I’m a huge fan of wedding ceremonies or vow renewals which reflect you as a couple. And the flexibility offered by a celebrant is the key to doing your wedding ceremony your way! And that is what I totally love about Michelle Wahila who runs Ruffled by Grace in Paris. She gets it! The desire to break out of the box and do it your way. You don’t have to wear white. You can have what you want!
So today we’re featuring Michelle’s ‘Pink Champagne’ inspired unconventional Vow Renewal with a team of amazing awesome suppliers which was shot in Paris, France. It even features one of our own tribe members – Flipside Bride!
Photo by Krystal Kenny – Miss Paris Photo
Photo by Krystal Kenny – Miss Paris Photo
Top tips to acheive this look
FIZZ THEN CAKE
The colour palette on this shoot was driven from the pink champagne!
BLOOMS
Pop to the flower market in the morning. Look at what is in season
IT DOESN'T HAVE TO MATCH
Don't be afraid to bring in antique and modern elements. Mix old and new
USE OUTDOOR SPACES
Get outdoors! But make sure you have a wet weather plan for the English weather (we aren't as fortunate as Paris!)
Top tips from Michelle on how to get this look
The main base colour for these photos was the pink champagne. Everything was built around it to compliment that pink colour.
“For the cake, we knew we wanted it to be pink and whimsical/fun – so the addition of the black really gave it that Alice in Wonderland kind of look”
The mix of old and new was also prevalent.
“I loved how the cake felt modern, yet we took antique elements (like the champagne glasses) and mixed it all together. There was silver and gold, antique lace and modern elements (like the fun [alternative wedding] belt from Flipside Bride!). Taking something modern and fun like the black dotted cupcake and placing it on an antique floral plate was the perfect combination of old and new. Eclectic doesn’t have to look messy, and you don’t need to be tied to one time period. Old can meet new in fun ways”
I also love Michelle’s advice on using outdoor spaces.
“It’s like a blank canvas that you can make your own. Don’t be afraid to take an unassuming venue and transform it something unique and special that suits you perfectly”
Looking for more advice on Colour Palettes. Check out this guide for your go-to colour palettes for 2018.
Photo by Ainsley Duyvestyn-Smith Photography.
How to create an unconventional vow renewal
Here are Michelle’s top tips on how to create your unconventional vow renewal.
Make it Yours!
“I think the key to an unconventional vow renewal is to really make it yours! If you had a traditional wedding, a vow renewal is a chance to break out of the box and do it your way. There’s no need to wear white, but you can if you want! Whatever you didn’t have, or didn’t go well – a vow renewal is your chance for a “do over.” Or it is just the chance to do something completely opposite from your wedding. For instance, my husband and I had a very traditional church wedding with hundreds of our family and friends – it was amazing. We renewed our vows, however, I was barefoot in a white sundress on a beach in the Caribbean.
Consider a destination Vow Renewal
I love the idea of a destination vow renewal. It’s a chance to escape routine and reconnect with your spouse, as well as to explore a beautiful place together. Paris is the perfect place because you have an awesome backdrop for photos, and literally everything is beautiful. You can be casual or completely fancy and it’s just as fabulous either way.
Include the kids!
It’s also a fun way to include the kids, if you have them. I love including a candy jar ceremony into vow renewals with kids. It’s a “sweet” way for them to be included and a lovely keepsake to take home. The jar serves as a great reminder of the sweetness of living life together in love.
Invest in a great photographer and celebrant!
A vow renewal is such a special moment – the best investment is a great photographer who will capture the moment for you. And of course, an officiant [celebrant] who can take your love story and retell it in a way that will touch you in the moment.”
Photo by Krystal Kenny – Miss Paris Photo
The team behind this awesome unconventional vow renewal
Michelle from Ruffled by Grace: Parisian Wedding Blessings
My name is Rev. Michelle Wahila, and I am an ordained pastor (since 2005), in the Presbyterian Church, USA, and am a professional wedding officiant. I am the creator and owner of Ruffled By Grace: Parisian Wedding Blessings. I specialize in creating tailored and unique wedding ceremonies that tell a couple’s love story, but I don’t do it alone! I work with an incredible team of wedding vendors in Paris
The Unconventional Vow Renewal team
Photographer: Krystal Kenney from Miss Paris Photo
Photographer: Ainsley Duyvestyn-Smith Photography
Cake: Janine Springall – Cook in Paris
Champagne: Albert Beerens – Champagne Beerens
Champagne Sourced by: Cynthia Coutu of Delectabulles
Champagne Party Décor, Florals & Styling: Madame da la Maison
Handmade Soap Favors: Sophie Edme from Sophies Barn
Accessories – Floral Belt: Flipside Bride
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