Melanie and Alexandre told me they wanted to get married in Paris, so “Yes” was a no brainer.. Not just because it’s Paris (though yes, that’s part of it. It’s literally the City of Love), but because I knew this would be the kind of wedding that made life cinematic. And from the rooftop welcome party to the boat ride down the Seine, it absolutely was.
Before we even get to the ceremony, let’s talk about the welcome party—because it set the tone. We hosted a rose-forward celebration at the rooftop bar of their boutique hotel in Paris. The energy was unreal. Everyone had just landed (some literally an hour before) and yet the room buzzed like it was already the reception. The views were incredible. The drinks flowed. It was the perfect intro to the weekend.
Let’s set the scene: a moody, medieval-style Spanish church for the ceremony (yes, in the heart of Paris), full of soft stone and romantic light. The reception? A boat drifting down the Seine at golden hour, with 70 of their closest friends and family sipping wine, laughing, and dancing beneath twinkle lights as the Eiffel Tower sparkled in the distance. If it sounds like a movie, it’s because it basically was.
Melanie is the kind of bride who could’ve been a creative director in another life—she had a clear, sleek vision that was all about subtle elegance. Alexandre, a professional pilot with Parisian roots, cared deeply about the details that would make the weekend feel like home: good food, good wine, iconic scenery and plenty of room to dance. Together, they knew exactly what they wanted: something chic and intimate, personal but not performative, stylish without ever trying too hard.
We kept the guest count small—around 70—which meant every single detail mattered more. Their ceremony venue was moody and architectural, with just the right amount of drama. Their first look took place on a Parisian balcony (because of course it did). And their reception was timed down to the minute, so the sky would turn to dusk as they toasted on the boat and the Eiffel Tower lit up behind them. I did not cry. (Okay, I did. But just a little. Mostly I smiled and laughed along with them.)
Planning a wedding overseas comes with a lot of logistics—time zones, language barriers, contracts in French. But it also comes with magic. This wedding had a kind of quiet confidence to it. The weekend unfolded like a series of thoughtfully directed scenes. It was sleek. It was romantic. It was exactly them.
I coordinated with every vendor (in French, no less), created timelines, translated vibes into visuals, and kept the weekend moving without it ever feeling rushed. Their guests felt cared for. The couple felt seen. And somehow, even with a dance floor floating down the Seine, not a single wine glass was dropped. A miracle? No. Just really, really good planning.
At midnight, everyone went to watch the Eiffel Tower light up, and everyone cheered. Like the kind of shout you let out when something is both beautiful and surreal. And I remember thinking: this. This is why I do this.
“If you want to feel relieved and calm the day of your wedding hire AD ASTRA CO.! Alianne & Dani were phenomenal. They made it out to our wedding day in Paris, France and managed a crew of 70+ guests all in French. Highly recommend hiring Ad Astra Co. They will do wonders for you & make you feel so special. Alianne’s sense of humor is what diffuses any stress and she has truly knows how to take direction. Alianne, blended with Dani’s serenity will get you through YOUR big day. They are a great duo. THANK YOU SO MUCH AD ASTRA CO. for being part of our unforgettable wedding. “
– Melanie (Bride)
