A French-Themed Destination Wedding in Paris

Julie Savage and Eric Parekh wed in Paris, one of the most romantic cities in the world.

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Julie and Eric

In 2008, Julie Savage and Eric Parekh developed a close online friendship after Julie, a Maryland-based wedding planner, introduced herself via social media to Eric, an investment banker living in Houston. Nine months later, Eric met Julie in Washington, D.C., for their first date -- a whirlwind weekend that included a stop in New York City. "It was worth the wait," says Eric.

The pair was married on October 7, 2012, in one of the most romantic cities in the world: Paris, France. The Parisian scene was "stolen straight from one of my sweetest dreams," says Julie.

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The Stationery

KT Merry

The pink and gray suite by Little Bit Heart were inspired The Palace of Versailles and decorated with ornate architectural renderings.

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Elaborate Invitations

Blush invites were finished with light gray wax seals.

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The Bridal Attire

KT Merry

Julie added sheer cap sleeves to her Vera Wang gown and wore a dramatic headpiece made by combining two fascinators.

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Blushing Bouquet

White and blush roses made up the bride’s clutch, secured with a striped bow.

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Sparkling Bridesmaids

KT Merry

While each of the bridesmaids wore a different dress, all were champagne-colored and sparkly.

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The Groom's Suite

Eric, in Hugo Boss, and his friends prepped for the big day in a suite at Hotel de Crillon.

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Historic Ceremony Site

KT Merry

On the big day, everyone gathered at the Chapelle Expiatoire on the site where Marie Antoinette was first buried ("I'm a little obsessed with her," says Julie) to witness the intimate I do's. Violinists played as guests arrived at the chapel, erected in 1826.

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The Happy Couple

KT Merry

The new Mr. and Mrs. pose at the chapel's entrance. A hometown affair was nixed because of professional pressure; as a wedding planner, Julie says, "I felt like I would be putting on a bridal show."

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Picture-Perfect Scene

The Louvre, one of Paris' central landmarks, was a gorgeous backdrop to the couple's wedding portraits after the ceremony.

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Celebratory Sips

While the family had their portraits taken, a costumed butler poured drinking chocolate for guests.

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Regal Reception

KT Merry

Before the reception at the Hôtel de Crillon, guests piled into a double-decker bus stocked with Champagne. At the hotel, sequined chevron tablecloths and white hydrangea and rose centerpieces created a modern look.

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More Bubbly

KT Merry

Two Champagne cocktails and one nonalcoholic option were poured for guests at dinner.

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Let Them Eat Macarons

KT Merry

Marie Antoinette’s famous quote aside, the couple cut into a tower of macarons covered with edible gold leaf.

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The Desserts

The reception’s sweets all came from famed Parisian bakery Ladurée.

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The Newlyweds

The couple enjoy their first moments as a married couple on the dance floor.

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Sources

KT Merry

Ceremony location: Chapelle Expiatoire

Reception location and catering: Hôtel de Crillon

Event planning and design: Strawberry Milk Events

Flowers: Sol y Flor

Photography: KT Merry

Videography: MG Image

Stationery: Little Bit Heart

Calligraphy: Laura Condouris

Desserts: Ladurée

Music: Ivana Musique (ceremony); Jazz Around Midnight (reception)

Rentals: Options (antiques); La Tavola Fine Linen Rental

Bride's gown and veil: Vera Wang

Bride's shoes: Sergio Rossi

Hair: Sonja Stein

Makeup: Sanni Sorma

Groom's tuxedo: Hugo Boss

Transportation: Classic Rent (vintage taxi); L’Open Tour (double-decker bus)

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There's More!

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A French-Themed Destination Wedding in Paris

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Julie and Eric

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The Stationery

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Elaborate Invitations

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The Bridal Attire

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Blushing Bouquet

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Sparkling Bridesmaids

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The Groom's Suite

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Historic Ceremony Site

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The Happy Couple

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Picture-Perfect Scene

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Celebratory Sips

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Regal Reception

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More Bubbly

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Let Them Eat Macarons

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The Desserts

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The Newlyweds

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Sources

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There's More!

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