01
Getting ready at Shangri-La Paris
The morning began in the elegant suites of the Shangri-La Paris Hotel, where Samantha and Cristian got ready surrounded by chandeliers, soft light, and just the right amount of pre-wedding nerves. Bridal shoes sparkled, cufflinks clicked, and I snapped away while the anticipation built.
Their first look took place in the hotel’s private garden — a hidden gem in the middle of Paris. Let’s just say Cristian’s reaction when he saw Samantha in her gown was the kind of moment wedding photographers live for. (Yes, there were happy tears. Yes, I have the photos to prove it.)
A Paris Adventure: From Bir-Hakeim to Pont Alexandre III
The visual character of Shangri-La Paris Wedding comes from the relationship between the people and Paris. I keep the wider setting in the gallery, but the photographs are led by reactions, movement and the small exchanges that make the celebration personal.
The aim is a polished result without turning the wedding into a production for the camera. Direction is used for group photographs and portraits, while the ceremony, guests, speeches and party remain documentary.
02
Portraits from Bir-Hakeim to Pont Alexandre III
What’s a Paris wedding without a little sightseeing? After the first look, we jumped into the city for portraits at some of the most iconic spots:
Bir-Hakeim Bridge — dramatic steel lines and a peek at the Eiffel Tower.
Trocadéro — classic Paris views, a must for couples who want that postcard-perfect shot.
Pont Alexandre III — the most ornate bridge in the city, with golden statues and sweeping views of the Seine.
Each stop added a different mood to their album: dramatic, romantic, and joyfully Parisian.
Paris wedding photographer at venues like the Ritz, Musée Rodin and Hôtel de Crillon
03
The ceremony in the Grand Salon
The evening continued in the hotel’s ballroom, with a wedding dinner that was as exquisite as the setting. Emotional speeches brought laughter, more tears, and a few “I didn’t expect him to say that” moments (again — captured on camera). The cake cutting was met with applause, cheers, and that sugar rush energy that leads to a packed dance floor.
, I can say that the Shangri-La is one of the most photogenic and logistically perfect venues. The garden works well for portraits, while the grand salons give ceremonies and receptions a very different scale without requiring a venue change. Add a quick trip to nearby Paris landmarks, and your wedding album practically fills itself.
When a celebration moves between more than one location, I plan the route before the wedding and identify the photographs that genuinely need a separate window. Everything else is photographed within the natural flow of the day.
04
Dinner, speeches and the evening celebration
As a wedding photographer in Paris, I can say that the Shangri-La is one of the most photogenic and logistically perfect venues. The garden works well for portraits, while the grand salons give ceremonies and receptions a very different scale without requiring a venue change. Add a quick trip to nearby Paris landmarks, and your wedding album practically fills itself.
For Samantha and Cristian, this was more than a wedding — it was a rollercoaster of emotions, staged against one of the city’s most iconic backdrops. And for me, Janis Ratnieks, it was an absolute joy (and workout) to document it all.
Automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance
A useful timeline in Paris leaves room for arrivals, family photographs and a short portrait session without pulling the couple away from their guests for too long. In winter or strong summer light, the exact timing matters more than the length of the session.
05
How I would plan the photography here
The most useful photography plan for Paris protects the real flow of the celebration first. Portraits are kept short and placed where the light and movement already make sense.
For destination weddings, I also look at travel between venues, access, the ceremony direction, indoor alternatives and whether a second photographer would make the guest coverage stronger.
06
Paris wedding photographer
The main Paris wedding photography page.
07
Paris pre-wedding photographer
Planning, routes and real Paris pre-wedding sessions.
Musée Rodin and Hôtel de Crillon wedding.
Explore musée rodin and hôtel de crillon wedding and related real weddings.
Four Seasons Paris wedding.
Explore four seasons paris wedding and related real weddings.
France wedding photographer.
Wedding photography across Paris, the Riviera, Provence and French châteaux.
Planning a wedding like this in France.
A complete Shangri-La Paris wedding story, from hotel preparations and ceremony moments to portraits and evening celebration.
The photographs are arranged as a chronological edit, moving from the opening part of the celebration through the ceremony, portraits, dinner and evening atmosphere where those parts were included in the original story.
Yes. I photograph destination weddings across Paris and the wider France cluster. Coverage is planned around the venue, guest count, travel, light and the number of events.
Yes. Welcome events, rehearsal dinners, the main wedding and day-after gatherings can be photographed as one consistent story.
Tell me what you are planning in France.
Send the date, venue, guest count and the events you want photographed. I will reply with availability and a clear recommendation for coverage.
