Paris is one of the very best places on the planet for an engagement session. The city oozes charm at every corner, and it’s always a delight to photograph newly engaged couples on the city’s streets. I was thrilled to be contacted to photograph the engagement of a young couple, Paris engagement photoshoots are always filled with fun and adventure!
A Meeting at Notre Dame Cathedral
When I met this lovely, dynamic couple, I could see how in love they are and being that it was their first time in Paris, I delighted in showing them around one of my favorite neighborhoods. I’d photographed their surprise proposal the day before, and on this rather gloomy, but normal day (Paris is usually gloomy), I suggested we meet at the Notre Dame Cathedral on Ile St Louis, one of the most scenic spots in Paris.
When I met Ryan and Trulie this day, I was incredibly thrilled, not just to see them again, but to have the honor to photograph them in front of one of the greatest cathedrals in the world. Notre Dame Cathedral suffered a devastating fire in 2019, and it took five years of painstaking work by artisans of all types to put the cathedral back together. This cathedral dates to the year 1163, and that is a very long time ago. I was so inspired and emotional by its re-opening, and to have the honor of photographing this couple on their engagement with Notre Dame in the back was a dream come true.
While the back of the cathedral and gardens are still under heavy construction, the front and inside is now once again accessible. I captured Ryan and Trulie on what’s called the parvis, the flat area in front of the cathedral, which up until now had been closed off. Just being again in the shadow of this great Parisian monument was a joy.
A Walk Around Ile de La Cite
After capturing these lovebirds at Notre Dame, we took a walk around what to me is just about the most charming neighborhood in Paris, Ile de La Cite and Ile de St Louis, two islands in the middle of the Seine River. First, a walk along the riverside, where some raindrops began to fall, and then back up to street level, where we passed by Shakespeare & Co, the oldest English language bookstore in Paris, followed by some photos in front of the cute-as-can-be Odette, who makes incredible cream puffs.
It was so fun showing Ryan and Trulie all the cute little corners and hidden spots. Sometime during out walk around, they indicated that they were big fans of the Netflix TV show, Emily in Paris. When I heard that I was so excited, because I love filming locations, and Paris has so many of them! I used to be a tour guide at Warner Bros Studios in Los Angeles, and I love everything there is to do with filming!
Looking for Emily in Paris
We took a walk over to Emily’s neighborhood, and Place de l’Estrapade, which is where much of the TV show is filmed. I photographed Ryan and Trulie in front of the pretty fountain, in front of the entrance to Emily’s apartment, outside Chef Gabriel’s restaurant, and we could absolutely not resist stopping in the boulangerie where Emily had her first pain au chocolat!
Ryan and Trulie selected some of the most delicious croissants I’ve ever seen, and then we had some fun, with Trulie sharing a few bites with Ryan. It was purely delightful to hang out in Emily’s neighborhood for a while!
Finishing at Luxembourg Gardens
Since we were so close by, it would have been a shame to not stop by Luxembourg Gardens, another location used in the Emily in Paris TV show. Luxembourg Gardens are the most beautiful in Paris, in my opinion at the fountain there, called the Medicis Fountain is stunning in all seasons. I posed the couple in front of the fountain and then took a walk around the perimeter, enjoying the green ivy which is there even in winter.
After their epic engagement photoshoot, it was time for lunch, and there are so many wonderful lunch options nearby.
This engagement photoshoot with Ryan and Trulie was so incredibly fun, due to their wonderful and positive nature. I wish them so much happiness in their lives together.
Capturing Precious Memories in Paris
If you’re coming to Paris and would love to roam around quaint and charming neighborhoods, and would love to celebrate your love story with some epic images, don’t hesitate to contact me! I’ll gladly give you my advice on the best neighborhoods for your time in Paris, and create images for you to cherish forevrer!
