Wedding: Ashlee & David

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When Ashlee and David asked if I “might possibly be interested” in photographing their wedding, I jumped at the opportunity. Then, when I found out that we were talking about a destination wedding in Paris, France, I understandably passed out for a brief second… Fast forward to this past Thanksgiving week, and we found ourselves walking around the beautiful City of Lights (appropriately lit up for the holidays) making memories that will last a lifetime.

Ashlee and Dave were married in a wonderful late afternoon ceremony at The Scots Kirk, a modern church in the 8th arrondissement, just off beautiful Avenue Montaigne. Afterwards, guests travelled to the InterContinental Paris Le Grand Hotel, and seemingly back in time to La Belle Époque, for an amazing cocktail hour and reception in the Salon Messager.

These two were a photographer’s dream couple, since they were just as excited to take photos in Paris as I was. Not a bit of complaining as I dragged them on a brisk walk down to the Seine for Eiffel Tower shots in the quickly fading winter light, or when we stopped traffic to get “just one more” street shot of the newlyweds. We even managed to do an impromptu photo shoot in the Louis Vuitton luggage store, complete with complimentary champagne — couldn’t have planned that even if we tried. I did learn a very important lesson, too: when the head waiter at the InterContinental Paris Le Grand Hotel offers to show you to an amazing photo location inside the hotel, you don’t ask any questions… Because after you walk down stairs and through corridors, you’ll emerge into the most famous ballroom in Paris, the Salon Opéra.

Thank you, Ash and Dave, from the bottom of my heart for a truly wonderful experience. Words simply cannot express how much I appreciate you taking me along for the ride — instead I can only hope that you enjoy the photos and the memories that we made together. All the best!

The best part about destination weddings, besides the destination itself, is that I have the ability to take part in wedding festivities like the rehearsal dinner. Here are a few photos from Ashlee & Dave’s rehearsal dinner at Chez Papa, including some street photography of the happy couple before and after.