elopement-planned-in-5-days

HOPELESS ROMANTIC GROOM PLANNED THE WHOLE PARIS WEDDING IN 5 DAYS

This case study is about the groom who impulsively decided to plan a secret elopement in Paris after he realized that the original wedding wasn't what they expected it to be. And he managed to organize the whole event in just 5 days, the time couple had before leaving for Paris.

MICHAEL AND SOPHIA

Sophia (pharmacist) and Michael (dentist) are together for 6 years. They met through a mutual friend. They both live in Germany.

Sophia is a dedicated traveler. The first thing you notice about her is the way she carries herself. She walks with confidence, but there's something else behind it too - she is balanced and independent. Friends and family always count on her caring nature especially when they need comforting or support.

Michael is a gentleman who secretly became an adventurer to impress Sophia. His wardrobe is always elegant.

A COURTHOUSE WEDDING

Their wedding was planned for September 1, 2021 in Germany. It was supposed to be the most straightforward way to get married, a courthouse wedding in their local City hall. The couple invited closest family members and friends.

Sophia and Michael wanted to have a Paris honeymoon, and they started to plan their trip in June. By the beginning of August, everything was ready.

As September approached, Michael started to notice that something was off about this plan. When they talked about the wedding day, Sophia became quiet. She had a toneless, quiet voice when they discussed their ceremony.

For some days the feeling of uncertainty kept Michael awake at night. He tried to speak to Sophia, but she only said that she is not very excited about the upcoming wedding because she always wanted to have something special.

"Well, I guess that our Paris trip will be special..." said Sophia.

That evening Michael thought "I think I will take the lead". He remembers he was googling some romantic adventures to book in Paris for the couple. Until he found that they could actually get married in the City of Love.

"I had to decide whether it was a good idea to get married in Paris again, just 5 days after our original ceremony. I wanted to know everything about the elopement options. So that I could try to predict if Sophia would like that or not.." says Michael.

SECRET ELOPEMENT

Michael's first email made us gasp. We received it on August 28, 2021 at 10:59 PM. Inquiring about the elopement that might happen in just some days:

After exchanging some messages we understood that:

1) Michael wants to plan a last minute elopement

2) He doesn't want Sophia to know, it will be a big surprise

3) He will announce that on their wedding day

4) After the wedding day we start planning the last elopement details together with Sophia and Michael on Whatsapp group chat

5) They pack bridal dress and suit and get married in Paris, just the two of them

5 DAYS PLANNING

Michael quickly sent a deposit and disappeared for 2 days. In these two days our team:

-Ordered certificates with their names from our local printing house

-Booked vendors, made sure everyone is available : flowers, officiant, makeup and hair

-Prepared personalized ceremony script

In the late evening of September 1, 2021 Michael added Sophia to our group chat. She was shocked, excited, and ready to do it.

September 2, 2021 we worked on:

1) Sophia picked their ceremony location

2) Sophia reviewed the ceremony script

3) Started to write vows

4) Was googling flower inspiration

5) While Sophia did all that Michael went to dry cleaning to prepare the gown and suit since it wasn't very fresh after the wedding

On September 3, 2021 we ordered flowers. Had another group chat about makeup and hair. And finally, Sophia and Michael picked photoshoot locations.

September 4, 2021 couple was traveling to Paris while we planned the timeline and picked up certificates. Michael confirmed that they arrived in Paris by car, outfits are prepared, and they are completely ready to get married.

September 5, and 6 the couple enjoyed Paris. Sophia was on her phone adding some last-minute inspirational pictures to their Pinterest board. We double-checked the weather to make sure it is fine. In the late evening, Michael finished writing his wedding vow.

TIMELINE

A morning elopement in Paris is the perfect way to start the day during your trip.

Here is our timeline for early September elopement:

05:20 - Makeup artist arrives. Bridal hair and makeup. Groom gets ready

07:40 - Pick up

08:10 - Ceremony begins

08:30 - Ceremony ends

9 - Portrait photoshoot begins

13 -Driving back to the hotel

CEREMONY

Here it is... the moment Michael was waiting for. Sophia is about to read her vow. And she is like most girls, dreaming about this romantic experience.

Ceremony location: Alexandre III bridge balcony
Ceremony type : symbolic wedding ceremony

Ceremony Officiant was standing the european way, on the side. That's how the couple can be alone in the photos, be the center of attention and still listen to the ceremony words.

Eiffel Tower in the background, just wow!

Ring exchange

Alexandre 3 bridge lanterns view at the left side

AFTER CEREMONY PORTRAITS

Since we had ceremony at the Alexandre 3 bridge, we did some portraits at this beautiful place. Sophia had an idea of capturing her bridal dress and doing some individual shots.

It was a little chilly at sunrise, so we took some photos for 20 minutes and traveled to the next location.

Panoramic shots to capture the beauty of Paris

Sophia asked for some black and white images because they are different.. and super romantic!

For this pose we asked Michael to hug Sophia from the back and tell her 3 things he loves about her

Sophia about her dress: "I bought a dress that no one would have predicted that I’d wear. I wasn't into princess silhouette but once I tried the dress on, I knew it was me!"

EIFFEL TOWER PHOTOSHOOT

"Hmmm, I can't decide which Eiffel Tower view to choose" said Michael. And we recommended Trocadero. We absolutely love the view and how couple can be captured here. It is very unique in perspective.

In Paris, the Eiffel Tower is one of the main landmarks

We took photos in movement as well as posed ones

This pose to show the back of bridal dress

There really is nothing like the Eiffel Tower and if you have never been to Paris, it is a must-see

Trees are green in September

Classic bridal portrait

Soft sunlight in early morning

Like a movie

Michael's advice: "The matte and solid colors look the best for the groom's look. Layer it up. Buy a nice fragrance"

THE LOUVRE MUSEUM

Louvre is the second most popular location in Paris. Couples choose it when they want a place that combines several beautiful backdrops. In 30 minutes you can take so many different photos, from individual shots to panoramic wide angle.

Reflection in the water

Famous pyramids

Outdoor gallery perspective

Scared to pose? We give directions. We will show how to move and what to do with your arms. Each couple is unique and we always approach everyone in a different way

How gorgeous is this view?!

And here it is, elopement planned in just 5 days!