REAL COUPLES AND THEIR ELOPEMENTS
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KATHLEEN AND MARK
ESCAPE TO PARIS: MODERN ELOPEMENT BY DOITPARISWAY
SUMMER ELOPEMENT
Planning and photography by Tim
Story by Helene
Kathleen and Mark always wanted a simple wedding, focusing on just the two of them. The couple planned a clean and minimalist elopement, and 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 KATHLEEN AND MARK
Kathleen and Mark met by mutual friends
Meet Kathleen and Mark from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They love walks with their dog Benny, staying active, beach days, and enjoying concerts and cooking together.
Together, Kathleen and Mark are a perfect team.
CHALLENGE
"Paris became our destination of love because, early in our relationship, we discovered it was a place neither of us had ever been, and we yearned to experience its magic for the first time together." - Kathleen
Kathleen said she envisions romance and elegance with a touch of modern. She likes a very clean style. She wants her wedding day to feel fun, light, and relaxed.
Our challenge was to plan an elopement for Kathleen and Mark in Paris that aligns with their vision of a clean, simple, and modern style. Create an experience that focuses on the story of their relationship.
"A big wedding was something neither of us wanted. We wanted to focus more on the two of us than the pomp and circumstance of a big wedding." - shared the couple.
PLANNING PROCESS
The entire planning process was smooth. Our communication primarily took place through email and WhatsApp.
The planning process proceeded as usual. Kathleen and Mark reviewed the details, sent their deposit to secure the date, and selected options for the ceremony, photoshoot, and flowers.
The only additional arrangement we made was for a hotel photoshoot. Kathleen and Mark stayed at Saint James Paris Hotel and wished to capture some photos there. Kathleen purchased this extra option a month before the elopement date and got permission from the hotel.
Helene: "For the Carousel package (the one that the couple booked), the deposit is EUR 250, and the balance can be paid via PayPal a few days before or during the wedding day. I guarantee that when the deposit is sent, it boosts happiness so much for both the couple and our team!"
WEATHER IN PARIS IN JULY
In July, Paris experiences warm and pleasant weather, with average high temperatures ranging from 64°F to 77°F (18°C to 25°C).
Kathleen and Mark had fantastic weather for their elopement, enjoying clear skies and a sunny day.
Rains are very rare in July, so they didn't need to have a Plan B in case of bad weather.
TIMELINE
When the couple picks the Tuileries ceremony, we switch things up by doing the photoshoot first. This is because the Tuileries opens later, and we need to start taking Eiffel Tower photos right at sunrise.
Here is a timeline that Tim created 2 days before the elopement:
4:30 AM Makeup artist Yana is coming for bridal hair and makeup. The groom gets ready and packs bags for the day: vow books, rings, etc
5:50 AM Yana ends her work. Putting the dress on and getting down and waiting for Tim's pickup
6:10 AM Pick up by Tim
Paris photoshoot begins: Trocadero, Louvre gallery
8:30 AM The ceremony begins at Tuileries
After-ceremony photos and champagne
9-9:30 AM Driving back to the hotel. Photos at Saint James Hotel, around 40 minutes
BRIDAL LOOK
Dress was ordered online
Kathleen picked an ivory sheath dress by Reiss. Reiss is an English fashion brand.
Kathleen said about her dress"My favorite part about this dress is the neckline. It was the third dress I ordered online."
Kathleen booked hair and makeup included in the package, her artist was Yana. Yana came to their place the morning of the wedding day.
Here is what Kathleen wanted:
Bridal hair reference from Pinterest
Bridal hair. Kathleen wanted simple elegant hair down style, maybe loose curls.
Makeup reference from Pinterest Kathleen sent us
Bridal makeup. Kathleen wanted natural but sexy makeup.
Bouquet references from Pinterest Kathleen sent us
Bridal flowers. Kathleen wanted to have a simple round white rose bouquet.
Kathleen had a stylish and minimalist look:
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Gorgeous bride Kathleen
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Bouquet by Helene
Kathleen was wonderful to work with. Her easygoing and friendly nature made the process enjoyable for our whole team. She's super nice, and beautiful, and we all had a blast working with her!
Our beautiful bride
MEET THE HANDSOME GROOM, MARK
Mark looks great in his Hampton Midnight Blue Tuxedo from Indochino.
His handsome features are beautifully enhanced by the deep navy blue fabric. The careful attention to detail in his outfit choice shows off Mark's style.
Cheers to one incredibly good-looking man!
Meet Mark
PARIS PHOTOSHOOT
As planned, we began with the Eiffel Tower photoshoot. Kathleen and Mark wanted to have some Trocadero photos, and Tim found the best angles for their shoot.
Tim: "Trocadero is a popular wedding location. We've got to start early to beat the crowd, picture this, the whole place just for us. What a view!"
A simple and elegant elopement at Trocadero
Trocadero magic for couple's and solo shots
IDEA TO TRY
Helene: "Even if you're not doing a real first look, you can still incorporate some 'first look' photos on your vision board, allowing us to beautifully recreate those moments. Like this photo below."
Recreated first look
Two very popular poses: a spin and a kiss
Parisian dreams
The Trocadero stairs are part of the Trocadero location. We went there to capture some photos as well because Kathleen wanted this spot. Love the stairs!
A classic wide angle image
And some closer shots as well
Trocadero stair kiss
Candid poses
So many couples dream about this view!
And some black and white images
Tim: "My goal is to make Eiffel Tower photos as perfect as possible, that's why we removed all the people behind the couple."
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Editing out the crowds
Tim: "Louvre gallery is a great location for candid photos. But at the same time, running and dancing poses can be tricky for a couple who never posed before. I helped Kathleen and Mark with posing an explained how to run like a professional model. And they did such a great job posing for the camera."
Dancing shadows
Photography is all about capturing genuine moments
Groom's solo shots
Bride's solo shots
Holding each other's hands
Bathed in the warm glow of gallery lights
KATHLEEN AND MARK ARE GETTING MARRIED
AT THE TUILERIES GARDEN
Kathleen and Mark picked Tuileries as their ceremony location. July at Tuileries is a summer wonderland, a paradise. The flowers are all popping with colors, and it's warm and sunny. We invite you to soak up the awesome Parisian vibes as well, you will love it!
Kathleen was in love with this place: "What a beautiful view, Tuileries is an aesthetic I was looking for!"
At the Tuileries ceremony, Kathleen and Mark did their love thing. They said sweet promises to each other, exchanging rings and I DO's. Surrounded by the trees and a castle view, it was like a fairytale moment.
The ceremony is performed by our Officiant Olga.
A small ceremony, big on love
Moments of connection and understanding, spoken without words
Genuine smiles
Congratulations, Kathleen and Mark are married!
After their "I do's," Kathleen and Mark felt different. Now, they felt strong together, their love deeper. Together, they stepped into their new life, as husband and wife.
REFINED CHAMPAGNE
In beautiful Paris, after the ceremony, Kathleen and Mark celebrated with champagne. The taste was so good! They clinked glasses and enjoyed the french drink.
Let's celebrate!
Kathleen got these coupe glasses online
Cheers!
Our little guest was walking by and decided to be a part of the celebration
Kathleen messaged us a couple of weeks before the elopement about the glasses. We explained that we only provide simple glasses. So she ordered her personal vintage glasses to add a touch of old glamour:
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SAINT JAMES PARIS HOTEL PHOTOS
Kathleen and Mark decided to treat themselves to an extra photoshoot at the Saint James Paris Hotel, capturing sexy and more intimate moments. Taking photos in that beautiful setting felt incredibly special. The luxurious ambiance of the hotel was just so nice, it's so hard to explain it but hotel photos are so special. It's not possible to explain this feeling in the article, you should just book a great hotel in Paris and feel it yourself!
After the photoshoot was over, Tim took the last photos at the bar of the Saint James Paris Hotel.
Tim: "Hotel shots are available only with a select few hotels that offer logistical opportunities and parking. St James is one of them."
Saint James Paris is a 5* star hotel located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris
Room rates at the Saint James Paris can vary but start at €600
Their own personal palace
A peaceful retreat in a very busy city
Capturing a moment that feels like it could last a lifetime
Every glance, every touch...
Kathleen and Mark ordered special cocktails to celebrate their marriage. What a way to end your elopement in Paris!
Sipping on love, the essence of a celebration that's just for two
FINAL THOUGHTS
Kathleen and Mark wanted to have a relaxed elopement just for the two of them. Their style was minimalist and clear, just what they wanted.
We're grateful they picked us (Do it Paris Way team) for their big day, and we're proud of how everything turned out. Big congrats to Kathleen and Mark. Wishing you both tons of happiness in your marriage journey ahead!
THE TEAM
The team that worked together with Kathleen and Mark to help them create a fashionable elopement day:
Tim, elopement planner and photographer
"My goal was to create a relaxed atmosphere and candid stylish photos. Kathleen and Mark did an awesome job planning their elopement and posing for the camera and we all are in love with the final result. If you want me to plan the same day for you, I would be happy to do it!"
Helene, communication with the couple and flowers, and this article
"I worked with Kathleen via email and Whatsapp. I tried to match her perfect vision, clear and minimalist. I loved making a white bouquet for her and using a white ribbon for flower stems."
Yana, bridal hair and makeup @makeupparisyana
"My job was to create a soft bridal look that highlighted Kathleen's natural beauty. I kept it super light, avoiding anything too heavy or overly done. Kathleen is such a stunning bride!"
Olga, ceremony Officiant and assistant during the photoshoot
"I was deeply honoured to officiate Kathleen and Mark's elopement ceremony. I truly wanted them to relax and to think about nothing but their love. Their whole story was an explicit example of aesthetic and class."
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
FIND US ON INSTAGRAM @DOITPARISWAY