Helen & Gene - Paris, FR Janurary 23rd, 2010

What a way to start the year with our first wedding being held in Paris. We first found out about it 3 weeks ago. I thought the wedding at first was to be in 2011. But short notice or not, I was stoked of course to go. Getting there was a bit tricky. I went alone this time and allowed myself a day to get there, get caught up on sleep, get focused, etc. I ended up spending the extra night in Boston and without really getting into the details, fought my way onto a flight into & out of Cinn into Paris the morning of the wedding. And since I can't sleep on airplanes....well I didn't get a lot of sleep. Ran off the plane, through customs, grabbed my luggage, ran to the train, jumped the Metro gates (cause I couldn't find a ticket person), snagged a taxi and got to the apartment just in time. I mean I'm really not getting into the details here, it was crazy. Helen & Gene were so relaxed and welcoming. I spent 10min getting ready, Gene had me eat a croissant, which was my first meal in a while, and off I went to shoot.
I went across the street to where Helen was getting her hair & makeup done. I was so excited to see her and Anne, relieve to be there and ready to start shooting. I really wasn't feeling too tired until just after the Ceremony. Which was at the Ritz. Which is nicer than you're imagining. Also the first place I had coffee. Can you just picture having your first cafe in Paris, at the Ritz, after dreaming of that coffee for 4 months? It was pretty good. So 4 shots later I was feeling pretty inspired. The ceremony was in "La Psyche" room. It was beautiful. They had a fire going and it felt warm and secluded in there. A beautiful Ceremony, I always love when the bride and groom read their own vows. We took photos there, and out in the lobby at the Ritz, and hopped in the Van for our photos around Paris. First we headed to the bridge Pont Alexander III. Then from there we went to the Eiffel Tower. Then we headed over to find a location next to the Sienne with some old cobble stone, then the Lourve, and finally ended back at their apartment, which was literally across the street from the Eiffel Tower, to take some more pics there and out at a cafe. Paris was very cold and wet. But it didn't rain during the shooting. Sprinkled a bit, but nothing harsh. It had been raining all week there, so we were all pretty excited about that. I was loving the overcast sky and the energy of Paris that day. I think these photos really show it. It was joyous and calm, romantic. Gene & Helen were amazing to work with. Open to my ideas and confident in me. They were warm and fun. I never felt like a vendor. And I always appreciate that. I always get the best couples. I attract them to me.
That night after the wedding I went to a Jazz club and had wine, warm goat cheese on apple slices and duck. All while watching this amazing Jazz trio play about 4 feet in front of me. It was a great ending to an amazing day. Then I slept for 16 hours. And left the next day.
I had a blast and yes it was crazy. It was reinforced in me that I can do anything I believe I can do, like getting to Paris on time, when Delta says it's not possible. I feel blessed that we were able to not only book this wedding, but got to once again work with Anne who is nothing short of wonderful, work with another fun art loving couple, and also continue to be able to do what I love and travel while doing it.
....