Married in the city of love, Sydney-siders Monica and Alec say that eloping was 100 per cent the right move. “We thought we could have this incredible one-day fairytale, or for the same price, an unforgettable five-week newlywed extravaganza,” shared the couple, whose itinerary also included the UK, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and the Mediterranean.
As for the day itself, the couple say Paris was a “no-brainer” and that, in a sea of Parisian elopement pros, planner/photographer Alyssa Belkaci stood out. “Her photography style is very editorial and authentic, and really focused on bringing out the couple’s personality, instead of creating a tourism brochure for Paris.”
Scroll on to see Alec and Monica’s intimate ceremony at the iconic Jardin des Tuileries (Tuileries Garden), backdropped by stunning European architecture. Not to mention their celebratory spin through the city an old-school Triumph. Magnifique! But first, the couple tell us about Monica’s beautiful custom gown (a GP Creatives creation), and the Happily Ever Afterparty they hosted back home.
A Pause in Paris: A Meaningful Elopement Ceremony Moment
(Alec) “Before we started the ceremony [our celebrant,] Naïm, got us both to close our eyes and take a deep breath. He allowed us to focus on being present and in the moment, and to really take it all in. It was in that moment that it really felt like time stopped, and it was just her and me in one of the most beautiful places on earth, beginning our forever.”
Monica’s Custom GP Creatives Bridal Gown
“I was fortunate enough to have my beautiful custom gown designed and created by the wonderful Gabby at GP Creatives. What makes this even more special, is that Gabby is a friend of mine. I went to a few bridal shops before coming to Gabby, and the experiences were day and night… Every woman has this dream of falling in love with their dress and feeling like a princess. I never had that feeling, until I tried on my beautiful creation by Gab. After showing Gab some inspiration, she went to work sketching up a design and shortlisting some fabrics for me. We went with a stunning gazar duchess silk in ivory. I wanted simple, sleek, timeless but with something subtle that made it different. Gab had designed a lace skirt to go under the dress, which became visible through the dresses slit whenever a step was taken. This skirt made for some incredible photos and was also re-worn throughout my honeymoon. From start to finish, I was in awe of Gab’s attention to detail, creative mind and skill with the thread and needle. I hope that one day I get to pass down this dress and tell the incredible story of how my wonderful friend stitched her love into my gown.”
A First Dance in Paris
“Our first dance was technically in our hotel room at the end of our elopement session. We played ‘Burning Love’ by Elvis and had a little boogie, and some laughs, followed by a lot of champagne!”
Wedding Advice: Perspective Over Pinterest
“If it’s starting to feel performative, it probably is. Don’t lose sight of what the day is about – marrying your love of your life. We all want a Pinterest board wedding, but if it’s getting too much, or costing too much; strip it back!”
A Sydney Happily Ever Afterparty Celebration
“After the elopement, when we came home to Sydney, we had an intimate backyard ceremony to legalise our marriage, followed by a 130-person Happily Ever Afterparty with our nearest and dearest. We played our wedding video for them and had all the bells and whistles that a reception typically has (including a metre long wedding cake!)”
More Elopement Inspiration
Click here to meet more stylish brides in custom GP Creatives gowns. Visit the blog for a second helping of elopement inspo. Or, if you’re looking for destination wedding vibes closer to home, grab some ideas from this Euro-inspired wedding shoot.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer & Planner Alyssa Belkaci Photo Cinematographer Belkaci Films Ceremony Venue Jardin des Tuileries, Paris Hire Items Retro Motors Collection Celebrant Naïm Terrache – The Parisian Celebrant Rings Parade Jewellers Transport My Driver Paris THE BRIDE Bridal Gown, Veil & Neck Scarf Designer GP Creatives Shoes Betsey Johnson Sunglasses Amazon Hair & Makeup Parisian Makeup Fragrance Le Labo THE GROOM Suit, Jacket, Shirt & Pants Precision Tailoring and Alterations Sunglasses Local Supply Tie & Cufflinks Otaa Shoes Julius Marlow Watch Raymond Weil
