Earlier this year I was lucky enough to fly to Paris for the weekend to shoot an elopement wedding video for American couple, Alex and Louis.
The Couple
Alex and Louis are based in New York and they love to travel. They’d never been to Paris so their elopement was an incredibly romantic holiday. They were able to explore, dress up and treat themselves to fabulous shopping, food and drink.
Couples choose to elope for many different reasons. Historically, eloping meant to ‘run away’ i.e. to Gretna Green, or in order to have a ‘shotgun wedding’ before a child was born. Alex and Louis decided to elope because they didn't want an overly complex celebration. They wanted to celebrate their love for each other intimately, without any pressures from family.
The Wedding Day
The couple stayed in a lovely hotel and, on the morning of the wedding, they got ready together. The photographer and I were able to pick up on the heady excitement and get footage of hair and makeup prep, the ring, the dress, the shoes, Alex’s beautiful manicure… excited Facetime chats. When they were ready, we all jumped in a taxi to the Eiffel Tower to meet Michelle, the celebrant who was to conduct their blessing. I got some beautiful footage of the couple, looking flawless and holding hands as they crossed a busy road in the European capital, about to become man and wife. Alex wore a lace dress with patent red shoes, and I managed to get some cheeky footage of her kicking her foot back and showing off her leg tattoo. Her embellished hair accessory looked so dramatic against her dark hair and really added an element of Hollywood glamour. Their flowers were dramatic, sumptuous purples and reds and ivy was incorporated which was just so beautiful as it symbolises eternity and fidelity.
The ceremony was emotional, heartfelt and simple. I loved it when the celebrant read out these words:
“Whether you’re ziplining through the rainforest in Costa Rica, or you’re hosting Christmas for both your families, whether you’re walking down Hollywood Boulevard, or simply enjoying quiet nights at home, you have built, and are building, love and life together.”
I thought it was a beautiful summary of all the happy times and adventure they had to come, and it was a very poignant moment for the wedding film.
After the ceremony we went for a walk around the streets of Paris. We captured beautiful moments of the newlyweds, dancing on the banks of the Seine, looking so in love. I was able to get footage of the city’s stunning architecture and we came across an amazing, whimsical carousel which was perfect for the wedding video.
Alex and Louis went back to their hotel for a celebratory lunch and we all met again early evening to capture more footage in stunning light. This time we were working with a sexy evening look as they had a fancy dinner reservation. Alex looked stunning in a plum-coloured evening dress and Louis looked incredibly suave in a floral shirt and braces. We wandered the streets and the canal and got some gorgeous sunset moments full of love and laughter. As a wedding videographer, it was brilliant to capture the story of the day as it unfolded, with different looks and different light.
How special it is to be part of these incredible, romantic stories.
Being in Paris for this wedding was heaven, Alex and Louis were super chilled and we all had a wonderful time chatting, laughing and creating special moments. I arrived the day before the wedding and left the day after, which gave me the flexibility to stay with Alex and Louis on their wedding day for as long as they wanted. I love elopements because there’s no pressure to have things a certain way, or stick to timings, or keep guests happy. The couple can enjoy each other’s company, in the moment, and do exactly what they want. It’s super romantic and I was proud to produce a wedding film that will always take them back to their special weekend in Paris. They chose to have a party back home, with all their family and friends, where they could show off their amazing wedding photos and video.
Couple films and destination wedding films
Having a wedding film of just the two of you is very different to having a film of your wedding day with all your guests. Even if you’re having a traditional wedding there are opportunities for couple wedding films. Our last post details ideas such as pre-wedding films, honeymoon films and post wedding/anniversary films. If you’re having a destination wedding there is so much potential for beautiful and peaceful couple moments; walks along the beach, a cocktail at sunset or breakfast on the terrace. Think about booking a wedding videographer to go along to your destination wedding, and make sure you put aside some time to capture romantic moments, just the two of you. Not only does it offer great footage for the main wedding video, but it means you make some special memories together which is very valuable at such a busy time. Look at this previous post for more information about taking a wedding videographer along to your destination wedding.
I’m based in the Rockies but I love travelling and getting immersed in different cultures and different people’s stories. Please get in touch for a quote, I can’t wait to hear your story.
Caitlin x
P.S. Check out my Instagram feed where you’ll find some teasers from this Paris elopement as well as other weddings I’ve filmed.
Supplier credits:
Officiant, Michelle @ruffledbygrace Photographer, James @19rivoli Hair and MU, Joleen @makeupbyjoleen Bouquet @latelierlucitom
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