Kate & Curtis lived out all of our destination wedding dreams when they married on a Spring day at the Shangri-La Hotel in Paris, in front of 25 of their closest family and friends. We love couples who think carefully when planning about which elements are most important to them, and for this couple, it was celebrating in such a special place with their most special people. Says the bride, “we chose to keep the guest list intimate so that we could host a full weekend of celebrations for our family & friends who traveled so far”.
Photography by Charlotte Jenks Lewis.
Their day was a mix of elegant, old-world style (check out the traditional black script on the beautiful invitations by Regas Studios) and modern glamour.
The dapper groom’s entire attire was from Tom Ford, including his monogrammed velvet slippers.
The bride included the four “something old” traditions, beginning with lace from her mom’s veil, which she wrapped around her beautiful bouquet of white peonies. Something(s) new were her gown, veil and shoes. Something borrowed were her necklace and earrings from the couple’s NYC jeweler. And finally something blue is her adorable Lanvin Eiffel Tower clutch. An heirloom in the making!
The Ceremony
Why did you choose this location for your ceremony? We first traveled to Paris together in the spring of 2011, and over the years have fallen more deeply in love with its magic. So it was only fitting that we celebrate our marriage in our favorite city. We chose the Shangri-La Hotel for its palatial decor and exquisite views. Our intimate weekend of celebrations brought together our love of fashion and food, as well as Paris’ beauty and history.
For Kate & Curtis, it was important to include their loved ones in the ceremony, which they described as “Parisian, personal and stylish”. Their best friend officiated, their siblings read love letters which the couple had written to each other early in their courtship, and their parents read words of their own wedding wisdom.
Kate chose a fashion-forward, high-low tulle number from Vera Wang, all the better to show off her Louboutin’s, customized with satin straps and custom tulle socks.
The Reception
How would you describe your reception? We wanted it to feel like the finest dinner party!
Did you have a signature cocktail? Champagne, champagne & more champagne. The first toast was poured from a jumbo jeroboam of rose champagne, which then served as our guest book.
Their traditional croquembouche was topped with white chocolate and sugar flowers – and festive sparklers! Kate and Curtis danced to Ella Fitzgerald’s April in Paris for their first dance.
