I honestly don’t even think I have the right words to open up this next jaw-droppingly beautiful feature. The gushy words that generally come so easily when I spy a pretty wedding have left the building. Totally and completely disappeared as this is a bring-you-to-tears, squeeze your hubby tighter love story like none you’ve ever seen. An engagement session in Paris. Photographed by Jose Villa. A wedding to follow. Filmed by Elysium. Designed by Michelle Rago. And a so-crazy-gorgeous-it-will-literally-make-you-gasp gown. Oh and a croquembouche with sparklers. Yep, a freaking croquembouche with SPARKLERS people. I told you, it’s beyond words. So sit down, grab a cocktail and prepare to die from total lovely overload. And click here if you need even more.
Click here to see the entire gallery of images!
Carolina + Jaime’s Highlights // Destination Wedding Paris from Elysium Productions on Vimeo.
From the beautiful bride…Paris holds a special place in my heart. It’s where my husband proposed on my birthday in 2009. During that magical holiday, my father asked me to visit L’Eglise de Saint-François-Xavier to light a candle for St. Madeline Sophie, founder of the Society of the Sacred Heart. As soon as we entered this exquisite church,Jaime and I knew it was the place we wanted to be married. The City of Lights, nothing could be more inspirational!
We were married on March 19, 2011. Our reception was at France-Amériques, a gorgeous Parisianmaison near the Champs-Élysées and now a private club for French and American opinion leaders. You can feel the history and the mixing of cultures in the grand halls and limestone terraces. Because weather in Paris is unpredictable in March, France- Amériques provided beautiful indoor spaces, intimate gathering places and a dining room to accomodate dinner and dancing. Parisian wedding venues tend to be small. France- Amériques, was an ideal venue for our party of 200 — our guests traveling to join us from the US, Latin America and beyond.
We embraced the regal look to reflect the 19th century and the golden age of Napoleon III when this stunning home was built. Large chandeliers graced the dining room and tables were decorated with twinkling crystal candelabras. Our flowers were simple yet elegant: deep red, purple and gold. The room, so ornate with its gold engraved walls and fresco paintings made the most dramatic statement.
I was most delighted with the details, such an important part of the effect and what made the evening so spectacular. The amber lighting emphasized the gold filligree in the moldings. around the tables were gold Louis XVI dining chairs, upholstered with red velvet button — the tufted cushions set a romantic mood and brought the elegance of the era to life. My dress was custom made by Parisian haute couture designer, Zuhair Murad and it weighed over 20 lbs. The handmade silver, antique white and gold embroidery truly channeled the uniqueness of Paris.
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Event Planning: Michelle Rago Destinations / Photography: Jose Villa Photography / Videography: Elysium Productions / Dress: Azzedine Alaïa via Neiman Marcus / Shoes: Christian Louboutin via Neiman Marcus / Jaime morning frac: custom made from Damiani /Jaime shoes: Damiani / Caro Headpiece: special order from Maria Elena Headpieces / Caro Veil: Zuhair Murad Haute Couture / Dress Engagement Photos Shoot: Azzedine Alaïa Neiman Marcus / Shoes Engagement Shoot: Christian Louboutin Neiman Marcus / Caro’s Hair: Katia Quintero at OM Beauty / Caro’s Makeup: Eric Cuesta at Neiman Marcus / Church: Saint Francois Xavier / Reception: France Amerique / Rehearsal Dinner: Maison Blanche / Flower Production : Hervé Chatelain / Paperie: Ceci New York / Rentals: Options / Macaroons: Laduree / Piece Monte: Fauchon / Lighting and Sound: Magnum / Film Work: Richard Photo
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I'm speechless! SO gorgeous. I'm pretty sure this bride wins most beautiful girl in the world today.
This is the most beautiful wedding I've ever seen... what a lucky girl.
Ceci New York was honored to be a part of this amazing day! Thank you to Carolina, her family, and the team at Michelle Rago Destinations.
Truly a memorable, beautiful, and unique event. We had an amazing time designing the invitation suite and paper accessories for this client.
Best wishes to the happy couple!
Wow! What gorgeous pictures... and in PARIS? By JOSE?! OMG. Loveliness.
This wedding is absolutely beautiful!
Some beautiful shots, very romantic!
This was like a fairytale! The bride is gorgeous, the couple seems so in love! I can only hope for a wedding like this one day... congratulations!
What an amazing breathtaking wedding!! The video left me speechless!! The bride is GORGEOUS and everything was perfect from her dress to her Loubis!! What a beautiful couple! Best wishes!
OH MY GOODNESS!! Don't think anything could get any prettier!! Everything is beautiful... the couple, the wedding, the photography!!
I want to get engaged again just so I can use the dream team above to do as session like this for myself! Oh goodness! I think my heart stopped beating for a full minute looking through all these beautiful images. And I do agree with Mallory above! Bride-to-be wins "most beautiful" woman of the day award!
Love!!! Any pictures of the wedding besides the video? Would love to see more!
Where is that maid of honor dress from?!?!? WOW!
Whoa. It's like they had the whole city to themselves. Where are all the other people? Like on the sidewalks or by the tower. Jose Villa is amazing.
WOW!!! Stunning couple....stunning pictures and video!
stunningly beautiful....
So stunning! This wedding is like a magical dream come true. Amazing!!!
wow thats so beautiful. love the video feel.
That dress, that dress...oh my, that dress... Amazing wedding. Congratulations.
WOW - so beautiful...all of it! Congrats!
The Seine, the Eiffel Tower, and images from Jose Villa...what could be better!?
These are amazing photos! very beautiful..
wow...what a beautiful session.
Gorgeous! I love Paris so much!
Um.........are you SURE they aren't models?! They are so gorgeous! And the location, photography.... :O
How incredibly beautifully is she ... oh to have hair like hers! Stunning photography and the styling is perfect, you can tell from the pics that the couple have expressed who they are, their story for their wedding. I love it. x
I've got goosbumps from watching the video, so romantic! And glamourous!! Lovely photographs too
Congratulations to everyone! What wonderful images and really beautiful couple.
And Maison Blanche is such a romantic location for the dinner... Can't wait to return.
Love the styling too.x
So... I am fairly OBSESSED with her coat- - - PLEASE tell me where she got it?!!
i don't even have words. perfect!
Beautiful Photography, Subjects and Locations. Amazing...
There are no words to describe the beauty in these photos!
WOW! Speechless, I think this is exactly what every little girl dreams of! Can't wait to start planing my Parisian engagement.
What a truly stunning couple. Every aspect is beautiful - the dress, venues, even the guests!
Wow, it looks like a dream! Any photos of the wedding? After that amazing video can't wait to see the details
Are there any pictures of the gown? It is breathtaking and I would love to save a picture of it.
PERFECT. speechless.
Amazing work Jose!
So jealous! This bride is beautiful and her gown stunning. With Jose's photos it is just perfection!
Simply gorgeous!!!
Caro,
Congratulations to you and your husband, Mom and Dad too!! What a romantic and amazing day, you were a stunning bride. Enjoy a beautiful future together.
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