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Mia and Victor weren't happy with their original wedding that took place in June 2021 in their hometown. And they planned a new one in October 2021, but this time exactly the way they wanted to. A creative day in Paris, France.
WEDDING REDO IN PARIS THAT MADE HIGH SCHOOL LOVEBIRDS HAPPY
MIA AND VICTOR
THE COUPLE
- Met in high school
- Together for 13 years on October 2021
- Victor proposed on Christmas Day
IMAGINED
Finally have the romantic experience they deserve
ELOPEMENT DAY
- Eiffel Tower ceremony
- Portrait shoot
- Bridal bouquet to remember
- Fully planned and coordinated day
MIA AND VICTOR
Victor proposed on Christmas and they got married in June 2021. The wedding was planned by the whole family.
Mia admits "At first, I was hesitant about sharing our story because our relatives might get mad. But now I realize I should open up because I know I am not the only one who struggled with traditional wedding. I am sharing my story for those who have been robbed of some of the most beautiful experiences in life. So they don't feel alone. It's okay to grieve what could have been. It's okay to be disappointed.
So here is how our first wedding was...We couldn't get the pictures we wanted because the family insisted on entertaining the guests all day. People were complaining about how boring it was. Our wedding venue was nothing that I wanted. And the makeup artist left me halfway done because mother-in-law made him mad. It was so stressful and disappointing. For us it wasn't a celebration at all.
And awkward ceremony felt like a migraine...."
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Ceremony. They looked at each other briefly and entered city hall room false smiling and avoiding eye contact with guests.
They both regretted the wedding. Immediately after the wedding, Mia thought she regrets never having the experience.
When they first got engaged, she imagined a fairytale day with close family and friends. They both loved the idea of an intimate celebration and romantic dinner. Instead, the family forced them to have a traditional wedding with everyone taking part.
"I felt frustrated thinking if I arranged the wedding day without listening to any advice how different it would've been" said Mia.
Mia was looking at beautiful bridal portraits from Paris and moved to tears, wishing she had something similar. She messaged us "I want a wedding I love".
And we started planning together:
Mia was an older sibling and she mostly saw the door left open for her little sisters. Mia admits
"I often felt like I was a first pancake and my little sisters got cooler toys and nicer clothes. This meant I also had to share everything which made me crave my dream wedding day even more. The perfect wedding I wanted without any compromise. I know that this might sound too much, but I just want other girls that they truly felt seen who had the same situation as me. You are not alone!"
WALK TO THE BEAT OF YOUR OWN DRUM
"Oh God. I am so excited to begin" said Mia.
"Whatever makes you happy, babe" said Victor brightly. It gave him a warm glow.
Mia so enthusiastic was after the proposal. There had been so many tense moments inside their families forever since.
Mia and Victor booked our all-inclusive Paris elopement package, the Carousel package.
They set 3 top priorities for Paris wedding day :
1 - Perfect ceremony
2 - Iconic Paris photoshoot locations
3 - Creative bouquet
Mia said "The only thing I love and want to keep is my dress, I love it. Everything else starting from scratch. I am changing all my wedding."
EIFFEL TOWER CEREMONY
"I feel like our first wedding was about other people more than our relationship. And this time I want something very romantic to compensate. I want to celebrate our love. Paris is the most romantic city in the world and Eiffel Tower is my dream ceremony place. Eiffel Tower is the epitome of romance" said Mia.
Two Eiffel Tower ceremony views are available : Trocadero
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and River Seine
Mia and Victor decided to go with River Seine.
THE ONE AND ONLY DRESS
Mia went dress shopping alone. She said "I put on this dress and felt it was the one. I felt like a princess. I asked a lady who worked at the boutique to take a short video for me. Here I am sending you a screensot to share. I felt fabulous. But then I looked at the price tag...mirror, price tag, mirror, price tag... This dress was 2 times the amount I had budgeted for my wedding dress. I immediately remembered words of my mom saying that I should always be responsible because I am not the top priority. And I said to the lady that I WILL BUY THIS DRESS because I am a priority for me. Get rid of the guilt"
"I am a priority for me"
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From the fitting room
to Paris
Oh, these details!
BRIDAL LOOK
Mia asked our makeup artist for a natural bridal look but with few conditions. She wanted her makeup to last all day and preferred to have waterproof products in case she cries.
She re-applied a little lipstick and concealer during the shoot.
Inspiration image
And the final bridal look, fresh and classic
COMPLEMENT THE VISION
"I love roses for all occasions. For me roses are innocent and cheerful. The perfect symbol for a perfect new life" said Mia.
Bouquet and bouttoniere by @refletsfleurs
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Our florist Reflets Fleurs offered two types of greenery to add. Bride picked eucalyptus (right one) because tones looked better.
And here is the final result
WHEN I LOOK AT YOU, I CAN FEEL IT
When we asked Victor what he felt during the first look, he said "I am a shy person and I don't talk too much. I suppose I was just excited, so to speak. No, but I felt like my wife is the most beautiful woman in the world.
I was afraid my fear of posing in front of the camera may show in photos, but turned out absolutely fine".
Victor felt confident.
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NO LONGER TWO, BUT ONE
As a tourist you can not get legally married in France. We offer an alternative - the symbolic wedding ceremony. As beautiful and romantic as a legal one. But without any paperwork. Together with our couples we plan and create a meaningful ritual.
We planned a symbolic wedding ceremony at sunrise. That was around 8 AM. To avoid crowds at popular locations, our couples wake up early. Getting out of bed very early in the morning is always a struggle. Especially when you are on your vacation. But Paris streets and squares get very busy from 11-13 and till late night. Morning really is the only moment in the day when popular locations like Eiffel Tower or Louvre are empty, and also you will get the best light. And it will be absolutely worth it for one of the most magical sunrises.
A classic elopement wedding ceremony is :
- Opening remarks. The wedding ceremony opening remarks are a warm welcome: "We are
gathered together on this day..."
- Your story. Your officiant may take this moment to speak about your love and engagement story.
About you as a couple.
- I DO's. "Do you Anastasia take Alexander to be your husband?"
- Ring and vow exchange. "I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and I promise you..."
- Declaration of your marriage. Your officiant makes it official. "I now pronounce you married!"
- Your first kiss as a married couple.
- The signing of your symbolic certificates.
And champagne toast!
The beginning of the ceremony. We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Mia and Victor...
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Mia said "I was thinking that today is a day I will always remember!"
Sweaty palms and tears into the eyes. Mia looked up and saw him looking and she felt her knees give out and nearly fell. Victor couldn't look away.
Mia said "I was thinking that today is a day I will always remember!"
Sweaty palms and tears into the eyes. Mia looked up and saw him looking and she felt her knees give out and nearly fell. Victor couldn't look away.
Impatience to finally exchange rings
Mia said "When he was saying I DO I felt electricity"
Here’s to love and laughs and happily ever after!
Cheers!
Sunshine flooded her soul
The ceremony will typically last around 20-30 minutes. Remember, you can always personalize your elopement ceremony. Adventure elopements are all about creativity and freedom! Mia and Victor wanted their ceremony to be formal and classic.
IT WAS ALMOST TOO MUCH HAPPINESS TO BEAR
Victor is not a romantic person at all. He never joins when someone is watching Titanic or La La Land. But when he impulsively invited Mia to have a little dance with the Eiffel Tower view, it set her pulse racing. It was so unexpected and sweet she felt like her feet barely touched the ground.
OLD HOLLYWOOD GLAM
Mia loves old Hollywood fascinating movies and the love stories that came from them. We decided to follow aesthetics and add some glam poses to the portrait photography.
The camera is intimidating for any person who is not a professional model or actor. If you feel like you can't relax when posing for your pictures, you are not alone. It really takes a lot of courage to stop thinking "How do I look? Am I okay? Isn't it awkward?".
Courage to simply breathe and gain confidence.
You can easily overcome this with us by simply getting used to posing.
We will help you relax.
We will make a list of specific poses that will be comfortable for you. Not too difficult or not too boring. Just those you feel good doing. You got it all under control!
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The photography that comes with our elopement packages is location-based rather than hourly-based. You will be at peace of mind that the locations you expect to capture come out perfect without risking an overtime invoice in the event that the day runs late in case of bad traffic or weather.
HAPPINESS TOGETHER
"We've been together for 13 years this October. We lived in 5 rented apartments over the years and supported each other during graduation.
Mia was there for me during the most difficult times. She provided comfort, encouragement, and even financial assistance when I wasn't able to work because of my studies.
She is just too good for me.
Without her, my life has no meaning. She always makes me a cup of hot chocolate and comforts me when I feel lost. She tells me I am the best.
She gives up the last bite of her favorite carrot cake.
I love her and I want to make her happy because she deserves what's most beautiful in this world" Victor wrote us.
PARIS, JE T'AIME
Mia and Victor had the coolest, most amazing vacation ever in their lives. It was rather unexpected because initially they felt chronic tiredness and had no energy to plan anything again. But then the second breath came. That’s how their perfect Paris trip began.
Life never unfolds the way you plan to.
Mia and Victor took 2 weeks off to travel. They started by taking a boat ride along the Seine. They visited wonderful museums and marveled at the artwork and sculptures.
"Amazing food everyday, romantic activities everyday" Victor loved Paris.
Here are 4 favorite photos couple shared:
The architecture was love at first sight
The worlds best walking city
Victor booked a wine and cheese tour
And Paris nearby castles are magical
"I feel happy about redoing my wedding, and my advice is don't let his or yours family pressure you into doing a wedding in a way that will cause more stress than joy" finalized Mia. "I am confident sharing my story to other brides out there who feel lost"
"Go visit Paris for yourself. It’s a great experience" adviced Victor.
Our favorite backstage moment - finally had the wedding that made them happy!