Visiting Paris during any season is a treat, but autumn time is quite special. That’s why I was so delighted to be contacted by a married couple celebrating their wedding anniversary in Paris. They wanted to celebrate their love story with a Paris anniversary photoshoot, and I was so excited to meet them!
Meeting Kind People is Fantastic
I just have to say, I absolutely love my work as a professional photographer in Paris and throughout France! Not only do I get to photograph one of the most beautiful cities (and countries) in the world, but I meet the most kind and amazing people in the process.
Case in point, Estrellita and Jorge, a gorgeous Cuban-American couple who live in Coral Gables, Florida. Estrellita is an attorney and travel writer, and Jorge runs a publishing conglomerate. Super successful, super in love, and super kind, warm and friendly. Estrellita contacted me about the possibility of a Paris photo session while she and Jorge were visiting Paris. They were celebrating their wedding anniversary and Jorge’s birthday too, so it would be a festive day!
What Do You Do When it Rains in Paris?
The only “fly in the ointment”? Rain! What do we do if it rains in Paris? Do we reschedule? That isn’t usually possible, because clients are only in Paris for a short period of time. But rain isn’t dangerous, all you need is a clear umbrella, so we can see the architecture, and keep you dry at the same time. This was forecast to be a rainy day, but this sunny couple wasn’t fazed by it, instead, they embraced it.
Lost in Paris Photosession
Estrellita explained that they were looking for a “lost in Paris” type of photo session–meaning not overly posed, more natural, and lifestyle type photography. As you can see from my gallery, my goal as a professional Paris photographer is to capture people naturally. I do provide guidance and direction, but the traditional look-in-the-camera-and-smile isn’t really my style. Does that mean I refuse to do more traditional photography? No, of course, not, but most people hire me because they prefer more of a candid and “in the moment” look. I’m happy to do both!
Love at the Eiffel Tower
Most couples really love some photos at the symbol of Paris, as well as love and romance, and of course, that’s the Eiffel Tower. I met Estrellita and Jorge right away in the morning. It was drizzling, but not bad, but it was quite dark and gloomy. Being mid-October, this is typical weather for Paris. Literally, from the moment they arrived, it was like walking around with two in love rays of light all morning. They were incredible, not only in their love for each other, but in the fun they had together.
Also, they dressed amazingly, Jorge, the birthday boy, was so handsome in his tux, and Estrellita selected a beautiful dress that complimented Jorge’s outfit. She also wore a cute beret for a few shots, and it was darling!
The chestnut trees were still intact, so we had some nice fall color to start, as I photographed the couple with some cute views of the Eiffel Tower, including the magnificent Bir Hakeim bridge and a gentle walk along the riverside too. The rain came and went, we had some drizzle, then it would let up, then start again, but the couple took it in stride.
Luxembourg Gardens in Autumn
From there, we headed to the luxurious Luxembourg Gardens, and we stopped at the renovated Medici Fountain, a simply gorgeous fountain in the garden that has been enjoyed for so many years. It’s the perfect place to sit and read a book on a sunny day.
However, it was not sunny, it was gloomy. But…there is a silver lining to the Paris gloom, you have more of the city to yourself! On this day due to the rain, no one was sitting in the famous green chairs, and we basically had the place to ourselves!
Sunshowers in the Garden
Just as I was photographing Estrellita and Jorge in front of the fountain, the sun started to pop out and we had a pretty sun shower. We walked around the garden, admiring the plantings, which were just gorgeous. A quick exit out the garden put us in front of one of the gorgeous Parisian doors, down a cute street past the former home of American author Ernest Hemingway back in the day, and to some charming side streets, where we had a bit of fun.
No Paris couples photo session would be complete without a grand finale at a Parisian café! Jorge loves beer, so he had a beer and Estrellita had a coffee, as they relaxed and watched the Parisian world go by.
What a great morning this was! It was incredibly fun to meet Estrellita and Jorge, photographing them was a joy and their up-for-anything attitude and positive energy made me so happy!
I’m incredibly glad to have met them!
Karina Leigh Photography
If you’d love a Parisian photo session to celebrate an engagement, birthday, anniversary, honeymoon or “just because”, don’t hesitate to reach out to me, I’d absolutely love to work with you!
