Dreamy Paris Engagement Session
When I was invited to shoot Shelly and Dan's engagement session in Paris, right before their wedding in Italy, I knew it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As a photographer, there’s always a dream list, and Paris – especially in front of the iconic Eiffel Tower – has always been high on mine. This session wasn’t just about capturing beautiful moments for Shelly and Dan, though; it became one of the most memorable experiences in my career, a whirlwind in the City of Love that felt like something straight out of a fairy tale.
The moment I arrived, it was as if every scene, every corner, and every soft Parisian light was setting us up for magic. Everywhere we turned, the Eiffel Tower was just… there, towering and watching over us, creating a backdrop that was as dreamy as they come. As Shelly, Dan, and I ran around the city, laughing and taking in the sights, it all felt so surreal. They truly treated me like family, making me feel like their little sister tagging along on a big adventure. Looking back at these photos, I still have a hard time believing they’re mine – they feel like someone else’s dream that I somehow got to live.
Living Up to the Dream
It’s funny how some moments can feel like they were destined. Just a few weeks before their wedding in Italy, Shelly reached out, realizing we’d be in Paris at the same time. Before we knew it, she’d sent over a mood board, and we both felt the excitement bubbling. Shooting somewhere as iconic as Paris, especially for the first time, can definitely be intimidating, but any nerves melted away as soon as we got together. Shelly and Dan’s connection is so real, so effortless, and capturing it felt as natural as breathing.
From the very first shot, I knew this session would surpass any expectations I had. The city brought a sense of romance that matched Shelly and Dan’s energy perfectly, making the entire experience feel seamless and meant to be.
About Shelly + Dan: The Soon-to-Be Newlyweds
These two are the kind of couple that leave a mark on your heart. They’re both performers, and I actually met them after watching Dan play Romeo in the Broadway show & Juliet (and yes, if you haven’t seen it yet, go watch it!). We connected instantly, and before I knew it, we were chatting about their Italian wedding plans, dreaming up ways to make their big day unforgettable. Almost a year later, Shelly called me and said they still needed a photographer – and they wanted me to be there. It felt like a dream I’d never wake up from!
Shelly and Dan’s love for each other is truly something special, and every shot in Paris felt like it was filled with their incredible energy. To be part of their journey, capturing moments leading up to such a significant milestone in their lives, was the greatest honor.
The Adrenaline of Shooting in a Dream Location
If there’s one thing I’d share with every photographer dreaming of shooting in a place like Paris, it’s to make a plan – but also, give yourself the freedom to live in the moment. I reached out to other photographers who had shot in Paris, gathering tips on everything from locations to the best times to catch the Eiffel Tower light up. Preparation gave me confidence, but once I was there, it was the spontaneity and connection with Shelly and Dan that truly made the session unforgettable.
This Paris engagement session is one I’ll carry with me forever, not just as a career milestone but as a reminder of the magic that happens when you’re open to new places, new people, and unforgettable adventures.
