An Intimate Destination Wedding in Paris

You're Invited

Letterpressed stationery from Minted was customized with Kara Anne Paper calligraphy and a wax seal.

Welcome to Paris

Guests were given welcome bags printed with a logo designed by Kara Anne Paper and stuffed with Sugarfina candy, a few pampering essentials from Primally Pure (one of the bride's favorite brands), an emergency kit, Champagne, Ladurée macarons, a Staub cocotte, and a little book of French phrases.

We'll Always Have Paris

Loved ones flew in from Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Dubai to celebrate the couple. "It was surreal to have all of those people together in one place, many of them meeting for the first time and getting to know each other over the course of the weekend," says Conor. Adds Danielle, "I remember sitting outside the Rodin in complete disbelief that everyone came all that way to just celebrate us. It was incredible."

Black-Tie Style

Conor sported head-to-toe Ralph Lauren for the black-tie affair. Danielle wanted something simple but needed help with choosing options, so she brought her mother-in-law and some of her closest friends to Lovely Bride in Chicago. After trying on a handful of dresses, everyone gasped when she put on this Theia number, which she then added a lace top by the designer to. She wore it during some of the portraits and ceremony, removing it for the reception.

The Bridal Bouquet

Danielle carried a bouquet of hydrangeas, spray roses, and astilbe by Luxe Paris Events.

The First Look

Both the bride and groom declare their first look as their most memorable part of the celebration. "I got so nervous and needed to sit down for a second," Danielle says of the moments leading up to it. But when she saw Conor, all the nerves vanished. Adds Conor, "Aside from all the anticipation, it was pretty overwhelming to see how beautiful Danielle looked as a bride."

Portraits in Paris

The couple took to the streets and sights of Paris for preceremony portraits, stopping at the Trocadero with views of the Eiffel Tower, the halls of the Louvre, and Bir-Hakeim Bridge.

Lovely Ladies

Guests were asked to stick to a neutral palette, so one person wouldn't stand out more than another among the small group. Danielle never wanted bridesmaids and with such a short guest list, she felt it unnecessary. But when a few friends mentioned they were wearing black, she let the other girls know, and everyone ended up in the color. Here, she surrounds herself with dear friends and her sister-in-law. Most of the ladies joined Danielle while she was getting ready, sipping Champagne and eating lunch before she left for the first look.

The Rings

Conor proposed with a ring from Diana Rodi Hall. Danielle's wedding band featured diamonds all around, while Conor's was a classic yellow gold ring.

A Vintage Ride

Conor chose a vintage car that the pair used to drive around the city for portraits.

All Dressed Up

The car was decked out with a "Just Married" sign and flower garland, courtesy of Billy Folchetti at Luxe Paris Events.

The Ceremony Location

The ceremony took place in a white room with beautiful windows and herringbone floors. "We opted not to see the venue before our wedding since photos looked beautiful and I wanted our wedding to be the first time we saw the space," Danielle explains. "It was probably a risky move, but I'm glad we did it that way."

"The fireplaces made adding candles an easy decision," notes Danielle.

Getting Hitched

Danielle walked into the room, met Conor at the end of the aisle, and they walked down together. Their friend officiated and the couple exchanged standard vows, as they had read personal letters to one another during their first look. Conor's friend, who is a violinist in Paris organized a string quartet to play Bach's "Suite #3" for the processional and Vivaldi's "Spring" for the recessional.

The Reception

The ceremony and cocktail hour took place in the same room, where guests enjoyed the views and sipped on the signature cocktail—a Le Grand Fizz—made of Grey Goose vodka, St Germain, and lime. Then it was into the adjoining room for the seated dinner (before returning to the ceremony room for dancing).

One long table was set with white linens, gold-rimmed chargers, taper candles set in clear candelabras, and arrangements of white flowers and greenery. "We kept things really simple and elegant," says Danielle of the aesthetic. Everyone seated together created an intimate atmosphere.

French Cuisine

Guests dined on a five-course meal that included French staples like a cheese course and a selection of mignardises for dessert.

Cheers to the Newlyweds

Many guests gave toasts during the reception. "They were totally unplanned and it turned into a bit of an open mic session," notes Conor of the speeches that had the couple in stitches.

The Croquembouche

The couple stuck with tradition and served a croquembouche instead of a wedding cake. "When in Paris, right?" says Danielle. Plus, anyone who knows the bride knows that she prefers pastries to cake, so that choice was an easy one to make.

The First Dance

The newlyweds danced to Frank Sinatra's "The Way You Look Tonight"—one of Danielle's favorites, in large part since it's in one of her favorite movies, Father of the Bride.

The Sendoff

After a sparkler sendoff, the group walked a few blocks to the bar at Hôtel de Crillon for a nightcap.

Sources

Photography, Katie Kett Photography

Event planning and flowers, Luxe Paris Events

Catering, Zia Paris

Stationery, Minted

Calligraphy, Kara Anne Paper

Custom map, Kelly Etz

Bride's gown and top, Theia from Lovely Bride

Hair and makeup, Harold James

Groom's attire, Ralph Lauren