A Fairytale Wedding in France: Mary & Richard Finally Say I Do!
I’ve been best friends with Mary since the first grade. So to say that this wedding was emotional, is a huge understatement. I had the chance to follow her journey for over twenty years, and was even there (through text) when she met the love of her life, Richard. He just happened to live thousands of miles away, on a different continent, in a different country. But, it’s one of the most romantic countries in the world! How could she not be under that love spell!
After many years and a pandemic, they finally were able to set a wedding date in that same beautiful place, France! And while I argued for a second, understood and took on my designated role in this event. To stand by my bestie’s side, cheer her on, do all the brides-people duties, and sneakily direct my photographers when nobody else is looking. After lots and lots of planning, delays, and a gas strike, we (finally) pulled it off!!
Getting Ready
We started the day bright and early at an Airbnb after the venue had reportedly flooded the night before. Nothing was going to stop us from having a great time and hyping up our bride! So we cleared the space, took some memorable candids, made some fun Tik Toks, did a dress reveal, and fueled up for the day. Mary was ready for Spencer and Lauren (lead photo and video) with a bag of accessories, stationery, jewelry, and more for some gorgeous details pics.
Ceremony
We all loaded onto the shuttle at our designated pickup spot/time (super classy and party friendly) and the driver took us to a nearby church, Notre Dame de la Nativité. As you enter, you are blown away by the architecture and stain glass windows. It was a perfect setting for Mary and Richard, who wanted to share their day with plenty of family and friends.
As they finished their vows and walked out of those church doors, they were greeted by cheers, a bubble exit, and a romantic vintage car. It was something truly out of a fairytale! You’re just going to have to see the pics and video yourself.
Reception and More Photos!!
That vintage car took Mary and Richard to our next destination, the reception venue: Château du Vivier. This venue had historical gothic architecture and incredible ancient ruins that made for a beautiful backdrop to this Paris wedding. How can you go to Europe and not take advantage?!
After some obligatory guest pics, the two lovers hit the ruins and took the most gorgeous shots that seriously made me cry while editing. They were naturals in front of the camera, or just really really in love. I think it’s both.
After their couple’s session, they headed back to take photos with the wedding party and family! Golden hour was hitting it’s peak and I can’t believe how gorgeous it all came out. Fall in France is a must!
Then it was time to party (hardy). The wedding party greeted the crowd with synchronized dance moves before Mary and Richard made their grand entrance. They were greeted with heartfelt, funny speeches and home-made videos while everyone enjoyed their dinner. Richard even surprised us all with a serenade to Mary and I’m still not over it. And then there were fireworks. Like, literal fireworks! You cannot make this up!
As midnight crept in, the party was just starting. We all moved downstairs closer to the disco ball, lights, cake, and champagne. The two newlyweds graced us with some choreographed dancing, and oh yeah more theatrics, like indoor fireworks and a smoke machine. These two knew their love story deserved it all!
As their dance faded, they invited the crowd to the dance floor and we piled in! The DJ kept it live until around five in the morning! Yes. 5 AM! And I’d never seen the two happier. They had finally pulled it off, the best day ever. Mary and Richard were officially The Pham’s.
The guest slowly trickled out and arrived home safely via a taxi service that was rented for the wedding. This couple thought of it all and truly wanted their guests to have the best and easiest time. They could hit you with all the pro tips!
So if you’re considering having a destination wedding in Paris, France… my opinion is to definitely DO IT! You may encounter some bumps along the road, but the destination is so worthwhile. And our team of photographers and videographers would gladly do it all over again.
Check out Mary & Richard’s Complete Wedding Film here and make sure to grab a tissue box before you hit play!
