I love it when a love story has a real sense of place. There are certain locations in every couple’s life that have special meanings attached to them. It might be the place you shared your first kiss or where you fell in love, or the moment you set eyes on each other; it could be your favourite place to travel together- perhaps a beach in Goa or a souk in Marrakech; or it might be as simple as the pub round the corner that became your local haunt. For Claire and Olivier, it was the place they met and call home- and that place just happened to be Paris.
This lovely couple chose Oxford for their wedding because Claire grew up in Oxford, but wanted to explore the city in which they fell in love for their engagement shoot. Needless to say, they didn’t have to ask me twice!
This was my first time in Paris, and it definitely won’t be my last. I can absolutely see why people fall in love with the city (and fall in love in it, for that matter.) Around almost every corner there was another postcard-perfect scene. I’m not one to spend too much time at tourist spots but prefer to wander the streets of a city to discover it’s hidden gems- the pavement cafes, filigree balconies, art deco metro signs and heavy, languid light meant I didn’t want to put my camera away for a minute. This is a city that ensnares you – it’s elegant and charming and just ridiculously, pick-your-jaw-up-off-the-floor gorgeous. I’m desperate to go back and explore it further.
Olivier is a native Parisian and Claire works as a broadcast journalist in the city, which made them the perfect tour guides. I loved wandering the streets with such a fun couple. We spent a lot of time in Montmartre – the hilly, bohemian neighbourhood in the northern part of Paris (and the home of Amélie Poulain, for any French film fans). The streets lead up to the white basilica of Sacre Coeur, where there’s a stellar view out over the city. We also paused to take some shots in the Place du Tertre. This cobbled square is crammed with artists and their easels, and it was amazing to watch little corners of Paris being captured with their paintbrushes.
To round the day off (and I love how casual I’m about to make this sound!) we headed to the Eiffel Tower. The light couldn’t have been more perfect as we arrived there – the tower glowed rose gold and made for some of my absolute favourite images. Thank you Claire and Olivier for such a lovely day, and for kick-starting my own love story with Paris.
If you’re planning to add some ooh la la into your engagement photos, or thinking about a Parisian destination wedding, get in touch and let’s chat. I’d love to find out more about your plans.
Your website looks very good!
Jan Zac
These are gorgeous Rachel!
Thank you Hannah!