The Most Romantic Anniversary in Paris

Tanja + Felix at the Chateau de Villette

Picture this:

It’s exactly one year from today. You’re walking the fine gravel pathways of a garden. There’s a chill in the air and you pull your scarf tighter around your neck. The rich espresso you took your time over at the cafe across the way is starting to put a spring in your step and the butter from your chocolate croissant still lingers on your lips. 

You nudge one of the toy boats that has glided your way at the edge of the fountain of the Jardin du Luxembourg. The crisp winter air is calling you to adventure and the day is full of possibility…

Will you walk along the Seine in your latest fashion acquisition and find yourself wandering to the Musée d’Orsay?

Perhaps you’ll throw away all your plans and hunker down into a warm corner of Télescope to start the novel you’ve been wanting to crack open and then venture to Angelina for a decadent pick-me-up?

Or, will you escape to the luxurious grounds of a regal chateau with your private party and live like an 18th century royal for the weekend? 

As far as I’m concerned, there is no wrong way to ‘do Paris.’

And the most exciting thing this year, is the prospect of actually going back. Yes, travel is still restricted to and from France for most of us.

But the vaccines are rolling out, and so are the plans. 

And as I’m dreaming of Paris weddings, engagements, portrait and editorial sessions (and pastries!) to come in the City of Light, I wanted to share the most romantic anniversary in Paris I had the honor of capturing.

Tanja and Felix were looking for a special way to commemorate their ten year anniversary, and the Château de Villette, outside of Paris, was the perfect destination for a luxurious French getaway. It’s known as “the Little Versaille” for sharing its chief architects (François Mansart and Jules Hardouin-Mansart) and garden designer (André de Notre) with the Château de Versailles. At just a 40 minute drive from the Champs Elysées, it’s accessible, yet still removed, from the bustle of the city.

And as Chateau’s go—and I’ve seen a few—the Villette had everything. With lavish interiors reflecting 18th century France, two lakes, a stunning cascade fountain and an orangery, I couldn’t have been more excited to capture this romantic rendezvous between Tanja and Felix. 

I had the delight of meeting Tanja years ago at a photography workshop. She is a very talented photographer and we have kept in touch ever since we met. When she reached out to me about capturing their anniversary in Paris, I couldn’t wait to hear all the details. 

Having not gotten beautiful, professional wedding photos at the time of their marriage,  it was really important to them to capture the wedding look during this shoot. They wanted to celebrate with a vow renewal, along with some beautiful portraits that would commemorate the occasion forever. The stunning grounds of Château de Villette had everything we needed to create the most romantic anniversary in Paris. 

We spent an afternoon walking the gorgeous Château gardens, documenting this handsome couple in love. It was so exciting to see Tanja revealed to Felix in her gorgeous gown and to hear the incredibly touching and sincere vows read to one another. It’s certainly a celebration I’ll never forget.

I highly recommend a trip to Paris for anyone celebrating a milestone anniversary. Or an engagement, or a wedding, or a growing family… there isn’t a reason not to go to Paris!

And now is the time to start making those plans if they’re on your horizon. I know that once the travel gates open, we will all be giddy to make special travel plans, if only to celebrate going somewhere! But if you have a special occasion coming up, there’s no better time to make those plans to document your wedding, engagement, or growing family just the way you want to.

Inquire here to get your dream destination photo session underway. I can’t wait to see where the next year will take us.

To live without loving is to not really live.
— Molière

Planning a destination wedding in Paris? Get some inspiration HERE:

And watch Tanja + Felix’s video by Giorgio Guerrieri Films here: