Meet Carolina and Gabriel, a couple from Miami, Florida. They share a love for trying out new restaurants and enjoying movie nights together. Their journey began in 2013, blossoming into a romantic relationship in 2016. Last November, Gabriel surprised Carolina with a proposal in Central Park, New York.
elopement details:
Season: Late November
Package: Chateau de Sceaux, plus extra Paris photo locations
Ceremony: Chateau de Sceaux garden view
Photos: Avenue Camoens, Pont Alexandre III
Time Spent Planning: 6 Months
The Weather: A Sunny Fall Day
Vacation selfie from Atlanta, Georgia
The Highlights
i do in a french castle with 8 guests
"Paris, the city of love, looks like a fairytale." – Carolina and Gabriel shared their reason for eloping in France.
For us as elopement planners, the challenge was to create a dream wedding for Carolina and Gabriel that was modern, elegant, and stress-free, and focus on an intimate ceremony with just 8 guests.
The couple's story begins here.
Carolina said she wasn't happy when she imagined her having a traditional big party as a wedding, "Because it was too stressful and not what we want. Elopement was not an impulsive decision, we thought about this for a couple of months. Our dream elopement is modern and elegant."
Carolina worked with Yana, a default artist included in our elopement package. For her look, she asked for a sleek modern updo and a classic makeup style. Additionally, she requested individual falsies, which were also provided by Yana. Carolina looked absolutely amazing! Her style was elegant and modern just the way she imagined.
"What I love most about the dress is the top design and the hidden slit. The buttons trailing down the back are just the cherry on top," said Carolina.
carolina's bridal look
Planning, Timeline, and Logistics
avenue de camoens
The couple's request was to have a nontraditional, creative, and modern photoshoot. Less formal, more candid.
Carolina and Gabriel wanted something different - not too posed. A photoshoot that was less about formal poses and more about capturing their genuine connection in a creative, modern way.
Pont Alexandre III
This bridge is called a Pont Alexandre III. Tim helped Carolina and Gabriel with posing and gave directions. His goal was to create a relaxing atmosphere so the couple feels confident in front of the camera.
"We enjoy movement poses," shared Carolina.
- Carolina reached out via email and asked about the dates.
- They booked the Chateau de Sceaux package and picked locations.
- Carolina shared her vision board with Helen for the bouquet, hair and makeup. and found her dress, groom's suit and her stunning blue Manolos.
- Tim finalized the timeline. We assisted the guests with Uber directions for a smooth ride to the castle.
" I want my photos to be at a sunrise to avoid crowds," said Carolina.
The couple did a fantastic job with posing and smiling. Laughing together before getting married....
the chateau de sceaux
For their late November 2023 elopement, Carolina and Gabriel chose the Chateau de Sceaux garden view ceremony, surrounded by just 8 close friends and family.
Their ceremony was very sweet and simple, focusing on the love they share. They had an English-speaking officiant, and a bottle of exquisite French Champagne.
The castle remains partially green even during the winter months.
Carolina and Gabriel are getting married
The ceremony began at the garden view, with Olga as the officiant. The couple said "I do" in the presence of their loved ones and exchanged rings. Carolina and Gabriel memorized their vows and spoke them from the heart instead of reading from a paper.
Heartfelt, vulnerable, and unforgettable—that's how it feels to say your vows to the love of your life.
And then, the Champagne....oh, that bottle of French Champagne wasn’t just a drink, it was a grenade they pulled the pin on.
Opening that bottle was like detonating a bomb of bliss.
After the ceremony, Carolina and Ganriel had an hour-long photoshoot around the castle with Tim. Then, the couple returned to their hotel. A week later, we sent them a sneak peek, and the finished gallery was ready in 30 business days.
Best day of my life
WITH THE BEST TEAM!
— carolina
Carolina and Gabriel,
thank you!
It was such a pleasure to work with Carolina and Gabriel. Their elopement was a joy from start to finish, filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your special day!
Behind the Scenes: From the Team
I made sure Carolina and Gabriel had a stress-free day. And for the wedding photoshoot, I wanted to capture images that are candid and timeless, knowing how much our fashion-loving bride adores style. Together, we truly nailed it!
tim: planning and photography
I teamed up with Carolina right from the start, making sure everything was just as she wanted. I hope she is happy with her elopement! For flowers, Carolina asked a round bouquet from white carnation and roses:
Helen: communication and flowers
We all witnessed Carolina and Gabriel's love story. May their bond be strong, their love everlasting, and their future filled with happiness. Thank you for booking our whole team and big kisses and hugs from Paris! I was happy to help with the outfits and made sure that the veil and dress are placed perfectly:
olga: the ceremony
5:00 AM Hair and makeup at the Airbnb; Gabriel gets ready separately.
7:45 AM Pick-up and drive to Avenue Camoens for the first photoshoot.
Pont Alexandre III photos, then drive to Château de Sceaux; guests take Ubers.
9:45 AM Officiant meets guests at the castle.
10:00 AM Ceremony, champagne, family photos, and couple’s portraits.
11:40 AM Return drive.
Why the ceremony comes last? Photoshoots start at sunrise for crowd-free shots, and the castle opens later. This also lets guests sleep in and prepare stress-free for the day.
Carolina and Gabriel didn't have to think about logistics and directions. We planned the whole itinerary. This made their day less complicated as they didn't have to worry about getting around the city. It helped them enjoy the romantic side of Paris. Our goal is to make weddings stress-free and enjoyable, so couples can focus on love and adventure, not on traffic.
"We would like it to be more unique and fun," said Gabriel.
In that moment, Carolina and Gabriel felt the happiest married couple.
"Cheers to love, adventure, and saying 'I do' our own way," said Carolina.
PORTRAITS AT CHATEAU SCEAUX
