After the proposal in Paris a few weeks prior, John and Nicole had no doubt about where they wanted to say “I do”. With the help of their planner, Et Voila Weddings, the dream slowly become reality, and this is the beautiful outcome of that. Thanks to Catherine O’Hara for giving us a glimpse of such beauty.

Nicole: “We wanted an intimate and romantic wedding with close friends and family. We also wanted something elegant yet romantic and dreamy in some way. The venue offered just the right setting for this, with its historical elements, ornate rooms, crystal chandeliers, and spaces that really suited the size of our party.

“We wanted the reception to be dreamy, with fine dining and live music. We hired a jazz band to play some French oldies and some gypsy jazz; it created the perfect ambiance for our intimate Parisian dinner. Apart from our jazz band, we had a photobooth and a caricaturist to entertain our guests during the cocktail reception. Caricaturists are a classic part of Montmartre so it was a great Parisian touch!

“We loved our guestbook table, which was decorated with our engagement pictures, Ladurée macaroons, vintage French books and Parisian postcards. I love ruffled cakes and we had one made in ombre nude colours to match our colour palette. It looked like a flower!”

Tips from the bride: “Go with Et Voila Weddings as your wedding planner! I interviewed about 10 wedding planners and had the best chemistry with Anne-Laure within minutes of talking with her. She knew exactly what I wanted and made me feel so comfortable about planning a destination wedding. Most importantly, she was so responsive to my emails and questions even with the time difference between London (where they’re based) and California.”

NICOLE & JOHN {Europe}

Photography by Catherine O’Hara / Venue Shangri-La Hotel Paris / Wedding Planning by Et Voila Weddings / Bridal Gown by Michal Medina / Hair by Ciara Costenoble / Makeup by Charles Gillman / Groomsmen’s Attire by YSL Pour Homme (tuxedoes), David Donahue (tuxedo studs and cufflinks), and Tom Ford (bowties) / Flowers and Décor by Madame Artisan Fleuriste / Wedding Cake by Shangri-La Hotel Paris / Art and Stationery by Paper & Honey (invitations) and Every Little Letter (place card, pink menu and program sheet) / Celebrant Kasia / Entertainment by Wedding Music in France (string quartet) and Octave et Anatole (jazz quartet) / Photobooth by Sharingbox

{Read more about this in the magazine}