French Twist | Radiant Orchid Wedding Inspiration

Happy Veterans Day!  A heartfelt thank you to all those who have served this great country of ours.  I’m beyond excited to share this next project with you, especially because we had a Marine as part of our dream team!  Speaking of a dream team… the time, talent, and creativity that went into making this styled shoot happen was so much more than I could have asked for!  From the insanely gorgeous florals to the delicate bridal details to the exquisite bride and handsome groom, to the absolute synergy of everyone involved, it was one of those days that everything seemed to just fall into place, making the experience fun-filled and invigorating!  Please be sure to see the incredible list of everyone who took part in this collaborative effort at the end of this post. And now for a little back story… 

She was studying abroad in France, focusing on her love of architecture, art history, and communications.  She loved reading and taking in the views from her favorite Parisian spot, Cafe de Flore.  

Jose, who was visiting some friends in Paris while studying law in England, loved getting up early each morning for a good run to start his day.  And this day started out just like any other.  Thunder rumbled softly in the distance, but it didn’t deter him from lacing up his running shoes.

This one particular Tuesday morning, a sudden downpour sent Jose into the nearest cafe for shelter.  It was the very same cafe where she sat, on her phone, scribbling notes, and working away on her tablet.  She was beautiful.  And he found himself stopped in his tracks.  Something about her captivated him.  She noticed him staring her way, and she flashed a friendly smile.  Usually quite shy, Jose made his way to her table and asked if he could perhaps buy her a cup of coffee.  She said yes.  He asked her name.  “I’m Christina,” she answered.  They sat in that cafe for hours, watching the rain fall, watching passersby, and discovering that they shared quite a bit in common, including their hometown.  When the rain had let up, Jose asked if he could take her to some of his favorite places just down the avenue.  Again, she said yes. After that day, Jose had to return to England to his studies.  He visited Christina every other weekend, and together they explored all of the sights and sounds the City of Lights had to offer.  They love exploring new places together.  Jose takes delight in doing his research before traveling so that he can be Christina’s own personal tour guide, finding sweet, romantic spots to take in delicious new foods, as well as those must-see tourist spots where they take obligatory “selfies” to share with friends and family back home.  They both agree that laughter is the best medicine.  And dancing!  They both love to dance, anything from salsa to The Robot! 

When their summer studies had ended, they both knew they were destined to spend the rest of their lives together.  On Jose’s last trip to Paris, he proposed to Christina, with La Tour Eiffel in the distance.  Once again, she said “Yes!”

Upon returning home from Europe, the pair planned their wedding day and knew that it must include elements from their time spent together in Paris.  Decor and styling details were chosen based on favorite places they visited together, such as cafes where they shared dessert and streets where they strolled hand in hand.  Even their beloved pup joined them after the ceremony for photos!  And the palette was chosen to remind them of the vivid and sweet orchid hues of the trees and flowers in bloom all around the city where their love story unfolded.  

It was such a delight to work with the following wedding professionals!  Thank you, thank you, thank you for making this inspirational shoot so amazing!  And thank you so much for your incredible patience in waiting several months for these images to be shared!