Nothing sets the scene like Paris, and no one photographs Paris like Le Secret D’Audrey. We love the way Audrey captured the quiet glow of Heather and Laurent on their wedding day. Their French elopement is classic, unfussy and incredibly romantic. We’re all about the big, blow-out nuptial bash, but these portraits of Heather and Laurent on their lovely “weddingmoon” have us second guessing.
What made the wedding special and unique?
It’s one thing to travel to the city of love; it’s another to experience the city with the one you love. Like many, we love Paris. Our wedding experience was intimate, shared with my parents, Aunty and Uncle. The stark reality is our special day could not have occurred without the guidance and translation of my parents – they were our event organisers you might say (and Heather was the wedding planner) . Our Photographer Audrey also was an invaluable resource before and on our wedding day. Her guidance before and on the day enabled us to enjoy our special day.
Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!
When Heather first laid eyes on the ‘Keisha’ gown by Australian Designer Karen Willis Holmes it was love at first sight, she found the one! Her wedding dress represented glamour, elegance, and simplicity with sparkle. With help from a dear close friend and talented dressmaker her strapless, sequin, sheath wedding gown was customized made to fit perfectly.
What were some touches added to make it personal?
As with all events, the personal touches from loved ones transforms a great day into an incredible, meaningful experience. Some included my Aunty who hand wrote our stationery, we sipped Pol Roger Champagne and feasted on chic desserts which were from a patisserie – where my father had earned his apprenticeship in his younger days. And blue cufflinks from a close friend worn on the day. For Heather her special touches from loved ones (just to name a few) included her grandmothers antique wind up watch. A beautiful pearl necklace, a diamond ring, and a blue garter from close family and friends. Our fantastic photographer, Audrey also provided a personal touch by releasing some digital prints 48hrs after our wedding so we could share with my grandmother on her 100th birthday.
A unique experience was I broke tradition and laced Heathers wedding gown on the day – this was an extraordinary way for me to observe the dress take shape around my beautiful bride…. and didn’t she look stunning.
What was the most memorable part of the day?
There are numerous memorable wedding day moments which included our commitment to each other to focus just on us two and start our journey together as husband and wife. The weather, the miraculous blue sky and sunshine considering it had rained all week. The Parisian apartment we had booked – large windows, high ceilings in a beautifully restored old
building in the heart of Paris was fantastic. Our wedding jewelry was lovingly handcrafted by family goldsmiths – the design were tailored made for us. The restaurant allowed us to have our photos taken during non-service time in the afternoon – we had the whole place to ourselves. Meeting the pastry chef the day before to agree on the design and flavors for our unique boutique intimate wedding cake. The Croquembouche!
My parents are born and raised Parisians so France is very close to our hearts. Our wedding and honeymoon/weddingmoon was ever so special as my grandmother celebrated her 100th birthday in Paris on 03 March 2015. Imagine all that European history! Heather and I decided to travel to Paris and elope around the same time of my grandmother’s birthday. We knew the weather in February was not ideal however we held faith that our wedding day would be an exception – amazingly this was the case.
Tell us how you met and became engaged.
Heather and I were both born and raised in sunny Queensland, Australia. While growing up in the same state, we lived 1,000km apart from each other – distance would prove no barrier in finding one another. We connected not long after I moved to her coastal hometown. After a couple of years of courtship, I proposed to Heather during a holiday to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Bali. The proposal took place over a romantic dinner at the French restaurant of our private villa on a beautiful remote island, off Bali.
Vendors: Photography: Le Secret D’Audrey // Apartment: Private Residence // Ceremony: Palais Royal //Reception: Cristal Room Baccarat // Gown: Karen Willis Holmes // Veil: Collette Dinnigan // Shoes: Manolo Blahnik // Marabou Feather Jacket: Joan Lee // Earrings: Swarovski // Rings: The Goldsmiths School // Flowers: Girls & Roses // Hair And Makeup: James Harold // Lashes: Sweet Lashes