Robert and Amanda fell in love with the “City of Lights,” Paris, France, after visiting for their anniversary and couldn’t picture having their wedding anywhere else.

The news of having a destination wedding was well received by family and friends. The couple lives in New York City. Robert is from the East Coast and Amanda is from the Midwest. More than half of the guest list would have to spend money on travel for their wedding. Robert and Amanda liked the idea of their guests turning their destination wedding into a European vacation for themselves.

The couple chose Place des Vosges, a park in Paris, because of the beautiful history. They knew they wanted to incorporate spots from their first trip. During their first journey to Paris, they accidentally discovered a small bar in Marais called Stolly’s and decided to have their cocktail hour there.

The bride would suggest having a destination wedding for everyone. “The old French world made us feel so alive and thankful for all of these people who came before us,” Amanda says. “It was a surreal, beautiful and incredible day.”

The newlyweds say their biggest help was scouring the Internet. Rob gave his wife a book called The Paris Wedding. Amanda says the book was very beneficial to understanding what’s required to get married in the “City of Love.”

The bride suggests completing all planning with a lot of time to spare, to make sure all flights have been booked, to map all of your destinations, and to help guests with their bookings.  The newlyweds and their guests booked their flights on Hopper, a discounted flight app. She advises treating planning like a part-time job.

The couple decided to “wing” the ceremony. They casually showed up at the park and had their officiant perform their ceremony off the cuff. Afterward, there were pastries and Champagne at the bar and their florist arranged bouquets as decor.

The couple coordinated with their vendors through email. They didn’t have any problems communicating and everything was booked easily. Because the wedding was held at a public park, the couple was able to skip the cost of a venue and was able to splurge on dinner.

If Robert and Amanda held their wedding in the U.S., their guest list would have increased. The couple wanted their wedding to be very intimate and only have guests in attendance that knew both of them very well. “We were able to really show our appreciation to those guests and love on them for being our support throughout our last five years together,” the newlyweds say.

Amanda advises couples to do their own thing and to not be worried about how people will perceive your vision. She says not to compromise for others, to be fearless and trust your gut. 

Vendors: Photographer: Corey Torpie, Ceremony/Reception Site: Place Des Vosges / Stolly’s Bar / Restaurant Lasserre, Florist: Cape Lily, Stationery: Casa Confetti shop, Pastries: Blé Sucré, Hair & Makeup: Modern Beauties, Gown Designer: Jenny Packham, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Dolce & Gabbana, Other Vendors: Rings by Anna Sheffield, Hotel: Le Pavillon de la Reine