An Elegant Elopement in Paris

I’m thrilled to share a heartfelt, creative project that brings together several Love My Dress recommended suppliers and showcases their wonderful talent.

This editorial was a personal creative project between Cirstina of Cirstina Ilao Photography, Zoë of Flourish and Grace, Adie of Hair & Makeup By Adie and Vaani of Sugar Plum Bakes. The romantic city of Paris provided the perfect canvas for an exploration of spontaneity, romance, and elegance.

Words by the very lovely Vaani follow. Enjoy!

By seeking out new environs we found an extra little spark to our creativity and of course there’s no way you can go wrong with the architecture, the fashion and the food in Paris. With the elopement itself, we wanted to capture a feeling of spontaneity and romance while wandering around the city in a relaxed and carefree manner.

An intimate elopement really is all about the two people in love, and a celebration of the beginning of their wedded journey together so this shoot focused on our two lovers, Olesia and Charles, who simply got lost in the moment celebrating their love and their union on the streets of Paris and surrounded by the iconic sights and monuments.

And what could be more memorable than a celebratory champagne and cake cutting moment, while the sun is setting, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower?

Followed by Marie Marie Bridal’s Athena gown with its textural features including ostrich feathers, 3D chiffon petals and hand sewn pearls trickling down the bodice. 

The shoot itself was captured in the height of Spring so only the very best blooms that the season offers were used including peonies, scented roses, spray roses, sweet peas, ranunculus and campanulas.

A gentle colour palette of white and ivory was complemented with blush and dusky pink, just a hint of mauve and a little seasonal foliage. And to keep the feeling of understated beauty and a relaxed vibe, the single tier buttercream cake was adorned by tumbling white sweetpeas.

Especially for this shoot, Hannah Cummings created a bespoke embroidered veil and the design was made specifically to complement the femininity of the dresses. The veil was crafted to highlight the bride’s features, with a long, single tier with Spring floral embroidery cascading down from the hair.

And Hermione Harbutt’s contemporary headdresses, both the Fleurette Crescent and the Meadow Rose, paired perfectly with the dresses with their delicate and considered pearl details.

All of this was captured by Cristina in her signature style that embraces the light and the smallest of details. Gentle yet meaningful and emotive photography.