Ethereal African Wedding in Paris, France: Laetitia + A

They say you find love when you’re not looking for it, even if that love is right in front of you. Laetitia and A had met through mutual friends, frequently seeing each other at restaurant outings, birthday parties, picnics etc. From the moment A saw Laetitia he knew he wanted her to be a part of her life but Laetitia wasn’t ready to be in a relationship. He waited patiently, taking the time to get to know her. After long conversations and significant time together, Laetitia realized that A was the one.

A officially asked Laetitia to be his bride on a trip to Rome. They were sitting in a small boat on the Villa Borghese gardens lake when he got down on one knee and presented his future bride with a beautiful ring, representing the beginning of their lives together. Take a look at their ethereal African wedding in Paris, France with photos by Switchography and Lucas Rani.

Quick Facts
Bridesmaids/groomsmen gifts: African wood box with a bronze bangle and chocolate from Ghana
First dance song: “Real Love” by Eric Benet

Bride: Laetitia
Groom: A
Wedding date: 09/12/2015
Wedding location: Paris, France

Describe your wedding dress style.
For the civil union my dress was a pronovias mermaid style named Orce. That strapless dress has swan feathers on the bustier. It was the perfect dress for that day! It was from last year’s collection. I bought it second hand from a lovely woman from London (I enjoyed discussions with her! She gave me encouragements and joyful wishes) and made some alterations. For the big day and the union in front of God I chose a princess style dress from a Hervé Mariage store in Paris called Espoir. It was a sweetheart neckline dress with lace and crystal pearls. The bottom was made with delicate ruffles. It wasn’t the style I had imagined but at the first fitting with my friends it had been love at first sight ! I felt like I was on a cloud.


What is your favorite memory from your wedding day?
Honestly it’s difficult to choose one but I think the church exit was one of our best moments. We were full of joy realizing it was done! We were dancing and singing loudly with everyone, sharing the love and the joy we had after all we’ve been through.

Did you incorporate culture in your wedding day?
We incorporated many elements of our west African culture (We are mixed race from Togo and Burkina Faso). At church, we sang African praise. During the cocktail hour, there were African specialties in addition to the French ones. We wore traditional outfits I made in Togo, white and gold Ewe’s fabric – Kente with traditional beads, during a traditional dancing part Gourounsi – Burkina Faso.
What advice do you have for our brides-to-be?
Stay strong and patient, remain together, try to spend quality time together (even on the day) and when things get hard always remember what matters the most for you. Above all, stay focused on God and keep on praying.
Vendors
Photography: Switchography (civil union) and Lucas Rani (church and reception)
Videography: Nosreal
Makeup: Guewen Glossy (civil union) and Carina Châtel
Wedding dresses: Pronovias and Herve Mariage
Bridesmaids dresses: Dylan Queen
Church: Eglise baptiste Pontault-Combault
Reception location: Château de Dommerville
Wedding cake: Vesna Korika
Catering: Méditerranée gastronomie