REAL COUPLES AND THEIR ELOPEMENTS
REBEKAH AND ZACHARY
ELOPEMENT VS BIG WEDDING:
A FINANCIAL FACE-OFF UNCOVERING THE SURPRISING COST SAVINGS AND BENEFITS OF INTIMATE ESCAPES
WINTER ELOPEMENT
Planning and photography by Tim
Story by Helene
This case study is for those engaged couples who are at a crossroads. On the one hand, you dream about a perfect wedding celebration. But on the other, it is extremely expensive. An average wedding held in 2022, including both the ceremony and reception, costs 30k. This one:
I found these stock photos by searching "traditional big wedding"
And while a big traditional wedding is a great way to gather your whole family together, it is definitely not for everyone.
Please let us show the elopement you get for 11K:
-3k for an all-inclusive elopement package (premium makeup and hair, ceremony, photography, bridal bouquet, logistics, fees, taxes, so basically everything, you don't have to book anything else)
-700 for a vintage Rolls Royce for 5 hours of rent
-700 for decorations
-6k for a private Eiffel Tower terrace hotel room
And when it comes to the venue, Shangri La hotel terrace is expensive, I know that. 6k for a hotel room is a lot. But you get one of the best rooms in the world. It is the most luxurious and unique view in Paris.
Of course, you don't have to book any venue, you can elope choosing a public ceremony place like Trocadero. But Shangri la hotel will definitely help achieve a chic and gorgeous over-the-top elopement.
And please take a look at this beautiful 1 minute video from John Nassari:
CASE STUDY
Published by — Helene and Tim, Paris elopement planners and photographers
REBEKAH AND ZACHARY, TWIN GEMINI FLAMES
The bride Rebekah sent us a message saying: “We would love to have an elegant wedding that we can look back on for years to come and never feel like it went out of style. We want it to be low key, but we also want it to be a magical experience for the both of us”.
We discussed the details and realized a few important things:
-Romance is the most important
-The day must be very special, exactly like the couple envisioned
-The ceremony should be classy and meaningful. Iconic Paris view, but a private location
SEARCHING FOR A PERFECT HOTEL
Two types of elopements planners offer to their clients. One is a castle elopement with a private location rent. But not everyone wants a castle backdrop. Another elopement type is a classic public elopement, for example at an Eiffel Tower location like Trocadero. But not everyone also wants this option because public places do not offer any privacy and couple is very limited with ceremony options.
The couple asked us to plan an elopement that will be a perfect mix of both.
Our goal was a private ceremony location and iconic Paris views. Both privacy of a luxury hotel and Rebekah's dream Paris views.
We called some french castles, for example, Château de Champlâtreux. But because of the short notice, their dates were booked by a cinema company.
We offered some different hotel recommendations, like the Ritz Paris. Or hotel Marignan. Shangri-La Paris was the best option. In the end, Rebekah booked the sumptuous Shangri-La Paris room with a terrace.
Immediately after the booking, Rebekah contacted the hotel and confirmed the ceremony and photoshoot.
PLANNING PROCESS
We had only one month to plan this elopement from beginning to end.
At first, we finished the basics: date booking, hotel booking, and weather check. Because it was late Autumn, the weather was not very good. We expected cold rains. And that is also why booking an indoor private location was necessary.
Then, we discussed our plans with the vendors. We discussed style. Rebekah sent her ideas and inspirational images. Rebekah booked a vintage car.
And in the end, we planned the timeline.
We planned a whole photoshoot ideas list. We offered a list of photoshoot locations that will be a good fit for autumn elopement.
BACKSTAGE
Tim is waiting for the deliveries to be finished
The terrace before the ceremony
Shangri-La hotel room interior
Ceremony photo and video
Bridal shots at golden Shangri-La ballroom
Videographer is preparing moments before the first look
Champagne!
Tim is placing a veil that must be perfect
CONCLUSION
We are extremely grateful that Rebekah and Zachary trusted us with their wedding planning. Seeing them exchange romantic vows at their dream venue made us so happy.
Not only Rebekah and Zachary were such a pleasant couple to work with, but they also had a perfect wedding vision and ideas. We will remember this beautiful elopement forever.
Do it Paris way says a huge thank you to the whole Shangri-La Paris team for helping us and hosting this event.
Dear future couples that are planning to get married in Paris! We hope that this case study was helpful and you had a virtual tour of this beautiful hotel.
Thank you for reading this case study, we appreciate your time and attention.
No matter whether you decide to book this venue or choose to go in another direction, you deserve the wedding of your dreams. You really do!
FIND US ON INSTAGRAM @DOITPARISWAY