When it’s the groom’s idea to elope in Paris, you know he’s a keeper! Catrina and Alexander always knew that they wanted to have an intimate destination wedding, so when Alexander suggested a Paris elopement it was a no-brainer. The couple wanted a wedding that was simple and stress-free, but still romantic and elegant and you don’t get much more romantic than Paris, do you?

Special thanks to Cristiano Ostinelli for sharing the fabulous photos with us!

intimate paris wedding

Catrina 35 & Alexander 34  (from Washington DC)

Location: Paris, France

Wedding Date: September 12, 2013

Number of Guests: 0

Wedding Ceremony Location: an intimate garden in Paris

Wedding Reception Location: Restaurant Lapérouse

Intimate Paris Elopement

bride in birdcage veil

red and white rose wedding bouquet

Black and white portrait of bride and groom in Paris

bride and groom kissing on bridge in Paris

bride and groom kissing in Paris

Paris garden elopement ceremony

groom dipping bride in Paris

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

We always wanted to have an intimate destination wedding. We wanted to keep it simple, stress-free but still have it be romantic and elegant. It was my husband’s brillant idea to wed in Paris.

wedding dress hanging in window

lace wedding booties

bride doing her make-up

bride leaning out Paris wedding

bride adjusting wedding dress

groom in tub

groom in tub

groom in bathtub

groom getting ready in Paris

groom adjusting bow tie

Groom getting dressed

What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

Finding the right wedding coordinator to carry out our vision for our special day. It was a challenge finding someone who would provide a tailored elopement for the day, but Sandrine our wedding planner did an amazing job.

Bride on Paris stairway

bride on Parisian staircase

bride in birdcage veil

groom's reflection in car window

bride and groom kissing in Paris

bride and groom in front of eiffel tower

bride and groom kissing in the rain in Paris

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

No, our family and friends gave us their blessings…they were elated for us.

Paris elopement in Garden

Garden elopement ceremony in Paris

garden elopement ceremony in Paris

bride putting ring on groom's finger

groom putting ring on bride's finger

bride and groom first kiss in Paris

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

It’s very romantic and private; you don’t have any distractions, so you’re able to focus on your spouse and really enjoy the moment.

love locks on paris bridge

bride and groom placing lock Paris bridge

bride and groom with lock keys

bride and groom throwing lock key into the Seine

bride at Parisian cafe

Laperouse elopement reception
Paris restaurant elopement reception
Paris restaurant elopement

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

Make it about your marriage and do what makes you happy. It’s your day…enjoy it!

bride and groom with umbrella in front of eiffel tower

Vendors:

Wedding planner: Elegance in France

Photographer: Cristiano Ostinelli 

Restaurant: Lapérouse

Officiant: Silvana Gaeta

Car:  Paris Best Way