FROM A PARIS PROPOSAL TO AN ICONIC NYC WEDDING


INSIDE A FRENCH-INSPIRED CELEBRATION FROM A BROOKLYN BROWNSTONE TO THE LAFAYETTE GRAND CAFÉ



As destination wedding photographers and videographers, we are incredibly lucky to witness some of the world's most romantic love stories. But every now and then, a connection with a couple feels so instantaneous, so alignment-packed, that it takes us across oceans. That is exactly what happened with Julia and Brendan.


Our journey with them didn't start in the bustling streets of Manhattan, but on the romantic waters of the Seine.

Black and white photo of a woman with curly hair touching her neck, wearing a bracelet, with the Eiffel Tower in background.
Couple sharing a romantic moment on a luxury boat on the Seine River with the Eiffel Tower in Paris backdrop.
Joyful couple celebrating on a boat on the Seine River with the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.

A Seine River Proposal to Remember

Back in July 2025, Brendan reached out to us with a secret plan. He wanted to propose to Julia in Paris on the iconic Bateau Français. We captured that magical, sun-drenched boat proposal, and the chemistry we shared with them was immediate. We left Paris as their photographers, but we truly felt like friends.


Fast forward a few months later: our jaws dropped when an email popped up in our inbox. Julia and Brendan were asking if we would cross the Atlantic to be their NYC wedding photographer and videographer for their May 2nd, 2026 wedding.


The answer? A resounding, ecstatic oui.

Young man in formal tuxedo shirt and bow tie walking through French doors in elegant home interior.
Black and white photo of groomsmen in tuxedos celebrating together, raising glasses in a toast at a wedding.
Groomsmen in black tuxedos walking on Union St in Brooklyn, NYC, with a historic church in the background.
Bride and bridesmaids in elegant gowns crossing a city street with brick buildings and trees in the background.
Bride in white robe holding veil near wedding dress on hanger, with mirror reflection and bridal accessories on table.
Bride and groom share a romantic moment on flower-adorned brownstone steps, surrounded by white lilies and lush greenery.

 

Morning Prep & First Look at a Brooklyn Brownstone

 

Julia and Brendan’s wedding day was a masterpiece of personal style, blending classic New York architecture with their profound love for French culture.


The day began in Brooklyn at their stunning private brownstone. The iconic Brooklyn brownstone stoop was lavishly decorated with blooming flowers, creating the ultimate editorial backdrop. Before the couple saw each other, we wandered the neighborhood streets, capturing timeless, candid portraits—first with Brendan and his groomsmen, followed by Julia and her bridesmaids.


The first look on the stoop was pure magic. The contrast of the historic Brooklyn steps against Julia’s breathtaking gown and the vibrant florals was a dream to capture on both film and video.

Elegant bridal flat lay featuring white slingback heels, Dior perfume, gold rings, lace garter, and wedding stationery on wooden surface.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with bride and groom exchanging vows before seated guests, surrounded by lush trees and a wooden backdrop.
Bride in white gown and groom in black tuxedo smiling together inside an elegant restaurant venue.
Bride in white gown feeds wedding cake to groom in black suit at outdoor reception with lush greenery.
Bride and groom share a kiss walking down the aisle outside Bacchus restaurant, surrounded by cheering wedding guests.
Joyful newlyweds share a laugh outdoors, bride in strapless gown with lace veil, groom in classic black tuxedo.

 

An Intimate French Restaurant Wedding in Brooklyn: Bacchus

 

If you haven’t noticed yet, Julia and Brendan are true Francophiles! After their emotional first look, we headed to Bacchus, a hidden gem of a French restaurant wedding venue in Brooklyn.


Surrounded by their closest family and friends, they exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony, followed by a sun-lit, joyful lunch. The atmosphere was effortless, chic, and filled with laughter—exactly reflecting the energy we first fell in love with in Paris.

Black and white photo of an elegant, busy Art Deco restaurant with diners and staff in formal attire.
Groom in white tuxedo jacket dancing joyfully with guests at elegant wedding reception party.
Elegant cocktail bar setup with champagne glasses, gold shakers, chocolate drinks, and white tulips at a luxury event.
Elegant wedding reception with guests dancing in formal attire at a warmly lit venue.
Black and white photo of two bar stools with Just Married signs at a wedding venue bar.
Smiling woman in gold strapless dress holding two champagne glasses in a stylish restaurant setting.

 

The Reception at Lafayette Grand Café & A Basement Dance Party

 

As the afternoon shifted into evening, we crossed the bridge into Manhattan for the grand finale. The reception and dinner were held at the legendary Lafayette Grand Café and Bakery in the West Village.


A Lafayette Grand Cafe wedding is always a visual treat, but Julia and Brendan brought an extra layer of sophistication. The soaring ceilings, cinematic lighting, and French brasserie aesthetic felt like a movie set.


After a candlelit dinner and heartfelt toasts, the energy completely shifted. Everyone headed downstairs into the basement for the party. With subterranean NYC vibes, a killer playlist, and non-stop energy, the dancefloor was nothing short of iconic.

From the banks of the Seine to the streets of New York City, Julia and Brendan’s wedding on May 2nd, 2026, was a testament to the fact that love has no borders—and neither does great photography.


Whether you are planning a French restaurant wedding in NYC, a local Brooklyn celebration, or looking for a luxury destination wedding videographer to travel with you worldwide, we would love to bring your vision to life.





THE TEAM

PHOTO & VIDEO : @RAWSTUDIO.PARIS

CONTENT CREATOR : @SOMETHINGBLUEBYKATE

VENUE : @LAFAYETTE380 @BACCHUSBISTROWINE

MAKEUP : @MONICAC_BEAUTY

HAIR : @SOPHIEMOISEEVA_ @ANNA.NIKITINA.MUA

FLORIST: @DESIGNSBYAHNNYC

DJ : @ELEGANTMUSICGROUP @EMG_JONY

DRESS DESIGNER : @SAREHNOURI @KYHABRIDE @ROSIEETIENNEBRIDAL

MEN’S ATTIRE : @ALANDAVIDCUSTOMSUITS

JEWELER : @WALTONEMMA @HERNAN.HERDEZ


Black and white photo of joyful bride and groom celebrating outdoors, veil flowing, trees in background.

 

PLANNING A DESTINATION WEDDING IN NYC OR EUROPE ?


We’d love to hear your plans.