Will you marry “moi” ?

Wherever we go, whatever we read, either online or in the press, and whatever we watch on the television at the moment, we are constantly being reminded that we are in a recession, that these are difficult economic times and that we need to be careful with our money. Indeed, the expression “credit crunch” seems to be on everyone’s lips…

But you are still dreaming of having a destination wedding in Europe and don’t wish to abandon this idea, right? Well here is a solution. Why not opt for a Weddingmoon? What is a Weddingmoon we hear you ask? It’s a destination where you go to not only get married but also celebrate your honeymoon, therefore saving on two separate trips!

Many fabulous choices abound. Here are just a few examples of the Weddingmoons we have already organized in Italy and France (but you are by no means limited to these!):

Italy

Amalfi Coast: Sorrento, Positano, Capri and More (10 days)

Florence and Tuscany (14 days)

Tuscany Amalfi Coast and Rome (14 days)

Venice (7 days)

Amalfi Coast and Sicily (14 days)

France

Paris (+/- 7 days)

Paris and Burgundy (9 days)

Paris and Geneva (Switzerland) (10 days)

Paris and the French Riviera (10 days)

Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley and Burgundy (12 days)

Dordogne, Provence, Riviera (+/- 7 days)

Drop us a line if you would like to hear more about these or other ideas and for a list of wedding venues in each of those regions/cities.

Also, stay tuned for a special article that will be posted next week entitled “How to make attending your desination wedding affordable for guests”. It will include lots of tips and ways to reduce the bill for your wedding guests.

In the meantime, here is a small selection of photos of Italian and French landscapes where your dream Weddingmoon could take place! Get packing!

It was with great pleasure that we attended a sneak preview of the new reception rooms available for private hire at the famous Rodin Museum in the heart of Paris last night.

Our visit began with a tour of their new exhibition MATISSE & RODIN which can be visited until 28 February 2010. The former chapel, a newly renovated building with a now contemporary, pure and refined decor, stages this unique exhibition. Through a wide-ranging selection of sketches and sculptures, we discovered the affinities, similarities and differences between these two outstanding, creative artists. The story of the encounters and relations between these two major artists is one that has remained unexplored until now. By selecting certain specific works and using a thematic approach, MATISSE & RODIN successfully captures the points of convergence and divergence in the sculptural and graphic work of the two masters. A truly artistic discovery!

Our visit concluded with a cocktail reception held in the hall of the Biron Mansion. Situated in the heart of the museum’s main building, this beautiful hall with its magnificent columns, checkered black and white tiled flooring and sweeping staircase provide a truly historical backdrop and would be the dream setting for an impressive wedding banquet!

After having organized several weddings at this venue, we can assure you that a symbolic wedding ceremony held in the finely manicured gardens with the museum in the background is truly a magical experience. Outdoor cocktails follow the ceremony and photos can be taken around the gardens and among the sculptures. It is only after the cocktail reception that your guests will discover the Biron Mansion hall where dinner and dancing can now take place.

Exclusivity can only be granted on a Monday (all day) or after 7pm in the evening on other evenings when the museum is closed.

Here are a few photos to help you visualize how special this venue is:

Photo credits: Champar; Musée Rodin, Paris, photographer Jean de Calan

We thank the Rodin Museum for inviting us to discover these exciting new reception areas.

 A bientôt with more lucky brides and grooms!

What better time of year to visit the City of Light for a romantic escapade than during the holidays? As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, the most beautiful avenue in the world, the Champs-Elysées, will be illuminated on Monday, 23 November at 6.30pm by Charlotte Gainsbourg. The illuminations will continue until 10 January.

From the Place de l’Etoile to the Place de la Concorde, 2km of trees will be illuminated with millions of fuchsia colored lights. Like last year, low-energy bulbs will be used as a continued sign of France’s commitment to sustainable development.

As if that isn’t enough, a Christmas market with 170 wooden chalets aligning the bottom of the Champs- Elysées will open tonight offering its visitors a festive and decadent promenade. For those who are not afraid of heights, you can enjoy a ride on the illuminated big wheel set up on the Place de la Concorde at the foot of the Tuileries park and the Champs-Elysées. Dazzling views of Paris guaranteed!

For those of you looking for a little more adventure, why not take a glide on the ice rink set up in front of the City Hall from 18 December. Also not to be missed are the animated shop windows at the largest department store in Paris, the Galeries Lafayette!

We’re sure you’ll agree that Paris during the holidays is a sight not to be missed! Why not top it all off with a surprise marriage proposal to your sweetheart? Discover our exclusive marriage proposal packages at Parisian Proposals! What are you waiting for?

Photo credits: Sophie Robichon/Mairie de Paris; www.restaurants-de-Paris.com; www.trivago.com; www.internaute.com