In the golden glow of autumn 2025, I had the extraordinary privilege of photographing a breathtaking celebration at the Shangri la Paris, one of the most iconic venues for a Paris luxury wedding. From the very first step into this legendary palace, you feel it: an atmosphere where refinement, history, and contemporary elegance blend seamlessly. As a Paris wedding photographer, I am fortunate to discover many exceptional locations, yet the Shangri la Paris stands in a category of its own. Every corridor whispers stories of grandeur, every salon radiates understated opulence, and every carefully curated detail reflects a devotion to excellence that makes it a dream setting for a Paris wedding.

What makes the Shangri la Paris particularly enchanting is its versatility. You can envision a wedding here that is classically romantic and timeless, or one that is bold, modern, and avant-garde—and both would feel perfectly at home within its walls. The crown jewel of the venue is undoubtedly the Grand Salon, with its dazzling gilded moldings, soaring ceilings, and luminous chandeliers. This spectacular space offers an awe-inspiring backdrop for a ceremony or a candlelit dinner, embodying everything one could desire from a Paris luxury wedding venue. Beyond its interiors, the location itself is a dream: just steps away from the Eiffel Tower, with several rooms and terraces offering breathtaking, postcard-worthy views of this global icon. As a Paris wedding photographer, capturing a couple framed by the Eiffel Tower from the Shangri la Paris is nothing short of magical—and it sets the tone for an unforgettable Paris wedding experience.

A Multicultural Love Story: Elona & Jérôme’s Paris Wedding Vision

This unforgettable Paris wedding celebrated the love of Elona and Jérôme, two prominent influencers in the luxury travel sphere whose lives are defined by exploration, elegance, and storytelling. Elona, American of Ukrainian origin, and Jérôme, French-Japanese, dreamed of a celebration that would reflect not only their multicultural heritage but also the essence of what unites them most: their passion for travel. From the very beginning, they envisioned a Paris luxury wedding that felt like an invitation to journey with them—across cultures, continents, and emotions.

Every detail of their wedding design paid homage to this theme. Guests were welcomed with charming luggage-tag place cards on the seating chart, instantly evoking the excitement of departure lounges and faraway destinations. Delicate airplane-shaped pins were scattered as whimsical accents, while a full-sized vintage trolley proudly displayed the name of their imaginary airline, “Jelona”—a playful fusion of their names that brought smiles to every face. Even the hosts who greeted guests were dressed in chic flight-attendant-inspired uniforms, turning the arrival experience into a cinematic moment. As a Paris wedding photographer, I delighted in capturing these inventive touches, knowing they would become cherished visual memories of a truly personal Paris wedding.

What made this celebration especially compelling was how seamlessly these modern, travel-inspired elements blended with the classical luxury of the Shangri la Paris. It was the perfect example of how a Paris luxury wedding can be both deeply meaningful and exquisitely stylish. Elona and Jérôme’s story unfolded not just through words, but through textures, symbols, and thoughtfully curated experiences that invited every guest to feel part of their journey. For me, as their Paris wedding photographer, it was an honor to document a wedding that was as emotionally rich as it was visually stunning.

A Bridal Masterpiece: Liza Ray Couture at Shangri-La Paris

Amid all the imaginative details celebrating travel, there were also moments of pure, timeless beauty—and none more striking than Elona’s extraordinary wedding gown by Liza Ray New York. This couture masterpiece was nothing short of a work of art. With an immense train and thousands of tiny rhinestones meticulously hand-sewn onto the fabric, the dress shimmered softly with every movement, catching the light of the Grand Salon in the most enchanting way. Designed to be worn in multiple styles, it could be paired with a pearl-embroidered bodysuit for a more fashion-forward look or worn as a strapless gown for a classic, romantic silhouette.

Complemented by a long, ethereal veil, Elona’s bridal look was the embodiment of modern royalty—perfectly in harmony with the opulence of the Shangri la Paris. As a Paris wedding photographer, moments like this are pure gold: the interplay between couture fashion, historic architecture, and raw emotion creates images that feel cinematic and timeless. When Elona made her entrance into the ceremony room, time seemed to stand still. A hush fell over the guests, breaths were held, and eyes glistened with tears. It was one of those rare, electric moments when beauty and emotion align perfectly—a defining memory of this Paris luxury wedding.

The gown was more than just a dress; it was a symbol of Elona’s elegance, confidence, and individuality. In the context of this Paris wedding, it told a story of craftsmanship, femininity, and romance. Capturing its details—the sparkle of each crystal, the fluidity of the train, the delicate movement of the veil—was a joy and a privilege. It reminded me why being a Paris wedding photographer is not just about taking pictures, but about preserving fleeting moments of wonder.

A Grand Salon Ceremony: Emotion, Elegance, and Parisian Magic

The ceremony took place in the legendary Grand Salon of the Shangri la Paris, exquisitely transformed by the creative vision of Hibiscus Events. Soft floral arrangements, harmonious color palettes, and subtle lighting elevated the already magnificent space into a dreamlike sanctuary of love. This setting alone would have been enough to define a Paris luxury wedding, yet what unfolded within it made the moment truly unforgettable.

The ceremony began under the guidance of Naïm from The Parisian Celebrant, whose warm presence set a tone of sincerity and intimacy. Then, in a beautiful twist, one of Elona and Jérôme’s closest friends stepped forward to officiate their union. He retraced their journey from friendship to love, weaving together stories of shared adventures, distant destinations, and the deep bond they had built through travel. There wasn’t a single dry eye in the room. As a Paris wedding photographer, I could feel the emotional waves moving through the crowd, and I focused on capturing every tender glance, every trembling smile, every tear quietly wiped away.

This ceremony was the beating heart of their Paris wedding—a moment where cultures, friendships, and love converged. The grandeur of the Shangri la Paris provided a majestic frame, but it was the authenticity of the vows and the sincerity of the storytelling that made it extraordinary. For me, documenting this ceremony reaffirmed everything I love about being a Paris wedding photographer: the privilege of witnessing raw emotion, the artistry of light and space, and the responsibility of preserving memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

An Eiffel Tower Terrace Celebration: Cake, Sparkle, and Sunset

After the emotional crescendo of the ceremony, the mood shifted into a lighter, celebratory rhythm. Elona removed the pearl-embroidered bodysuit, transforming her gown into a sleek strapless silhouette—perfect for the next chapter of the evening. Guests were then invited to gather on the terrace of the Shangri la Paris, a breathtaking outdoor space offering panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower. The transition from the Grand Salon to the terrace felt like stepping into a Parisian dream, where romance and glamour danced together under the open sky.

Here, against the iconic backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, Elona and Jérôme cut their wedding cake. Illuminated by twinkling lights and the golden glow of sunset, the cake shimmered almost as brilliantly as Elona’s gown. It was a moment of pure joy and visual poetry—one that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of their Paris luxury wedding. As a Paris wedding photographer, I couldn’t have asked for a more cinematic scene: laughter, champagne flutes raised in celebration, and the Eiffel Tower standing as a timeless witness to their love.

This terrace interlude was more than just a photo opportunity; it was a shared breath of happiness, a pause to savor the beauty of the moment. Guests mingled, took in the view, and reveled in the magic of being together in one of the most romantic cities in the world. The Shangri la Paris once again proved why it is such a coveted venue for a Paris wedding, offering not only luxurious interiors but also outdoor spaces that capture the soul of Paris itself.

From Cocktail Hour to Dance Floor: A Night to Remember in Paris

As twilight deepened into night, guests enjoyed a relaxed cocktail hour, finally having time to reconnect, share stories, and fully absorb the joy of the day. It was during this intimate window that Elona and Jérôme could truly mingle with loved ones who had traveled from across the globe to celebrate with them. This sense of togetherness—of worlds converging in one elegant place—is what makes a Paris wedding so profoundly special.

The evening continued in the beautifully decorated Salon Bonaparte, transformed into a floral wonderland for dinner and dancing. Candlelight flickered across tables, laughter echoed through the room, and the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation for the festivities to come. When the music began and the first dances unfolded, I felt deeply moved behind my lens. As a Paris wedding photographer, capturing those first dance steps, the spontaneous embraces, and the fiery energy of the dance floor is always a highlight. These are the moments when elegance gives way to pure joy, and when a Paris luxury wedding reveals its most human, heartfelt side.

I focused on freezing those fleeting instants in time—the swirl of dresses, the sparkle in eyes, the uninhibited laughter—so that Elona and Jérôme would forever remember how it felt to be surrounded by love, warmth, and celebration. Their wedding at the Shangri la Paris was not just a stunning event; it was a deeply emotional journey shared with friends and family from all corners of the world. For me, it was an honor to document such a luminous Paris wedding and to contribute, through my images, to a legacy of memories that will live on for generations.

Photographer: Aude Lucas • Wedding Photography

Second Shooter: Franz Ladouce

Videographer: Tommy Vision, Terry Liu

Wedding Planner: Dream Paris Wedding

Wedding Venue: Shangri La Paris

Florals: Hibiscus Events

Wedding Dress: Liza Ray New York

Reception Dress: Luce Sposa

Jewelry: Natkina

Hair: Christina Oliva Cinque

Engagement Ring: Fergus James

Wedding Rings: Under The Crown

Invitations: Bliss & Bone

Officiant: Jorden Tually

Master of Ceremonies: The Parisian Celebrant

Violinist: Violinist Paris

DJ & Sound System: Loïc Jandia

Cabin Crew Performance: Revarte Entertainment

Live Illustrator: Inness Illustrations

Dreaming of your wedding at Shangri La Paris? Here’s my little FAQ

What is the best salon to organize a wedding ceremony at Shangri La Paris?

The Grand Salon located at the second floor, is definitely the most splendid place in the whole palace. Its guilded moldings offer an absolutely unique setting in Paris to celebrate your wedding in an extremely luxurious venue. However, as a Paris wedding photographer, I recommend holding the ceremony as early as possible in the afternoon. As evening approaches, the golden reflections of the salon become stronger, and artificial lighting casts a lot of yellow tones on faces, which can be difficult to correct in post-production.

What is the most beautiful place for getting-ready photos?

I recommend booking a suite with a view of the Eiffel Tower. This gives you a beautiful, intimate space to get ready, along with a breathtaking view to capture your very first bridal portraits. Please note that during the day, the sun can be quite strong on the Shangri-La terraces, resulting in high-contrast images. If you’re looking for a softer, more delicate look, it’s best to return to the suite between the end of the cocktail hour and the beginning of the evening, around sunset.

What is the best location for a first look?

The Salon de Famille is a room adjoining the Grand Salon, and its wall paintings and chandelier are incredibly delicate. I highly recommend organizing your first look there, as the setting is exceptionally elegant. Group photos can also be taken in this room, as the natural light is very flattering.