{ europe adventure | paris }
“When I was ten years old, my father and I took a trip to Paris, leaving my younger brother and mother in London where she was filming a movie…We went to the Pompidou museum, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre – the usual spots. On the plane back to London he asked me if I knew why we had gone, just he and I, to Paris for the weekend. I said no, but I felt so lucky for the trip. He said, ‘I wanted you to see Paris for the first time with a man who would always love you, no matter what.'” – gwyneth paltrow
The city I was most excited to visit on this Europe trip was Paris. I had some spotty memories from trips there when I was younger, but half of these were based off of photographs and recollections my parents shared. Happily, it turned out to be my most favorite city on the trip. Paris is not romanticized and exaggerated in the least. It is just as gorgeous as the photos you see in magazines. It is just as stunning as described in books. It is just as ridiculously classy and lovely and romantic as the movies. It is everything everyone raves about, and truly one of the most magical places I have ever been.
And it is not just the buildings,
and the museums,
the corner cafes,
the tree-lined promenades,
the chocolate mousse –
it is also the people.
I’ve always maintained this opinion, even before the trip, but I’d like to confirm again – I never found French people to be rude in the least. From literally the moment we stepped off the train, everyone was warm, friendly, helpful, polite. An old woman at the station smiled at us and asked us where we were from and about our trip so far, a girl in the subway stopped to ask if we needed directions as we stared bewildered at a map, every server we had was cheerful & patient and just as great as the food they were serving (AND OH WAS IT GREAT), even on the plane ride home, the elderly French couple next to me were so sweet & friendly even with their limited English and my even more limited French. It warmed my heart :)
On an added note, I swear even the light is prettier in Paris, is it not?
Tags: europe photography, europe wedding, europe wedding photographer, france photos, france wedding photographer, paris photos, paris wedding photographer, travel
February 7th, 2012 at
So we all know: I’m REALLY jealous. just saying ;P
February 7th, 2012 at
Adrienne, these are amazing.I love your outlook on Paris and how you felt about the people. I feel like I would love them all too!! Such pretty images!! <3
February 7th, 2012 at
these are so good. so, so, so good. i can’t wait to visit! and that gwyneth paltrow quote – totally made me tear up!
February 7th, 2012 at
I’m in love with these images! Paris is my favorite city in the world and I have always found it to be so warm & inviting. I always wondered, for the tourist who complain about French rudeness, what their approach must have been. Lovely darling!
February 7th, 2012 at
Ohhhhhh Adrienne, do you know how much I LOVEEE this post? That city is my FAVORITE city in the world. I am madly in love with it and never will I forget the feeling I had squeezing Nick’s hand as we walked up to see the Eiffel Tower for the first time. The entire 3 days we were there, I felt as though it was a dream.
Everything you say above is true. Sigh…and this post just makes me want to go back all over again (PS – I still remember the first time I heard that quote from Gwyneth — I think she was on Oprah! Have always loved it!)
PS — Was the Jardin de Luxembourg the most magical place you’ve ever been, or what?
PPS – I would give anything for one city block of Paris in my town. I can’t look at a No. 14 chair now and NOT put myself right back in gay paree!! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No._14_chair)
February 7th, 2012 at
i heart paris too! it’s my most favorite city in the world!
February 7th, 2012 at
Ah, such gorgeous photos of Paris! And you look so cute with your empty dessert glass :)
February 8th, 2012 at
I heart these photos so much. It’s like you are taking a journey along for us to see when we are not able to capture the essence of it all. LOVE IT!
February 8th, 2012 at
Love the way you use strong whites in your photos!
February 9th, 2012 at
Gail W sent me this way, and I’m so glad I found your site. These photos are magical. That light does seem so much more beautiful, but maybe it’s the person behind the camera who knew how to capture it! My husband and I are hoping for a European/Paris trip in the next year or so, and this is just another reason to convince me! One more thing … I love your perspective on capturing the street life. I’ve made a goal to capture our city (Portland, OR) more often, but I’m too afraid to shoot strangers, ha. Great work!!
February 9th, 2012 at
i just fell in love you again. you and your version of paris.
February 9th, 2012 at
Hahaha I know them! Hi Bobby Lee! What a beautiful photo documentary :)
February 11th, 2012 at
Adrienne, there photos are stunning. You really captured the je nes se qua of Paris. The leaves on the ground create beautiful colors throughout the photos and the weather looks amazing. Do you remember what month you took these?
February 11th, 2012 at
@Lizzie – Thanks for your comment! These photos are from the end of September :)
February 15th, 2012 at
Adrienne! I LOVE these photos! I am so glad you were able to go to Laduree and have the BEST macaroons EVER! Haha. Beautiful photos!
March 28th, 2012 at
Your travel photos are so beautiful. I have had so much fun looking through them today while bored at work. You capture the essence of your travels how I imagine capturing mine but it never turns out that way. lol. Any travel photography tips? What’s your go to lens when traveling?
March 28th, 2012 at
@Jody – Thank you so much! I usually bring only my 35mm 1.4 when I travel – I feel like it’s the perfect focal length and “sees” how my eyes see, if that makes sense :)