Can’t say I ever thought I’d be writing a blog about a wedding I shot in PARIS. Like what!? Who am I? Okay enough about me, let me brag about the chillest clients, Phoebe & Frank. This girl planned her wedding at Plaza Athene from across the globe & she did it like it ain’t no thang.
HOTEL PLAZA ATHENE
Phoebe is an incredible makeup artist and well connected in the wedding industry. In fact, her best friend is one of San Diego’s finest planners, Lavish Weddings. Because of Phoebe’s knowledge in the industry, I wasn’t surprised she opted for a intimate destination wedding. 50 of their favorite people flew in for their Paris wedding and stayed for the week. It was truly such an honor to be apart of it all. Being a destination wedding photographer is the bees knees and I’m feeling especially grateful as I write this blog.
When David and I arrived, we set off to location scout Hotel Plaza Athene. As we were walking in, we heard “Brogen!!” I looked up and Phoebe (the bride) is standing on a massive corner private balcony overlooking the Eiffel towner. I knew then that this wedding would be one for the books. 
Phoebe’s planner/ friends from San Diego sourced flowers in Paris for the wedding. I was able to catch them getting out of the cab with arms full of flowers. They had just got back from the Paris flower market and were delivering these beauties to the couple. 
Phoebe & Frank opted to do a DAY BEFORE SESSION. I know it sounds wild but the three of us agreed there are too many spots in Paris to shoot. We knew we couldn’t hit up multiple spots on the wedding day so we did a lil somethin’ somethin’ the day before. Doing it the day after seemed too ambitious after a night of partying in Paris.
Phoebe wore her reception dress so that Frank would still be surprised on their wedding day seeing her in her ceremony dress. Talk about getting use of a 2nd dress, hell yes! 
It started to rain not even 5 mins into our shoot. Luckily Phoebe & Frank embraced it and we soaked in all of the French romance.
WEDDING DAY
How much more romantic does it get? It felt like a dream walking around the streets of Paris & hanging out with the coolest group of people. There was a chillness about the day. So chill we even went to a cafe with the couple & bridal party for drinks and people watching! I love when destination clients just get up early & have big gaps in their timeline. I never understood why people rather be rushing around all day. Make a long timeline & have some time to just kick back & take a selfie together or grab a drink pre ceremony. 
Phoebe & Franks room had panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower. Because the room was so beautiful, the bride & groom opted to get ready together at Hotel Plaza Athene. It was so cool all the guys & girls hanging out together in the morning. I feel like every wedding should be this way. The couple got to spend literally the entire day with their favorite people. When it was time for Phoebe to get into her dress Frank excused himself and waited in the lobby until first look.
I’m pretty sure I was over stimulated with amazingness all day. It still feels unreal to be viewing their story today sitting here on my couch. I hope they have the same feeling! 
Phoebe & Franks ability to cat nap was pretty incredible. Whenever there was some down time they would catch a quick nap! lol. 
Phoebe wasn’t concerned too much on the bouquets. She was able to save some money by opting for chic and timeline roses for the bouquets. It was so simple that it was a statement. HOW FRENCH!!
Huge shout out to Zen Film Works for showing us some cool spots in Paris while we were there. We spent 30 mins with the couple during sunset & it wasn’t disappointing. 
At some point Phoebe snuck away and returned during a Kanye song in a silk button up and Fendi sandals. Okay QUEEN. 
Thanks Phoebe & Frank for trusting me as your wedding photographer and flying me all the way over to the most romantic city in the world! & huge thanks to Lavish Wed team for absolutely keeping everything on track & looking flawless.
