added a mysterious and romantic feel
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As you can see, C&G already are comfortable in front of the camera and can do advanced posing
A simple run is a very cute pose
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Famous Paris lamp post behind
Strolling down a cobblestone lane
Tim: "I helped Carolina and Gabriel with posing and gave directions. My goal was to create a relaxing atmosphere so the couple feels confident in front of the camera."
This bridge is called a Pont Alexandre III. Carolina specifically mentioned she wants candid motion photos here. If you are interested in those types of motion candid slightly blurred shots, please screenshot them and add them to your board, because we do not do them by default.
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Tim captures the sunrise light
Candid bridal details
Artistic blur shot Carolina wanted
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Laughing together before getting married
For this pose, we asked Gabriel to kiss Carolina on the cheek
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A playful chase
For this pose, we unbustled the dress and asked the
couple to walk away from the camera
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Tim directs a playful pose
Just look at the bridal gloves, stunning!
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A quiet embrace, eyes closed
In our opinion, this shot looks like a sexy perfume ad
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The couple did a fantastic job with posing and smiling
CASTLE WEDDING CEREMONY
For their late November 2023 elopement, Carolina and Gabriel chose the Chateau de Sceaux garden view ceremony, surrounded by just 8 close friends and family. Their ceremony was very sweet and simple, focusing on the love they share. They had an English-speaking officiant, and a bottle of exquisite French Champagne.
The Chateau de Sceaux and its formal garden
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The ceremony begins
Ceremony with a fountain behind
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I DOs in the presence of their loved ones and Olga, their officiant
The couple memorized and said their vows instead of reading from a paper
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Gabriel puts a ring on, we all felt goosebumps
Carolina says her vow and puts the ring on
Racing heart and a final kiss
And then, the Champagne. Oh, that bottle of French Champagne wasn’t just a drink, it was a grenade they pulled the pin on. Opening that bottle was like detonating a bomb of bliss. In that moment, Carolina and Gabriel felt the happiest married couple.
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Pop, fizz, clink!
Cheers to love, adventure, and saying 'I do' our own way
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To love, laughter, and happily ever after!
Grand exit
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Small wedding, big love
After the ceremony, we took some family photos, because they are very important. Carolina and Gabriel, along with their 8 guests, posed for Tim's camera.
These photos are keepsakes, showing the joy and love of this day. They help remember the faces and feelings of those who shared in the celebration. As time goes by, these photos become precious. That's why taking family photos is a key part of the day, it's about keeping memories alive for years to come.
Here are just a couple of them to show you:
Capturing moments with the ones who mean the most
Family: where life begins and love never ends
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Through thick and thin, family stands by our side
COUPLE'S PORTRAITS AT CHATEAU SCEAUX
Couples book this package to have fairytale photos, with just the two of them and the french castle.
Carolina and Gabriel enjoyed their 1 hour photoshoot and posed for Tim's camera for the last time before driving back.
Even for late November elopements, some greenery is still there
We just love this pose with a full castle view
Eloping in regal style
In the heart of the french garden
Butterflies in the stomach
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The day was super extremely windy, those are not staged, the dress did fly like this
What do you think about french architecture?
A real life windy shot, the veil flew all the time
And with this last formal portrait, we closed the elopement
After their castle elopement, Carolina and Gabriel were tired but overjoyed, feeling like the happiest people on earth.
They shared looks filled with promises to face life together. As they caught their breath, Carolina and Gabriel stood ready for the journey ahead.
They showed up as themselves, each with their own thing going on. But in that castle, everything changed. Carolina and Gabriel realized they were in it together, forever. Holding hands, they stepped into tomorrow.
BEFORE / AFTER
For editing, we did two main things:
1) We picked the right colors. We chose a preset that was both natural and contrasted. Carolina, as a bride, has dark hair and big eyes, and she is wearing a pure white dress. That altogether creates a high-contrast look (dark black and pure white). We tried to enhance her look with editing. In our opinion, Carolina's color type is a dark autumn which means, her editing needs to be dark and warm:
Dark autumn color type
2) We removed people, rubbish, and signs from every single image. It took long hours of photoshopping people out, but it was worth it:
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RAW from the camera and a final result
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RAW from the camera and a final result
RESTAURANT
After the elopement, the same night, Carolina and Gabriel went to a restaurant called Braise (19 Rue d'Anjou, 75008 Paris). Known for its exquisite cuisine and cozy ambiance, Braise provided the perfect setting for the newlyweds to eat dinner with family. And of course, to celebrate their love over a delicious meal.
Carolina sent us these photos in our group WhatsApp chat and said: "We had such a great dinner at Braise Paris. Please post these photos on your website to recommend this place to your future couples. We loved it!"
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Eloped and excited: Carolina and Gabriel at Braise
FINAL THOUGHTS
It was such a pleasure to work with Carolina and Gabriel. Their elopement was a joy from start to finish, filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your special day, and congratulations! Carolina and Gabriel, we wish you a beautiful marriage ahead!
Let me introduce the team. Tim is wearing terracotta pants, and next to him is Olga wearing an all-black outfit and white sneakers, waving to the camera (and still holding bride's coat haha). And I'm the one taking this selfie!
Team selfie
THE TEAM
The team that worked together with Carolina and Gabriel to help them create a fashionable elopement day:
Tim, elopement planning and photography
"I made sure Carolina and Gabriel had a stress-free day. And for the wedding photoshoot, I wanted to capture images that are candid and timeless, knowing how much our fashion-loving bride adores style. Together, we truly nailed it!"
Helene, communication with the couple and flowers, and putting together this article
"I teamed up with Carolina right from the start, making sure everything was just as she wanted. I hope she is happy with her elopement!"
Yana, bridal hair and makeup @makeupparisyana
"I wanted Carolina to glow naturally on her big day. Keeping it light and breezy, nothing overdone. She's a beautiful bride, and every moment with her was pure joy!"
Olga, ceremony Officiant and assistant during the photoshoot
"We all witnessed Carolina and Gabriel's love story. May their bond be strong, their love everlasting, and their future filled with happiness. Thank you for booking our whole team and big kisses and hugs from Paris!"
THANKS FOR READING! ELOPING TO PARIS MEANS CELEBRATING THE EXTRAORDINARY IN YOU. BECAUSE YOUR LOVE DESERVES A CANVAS AS UNIQUE AND BEAUTIFUL AS YOUR STORY!
THE ELOPEMENT PACKAGE
The Carousel elopement package is a smart wedding option and we are super proud of it. It combines price and quality, and our 12 years of wedding planning experience in Paris.
With years of experience, we have carefully selected top-tier vendors and perfected the logistics to ensure a seamless and stress-free wedding day. From the stunning ceremony location to Tim's skilled photography, designed to create lasting memories.
Our team takes immense pride in creating unforgettable experiences for couples from all over the world.
Book now and let us take care of the rest!
THE CAROUSEL ALL-INCLUSIVE PARIS WEDDING PACKAGE