The vision I had for our wedding was simplicity with a touch of modern and romance.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
We’re a travel-loving couple who are always on the go! My husband is a professional basketball player who’s passionate about the game and loves spending his downtime golfing, traveling, and cooking. I’m a content creator and fashion stylist with a love for all things style, beauty, fitness and exploration. From shopping and Pilates to trying new cuisines wherever we go. We’re total foodies at heart and love sharing those experiences together, whether we’re home or halfway around the world.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
We met back in May 2020, during the pandemic. We found each other through a mutual friend on social media (Instagram) we went on our first date a few weeks later and were inseparable ever since the first date. David thought Kayla was gorgeous and very kind hearted. Kayla thought David was handsome, soft spoken and genuine.
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.).
The vision I had for our wedding was simplicity with a touch of modern and romance. And what better place than the city of love!
What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee, etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).
Our venue included a rooftop with stunning views of the Eiffel Tower which we knew would be the highlight of the ceremony. It also featured some greenery elements such as plants so we decided to have florals that would complement the existing plants and it worked out perfect with our color palette of “different shades of green” we had our guests wear.
What did you enjoy most about the planning process, and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?
What I enjoyed most about the planning process was being able to bring my Pinterest board to life and share my ideas with our wedding planner and have her elevate every idea. One tip I’d give to couples starting their wedding planning journey is to hire the content creator! That was one of the highlights from our wedding day. All of the footage we received that included little moments you’d never see with a regular wedding videographer was unbelievably beautiful.
Tell us about your vendors. Were there any standout suppliers you would like to make special mention of?
Our vendors were great. I am from America, so a lot of hours of research and scrolling social media went into finding each and every vendor. I am also very specific with what I want and what we were looking for and looking back, I am so happy with everyone we selected to help bring our vision to life. Some standout suppliers are:
Photographer – @springsummercollective
Planner/ Designer- @jasminandpeonies
Content creator – @candidandco__
Makeup Artist – @parisianmakeup_
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, and is there a story?
My wedding dress is from Saint Bridal, “Salome.” It was actually a gown my sister picked out when wedding dress shopping at the first boutique I visited. I always thought I would’ve wore a fitted dress on my wedding day but from the very moment I laid eyes on that dress, I knew I was going to fall in love which is why I decided to try it on first before trying on the other options I had laid out. Everyone I brought along with me, including myself gasped when I tried the gown on. It was special and it was perfect for Paris. Nothing else compared.
Tell us about your wedding and engagement rings.
Our wedding day was an intimate one in the heart of Paris. We had 13 guests, which included our immediate family and our childhood best friends. We decided to do something on a much smaller scale because what we prioritized most during the process was peace, harmony, and love. We didn’t want to feel pressured to please anyone but instead wanted to stay true to ourselves and make sure we were able to soak every second in surrounded by our nearest and dearest.
What were one or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).
Definitely photography and my wedding dress. I know the day goes by so fast so it was important to us we had an amazing photographer to capture this special moment in our lives that we’ll only get to look back on. My dress was another element that I knew I didn’t want to hold back on because this was a once in a lifetime experience and I wanted to feel my absolute best! My husbands suit was also custom made which was really special and important for him as well.
Was there a favorite moment (or two) that you will treasure always?
Our private vows under the Arch of Triomphe of the Louvre will always be remembered. Surrounded by so much love, beauty and quietness that you can only experience in Paris at 7:00AM was so special and unreal.
BRIDE Kayla, @_mskayla_ GROOM David, @daviddukejr LOCATION Rooftop Copernic, @rooftop.copernic PHOTOGRAPHER Spring Summer Collective, @springsummercollective VIDEOGRAPHER Vargas Videography, @vargasvideography CONTENT CREATOR Candid and Co, @candidandco__ BRIDE’S HAIR STYLIST Tissame Hairstyle, @tissame_hairstyle BRIDE’S MAKEUP ARTIST Parisian Makeup, @parisianmakeup_ PLANNER & DESIGNER Jasmine and Peonies, @jasminandpeonies FLORIST Arts distributor, @arts_distributor CELEBRANT Freud for The Paris Celebrants, @thepariscelebrants ENTERTAINMENT Violinist- David Amsellem, @violoniste_mariage HIRE Options France, @maison_options CATERING Chef Jared Pierre, @chefjaredpierre CAKE Sweets by S, @_sweets_bys STATIONERY Mei creation agency, @mei_creation WEDDING RINGS Bride- Custom from VVA Diamonds NY, @vvadiamondsny; Groom- Cartier Love Band, @cartier BRIDE’S MAIN OUTFIT Saint Bridal “Salomé”, @saintbridal BRIDE’S SCARF AND VEIL Etsy BRIDE’S SHOES Bella Belle “Serafina”, @bellabelleshoes BRIDE’S FRAGRANCE Valentino Born in Roma, @maisonvalentino GROOM’S MAIN OUTFIT Custom Suit designed by Willy Tho, @willytho_ GROOM’S SHOES Prada Brushed Leather, @prada GROOM’S ACCESSORIES Aura Watch, @aura.watch; Balenciaga Shades, @balenciaga GROOM’S HAIR STYLIST Braids by Royalty Braids, @royaltybraider GROOM’S FRAGRANCE Yves Saint Laurent L’Homme, @ysl
