“I remember who we are…”

It’s only fitting that “Paris” by Ben Rector is playing in the background as I type this. As you may have already read, back in June, I had the amazing opportunity to spend almost two weeks in Paris, France. The first week was spent on a retreat of sorts with four other photographers and a team of women who quickly became part of my tribe. The second week, I was joined by my husband, Josh, and we explored the city in celebration of our second wedding anniversary.

Just a few months before the trip, when I was searching for airfare and planning my travel days, I had a crazy thought. “What if you meet me in Paris?” I felt like a little kid asking for a Christmas gift as I approached my husband with the question. He, of course, thought I was joking. When I convinced him I wasn’t, he simply said, “Can we even afford it?” We were surprised at just how affordable it can be to travel internationally when you plan well and the stars line up!

Josh had never been overseas before. In fact, I got to be there when he boarded his first plane with me on a mission trip to Nicaragua in 2015, and stood by his side when he dipped his toes in an ocean for the first time on that same trip. It was incredibly special. This time, we wouldn’t get to fly together, but I knew exploring Paris, experiencing all the city has to offer–the cuisine, the sights, the history, the culture–would be so amazing for the two of us to share. And it was!

I go into more detail about our trip in my Paris film series, which you can read more about here, but one of the best things we did during our trip was take anniversary photos with my incredibly talented and sweet friend Kelli of Kelli Lynn Photography! I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, documenting ALL seasons of life is SO important! Josh and I let it slip sometimes because, well, I’m always behind the camera- but I’m SO glad we got up super early one morning before the rest of the city was awake to make these photos. They are so special to me. Being in Paris with my husband, my best friend, my rock, and enjoying every bit of the culture and each other was the best thing we’ve done in a long time!

I’m grateful Kelli made time for us and even more grateful that I have these images to look back on so fondly. (Now I just have to choose which ones to hang in our home… I think an album is probably in order soon because I want them all!) I’m also grateful I gave Paris a second chance. The first time I visited in college, Paris did NOT meet my expectations. It was too dirty, too crowded, and too hard to navigate. It really can be an overwhelming place. But this time I was ready, and I fully embraced it for what it is, and it became SO much more!

My time with Josh in Paris quickly became a highlight of my life and I can’t wait till we get to go back one day, hopefully soon! It may just have to become one of ‘our’ spots! (And we will totally jump on a plane to Paris for any of our couples that wants us to tag along for their wedding, engagement, or anniversary session!)

Here are a few of my favorites of our anniversary session in Paris, France, at the Trocadero and Palais Royale. Enjoy!

“…Paris feels like falling back in love.”

I LOVED this Gal Meets Glam dress. It was the perfect choice for our photos and EXACTLY what I envisioned for this session!

Lauren with Line Avenue Calligraphy designed this beautiful suite for our “Meet Me in Paris” anniversary session. It. Was. PERFECT. She is incredible!!

The Palais Royale is one of my favorite places in Paris. The architecture is beautiful, and the black and white pillars are such a neat and artistic feature!

I specifically asked Kelli to take a few individual shots of us, and this is my favorite of Josh. Who do you think he was smiling at?!

We included a few special elements in addition to our suite. Josh gave me this BEAUTIFUL ring as an anniversary gift and these were my late grandfather’s cuff links. They are the same cuff links that Josh wore in our wedding, too!

The Garden of Tuileries  connects to the Palais Royale and is beautiful rain or shine! It showcases some of the prettiest roses and of course, its iconic gravel pathway leads to the Louvre.

I forgot what I was saying to him, but I LOVE how Josh’s laugh was captured in this frame! He makes me giggle like this all the time, but his is harder to catch on film!

I so adore this suite and they way Kelli styled it. She found this little green ring dish at the Paris flea market and I am a little obsessed with it!

Paris, you were too good to us! We will be back soon.

Photographer: Kelli Lynn Photography

Dress: Gal Meets Glam

Suit: Macy’s

Ring: Little’s Jewelers

Earrings: Olive & Piper

Paper Goods: Line Avenue Calligraphy