Location: Paris, France
Setting: Hotel de Crillon
Wedding season: Fall
How long did the couple plan the event: Around 8 months
The number of guests: 34
Wedding theme/style: Royal and French classic.
Justin and Alexis embody the essence of a modern California love story. It all began on a sunny day in July of 2019 when Justin swiped right on Alexis’ Hinge profile and asked her out for drinks. After a few scheduling conflicts, Justin started to wonder if Alexis was too good to be true or maybe even an internet robot, as they couldn’t schedule a meeting. To his pleasant surprise, Alexis eventually agreed to meet for coffee in Downtown Los Angeles. Fast forward two and a half years, and Justin was ready to propose. He planned a special day with sentimental locations across LA, culminating in a romantic beachside proposal in Pacific Palisades.
Following the magical proposal, Justin and Alexis searched for the perfect wedding venue. Their shared love for culture and travel led them to the idea of a destination wedding. After considering various options, they decided on Paris. With its chic and elegant atmosphere, Paris seemed like the perfect backdrop for their special day. The team at Dream Paris Wedding worked tirelessly to make Justin and Alexis’ dream destination wedding a reality, ensuring that every detail was taken care of for the couple and their guests in the heart of Paris.
On her wedding morning in the heart of Paris, Alexis had a wonderful experience. For her hair and makeup, she chose a minimalist and classy look with light makeup and soft waves. As the bride thought about the countless stunning wedding dress options available, she had a realization – a beautifully layered tulle gown that was both chic and in line with her childhood love for Carrie Bradshaw. In her recent search and return from Melbourne, she came across the Australian wedding brand KYHA. Their Yana gown, featuring layers of pleated tulle and unmatched glamour, perfectly blended her love for travel and high fashion. It was clear to Alexis that this gown was the one for her special day.
Justin chose a refined black velvet tuxedo jacket with satin lapels and slim tuxedo pants for his wedding attire. The groom further embellished his outfit with cufflinks, a velvet loafer, and an Etro bowtie. He was ecstatic to walk down the aisle in an ensemble that truly represented a sophisticated and unique aesthetic.
Justin stood on the cobblestone streets of Place de la Concorde with a beaming smile, eagerly anticipating the first look. As he waited for the cue from their photographer, Claire Morris, to turn around, he vividly remembers the sound of Alexis’ wedding dress rustling against the street, followed by her giggle. It was the same giggle that had captured his heart four years ago. When Justin finally turned around and locked eyes with his wife-to-be, his jaw dropped, and his eyes lit up with excitement. This enchanting moment will forever stand as a testament to their unwavering love for each other.
The ceremony took place outdoors. Justin and Alexis decided to exchange their vows on the Marie Antoinette terrace of the Hotel de Crillon. In 1758, the palace was commissioned by King Louis XV and designed by architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel. Constructed during a period of opulence, the building is embellished with crystal chandeliers, sculptures, and a wealth of timeless art collections. With Justin’s love for history and culture and Alexis’ passion for art and fashion, exchanging vows on the glamorous terrace of Marie Antoinette was a dream come true for the couple. The bride wanted a luxurious flower backdrop, brought to life through the collaboration of Dream Paris Wedding and Varda Flowers, the official florist at Hotel de Crillon.
Before the celebration began, the newlyweds took a stroll through the heart of Paris, savoring each other’s company and the beauty that surrounded them.
Dream Paris Wedding, the planner and designer, orchestrated the wedding with French elegance, creating a regal ambiance infused with opulence. The reception took place indoors in the Salon following a cocktail hour. Guests were amazed as they entered the Salon and encountered the stunning long gold mirrored table adorned with opulent gold-rimmed plates. The luxurious setting featured place cards elegantly engraved on gold plaques, tied with gold velvet ribbons, and displayed on each plate. Black napkins, paired with high-end flatware, completed the sophisticated table settings, and vibrant roses were artistically arranged in a serpent-like design that mirrored the shape of the table.
The dinner included heartfelt speeches by guests before they enjoyed a sumptuous meal accompanied by captivating music. The culinary highlight of the evening was a multi-course dinner and cake prepared by Michelin star chef Matthieu Carlin. With the couple’s deep love and appreciation for the culinary arts, this culinary experience was the perfect ending to an extraordinary day.
Advice from couple:
• Stay true to your creative vision and aesthetic goals. During our planning process, we received immense pushback on the incorporation of red roses into our reception. Ultimately, we knew trends change, but our vision would always remain the same, so we went with what felt right.
• The day will come and go, flashing before your eyes, soak in every minute of bliss and relish that this day is all about you and your partner. Soaking in the final moments of being boyfriend & girlfriend was an incredible experience. Once the wedding began, we did a phone down day where Justin and I could solely focus on being present in the moment with our closest friends & family, this was an amazing decision.
PLANNING & DESIGN Dream Paris Wedding | PHOTOGRAPHER Claire Morris Photography | VIDEOGRAPHER Selim Mahieu | FLORIST Atelier Varda | VENUE Hotel de Crillon | MUAH Alesia Solo | BRIDAL DRESS KYHA Studios | OFFICIANT & MC The Parisian Celebrant | CHEF Boris Campanella | DESSERT CHEF PATISSIER Matthieu Carlin | RENTALS Soirée Locations | TRANSPORT Muévete Paris
