A wedding photoshoot in Paris is a dream for many couples. Catarina, who is behind the renowned wedding photography and videography duo It Is All About and who is also a wedding planner at My Hand Wedding, in this interview with BRIDE LIFESTYLE shares how to turn this dream into a reality and tells the behind-the-scenes info of her team's latest editorial in the City of Light.

What inspired your recent editorial in Paris?

The theme and concept of our editorial in Paris were inspired by the city's elegance and romance. We wanted to capture the sophisticated Parisian style, blending it with modern bridal fashion trends. We created something that reflected the image and style of our My Hand Wedding brand, and working with Zankyou allowed us to do just that.

We explored this vision with a fun twist, creating an editorial that celebrates both tradition and innovation in bridal design. We asked Gio Rodrigues, a Portuguese fashion designer, to create exclusive wedding dresses for the occasion. We wanted a bold, sexy bride who doesn't neglect elegance, and that's exactly what he gave us.

We completed the look with shoes from Anna Walker, from the brand Badgley Mischka Bride, which breathes elegance. In addition, we also got boots to create riskier looks. We also collaborated with a local makeup artist, as we wanted to create several looks throughout the day, and we believed that would be the best option. Thus, we chose the professional Jazelle Beauty for makeup and hair.

How do you begin planning a wedding photoshoot in Paris? Are there any considerations that are unique to this location?

Planning a wedding photo shoot in Paris involves a few key steps. First, consider the weather, as it can be unpredictable and change quickly. Spring is especially magical in Paris, with gardens and parks in full bloom and mild weather that's perfect for outdoor shoots. Autumn also offers a unique charm with its golden colours and soft light that enhances the city's beauty. Both seasons provide a charming and romantic setting for wedding photos, however, keep in mind that these are busy seasons. We chose spring and we were happy with this decision.

Logistics are important, too. They can be tricky, as you need to coordinate timings to avoid crowds at tourist spots, secure any necessary permits, as well as navigate the city traffic. It's also essential to have a backup plan in case of sudden weather changes or location access issues.

These two – weather and the number of tourists, especially at iconic locations, which can make it hard to get clean shots without distractions – are the biggest challenges when having a wedding photoshoot in Paris.

Speaking of ensuring a view of the Eiffel Tower, we chose a hotel with a view of the tower and an excellent location, so, we could move from one side to the other! We chose the Hotel Le Littre, where we were very well received.

You just mentioned the most iconic landmark of Paris. How do you incorporate famous locations like the Eiffel Tower without making the photos look cliché? And are there any other less-known hidden gems in Paris that you recommend for a more intimate or unique photoshoot setting?

To include iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower without making the photos look cliché, it's important to find unique angles and perspectives. Using natural light at different times of the day can turn a common scene into something extraordinary. Also, blending the landmarks with the personal elements of the couple or with lesser-known architectural details of the city can add a special and unique touch to the photos.

Yes, Paris is full of hidden gems perfect for intimate photo shoots. Fortunately, we had the help of the model who participated in the shooting to guide us. We went to several well-known parts of the city, but I confess that the streets of the city themselves are a real inspiration, and we ended up taking a lot of photographs on the streets.

Did you encounter any unexpected situations during a Paris photoshoot?

On the first day, we had our first problem. The model who would be Cristiana's fiancée for the photoshoot (she is the director of Zankyou and the model participating in the photoshoot) became ill and could not participate. As we say in Portuguese "' There is no evil that does not bring good" and we found an incredible model, Alex Valentin, who was actually super important in guiding us around the city.

Also, during a photo shoot at the Eiffel Tower, we were caught in a sudden storm. We handled it by taking shelter in a nearby café and using the time to capture spontaneous and intimate photos of the couple, which ended up being some of the most memorable from the editorial. Being adaptable and creative is key in unexpected situations.

How does your photography style change when shooting in a city like Paris compared to other locations?

Shooting in Paris requires a special focus on the city's architecture, atmosphere and love. The city itself is an inspiration, all the corners and the coffee shops made us want to stop in all the places. We used a lot of natural light and shadows to highlight the beauty of the buildings and streets. Techniques like layered composition, where different elements in the scene are used to create depth, are essential. We also enjoy playing with reflections in shops, for example.

What advice would you give to a couple considering Paris as their wedding photo shoot location?

Our main advice would be to plan ahead, especially regarding logistics and permits needed for certain locations. We would also suggest considering lesser-known spots to avoid crowds and add a unique touch to your photos. Finally, embracing the Parisian atmosphere and culture can make the experience even more special and authentic.

Interviewed by Renāte Berga

Wedding Planner, Concept & Style: My Hand Wedding & ZankYou Portugal

Wedding photography and video: It Is All About

Wedding Dress & Groom: Gio Rodrigues

Make Up & Hair: Jazelle Beauty 

Hotel: Hootel Le Littere

Shoes: Badgley Mischka Bride from Anna Walker

Models: Cristiana Simões & Alex Valentin