An Eiffel Tower Wedding Celebration

Quintessential. That’s the word I would use to describe how wonderfully representative this Eiffel Tower wedding in Paris was – it not only captured the essence of the couple but the chic, stylish spirit of the City of Light itself! Scroll down to see Diane and François’s wedding images. And don’t miss Part II of their wedding celebration in Goa, India!

French Family Affair

In the northwest corner of Paris is a darling little neighborhood filled with narrow streets, cool people, and terrace cafes called Les Batignolles. Diane, François and their son, a 3-year-old ball-of-energy named Pacôme, represent the epitome of a sweet family from this area of Paris.

When they contacted me last year for a documentary-style family shoot, I suggested we start in their gorgeous apartment and continue on to the nearby Martin Luther King Park. The Legers aren’t necessarily fans of classic photo poses or staged shots (and neither am I), so following them around for a family afternoon was the perfect way to capture their dynamic, and the photos turned out so fun and free. When they asked me to shoot their wedding in the same style, I was immediately onboard!

Style in the City of Light

Diane and François did a fantastic job of keeping the wedding details a secret from their guests with the help of paris-based wedding agency Jules et Moi. When the big day finally came, we all had a ton of fun surprises to share! The day started with the bride and groom getting ready on separate sides of their apartment – Diane in her luxurious ivory gown by Odile Léonard and François in his strapping suit by Rives – Les Dandys. Their intimate first look was a tender moment shared in their very own living room.

After a touching ceremony in the 14th Arrondissement, they had a surprise vintage RATP Paris bus to bring all the guests along to the next part of the celebration, and the biggest surprise of all…

A Celebration on the Eiffel Tower

Can you imagine the looks on the guests’ faces as they realized our reception destination was the most quintessential Paris landmark of all – la Tour Eiffel !?! They had reserved the 58 Tour Eiffel as a fun nod to the beautiful city they love and as a once in a lifetime experience to share with their friends and family. Not only were the views fantastic, but the stunning graphic architecture provided a stunning backdrop for the couples’ session. Although I’ve shot weddings, engagements and couples sessions near the Eiffel Tower dozens of times, this was my first time shooting on this historic monument! We were able to steal away from the guests and crowds for a few minutes – and got some truly unique wedding shots.

Multi-Culture Experience

You’d think their wedding would be over after all that excitement, but no! They whisked guests off to the airport to head to their second part of their wedding – a traditional Hindu blessing on the beach in India. Click here for Part II!

Coordinator: Jules et Moi
Gown designer: Odile Léonard
Bride Shoes: Patricia Blanchet
Make Up Artist: Marianne Agb
Jewelery: Stalactite et Blooming star
Groom Suit Designer: Les Dandys – Rives Paris
Cater (wedding ceremony): Cotes2boeuf
Bus: Paris Tour Classic
Rings: Gemmyo
Wedding Ceremony: City Hall, Paris XIV
Wedding Reception: 58 Tour Eiffel
Music: JP Nataf – Mon Ami d’en Haut

Sebastien Bicard is a fine art wedding and portrait photographer based in California. He specializes in international travel and destination weddings worldwide.