For Men Only: Travel Gear that Thwarts Thieves

Leave a comment

Get to Paris with your wallet and passport intact. Then, keep them close to you in crowded areas with these pickpocket-deterrent pants.

Today I’m sharing an article about two types of gear to keep your stuff safe.

Source: Gear that thwarts thieves: Top picks – IOL Travel Tips

A professional pickpocket can snatch a man's wallet and be gone in a moment.

A professional pickpocket can snatch a man’s wallet and be gone in a moment.

I wonder which is harder: A man keeping his valuables safe in his pants, or a woman keeping hers safe in a handbag? Sounds like a sociological question for the ages. One thing is certain: Pickpockets are a real problem for men while traveling.

Two companies, Clothing Arts and Bluff Works, make pickpocket-deterrent pants. Clothing Arts’s version has been called “the CIA-version of khakis” by Forbes. Among the safety features is a hidden, zippered passport and money pocket that seals with a snap and button. Buff Works also makes pants with a hidden zippered pocket. The logic is simple: It takes long enough to unzip a zipper that a pickpocket can’t snatch your wallet and run.

Although a zipper is a safety feature in pants, oversized zippers on luggage can be vulnerable to thieves by using a simple pen to pry them open. GripAZip is a combination business card-holder and security device (compatible with TSA locks) that you attach to the handle of your carry-on bag to “deadbolt” the zipper. A determined thief could still access your bag but can’t reseal it to hide the crime.

Au revoir!

 

Adventure pants $109.95 on Clothing Arts.com. Khaki Chino $125.00 on Bluff Works.com. GripAZip Ultimate $35.50 on GripAZip.com.

 

Top image of pickpocket by CanStockPhoto. Images of Adventure pants by Clothing Arts.com, CCBY 2.0. Images of Khaki Chinos by Bluff Works.com, CCBY 2.0. Images of GripAZip by GripAZip.com, CCBY 2.0.

Destination Wedding in Paris: A Hotel For You and Your Guests

Leave a comment

Here are 7 factors to consider when booking your destination wedding in Paris hotel for you and your guests, as well as 4 recommendations.

Raph & John at Le Grand Hotel, Paris.

Raph & John at Le Grand Hotel, Paris.

1. Price. Whether you or your guests are paying for their rooms, the price or a room or a suite is an important factor. It is also likely negotiable if you have enough guests staying in the same hotel. Look at search sites such as TripAdvisor Price Finder or Trivago to find the best price for the type of room you want. Then call the hotel and tell them you have ‘x’ number of guests coming on ‘y’ date, and the best price you found online is ‘z.’ Ask them if they have a group rate, and if not, if they can do better than that price. Even better, before you call the hotel you really want, do the same for at least two other hotels; no matter if the other hotels two have enough rooms to accommodate you, your dream hotel will never know. It’s possible your dream hotel will give you a better price than the one you’ve quoted. If they give you a group rate, you will likely have to pay a deposit based on the total number of guests. Notes: It is important to do this in a phone call rather than an email. Also, if you are considering to hold your ceremony and/or reception at your hotel, be sure to give this information at the time of booking.

2. Type of rooms available – single/double/suite. Consider not just your needs, but the needs of your guests. Is anyone coming with a child? Will you have guests who are elderly or have special needs? Some guests will likely be more comfortable in a suite (with additional seating and space to move around) than a single or double room.

3. Location near ceremony and/or reception. It is said that while in Paris, you are never more than a 10-minute walk from a metro stop. Still, in the event of foul weather, you would want to be close to metro if that is your mode of transportation, or, if your ceremony/reception is on the outskirts of Paris, you will want to stay as close as possible to your venue. If it is important that you stay near your reception, search the address on Google and click on “Maps.” From there, use the Nearby search and search for hotels close to it. There will be many, most likely. At least it will help you narrow down your search.

4. Location in view of favorite landmark(s). Have you always dreamed of staying in the 7e in full view of the Eiffel Tower? You will pay handsomely for that view, regardless of what kind of room it is. Again, use Google Maps to locate your favorite landmark, and search Nearby for hotels.

5. Hotel also to be your ceremony and/or reception venue. If you hold your ceremony and/or reception at the hotel, it will certainly make it easier on your guests, if not yourself. Try to find a hotel with gardens or other public spaces so your guests won’t get bored with their surroundings.

6. Level of Luxury desired, including Wi-Fi (pronounced “wee-fee” in France). Gardens, restaurants, furnishings, all will have an impact on how you remember your wedding in Paris.

7. Close to metro and/or parking. Try to make it easy to get there. Check out the parking situation (if important) and tell your guests.

 

Le Bristol Paris
112 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore
75008 Paris

Phone: +33 01 53 43 43 00

A Mercedes parked outside Le Bristol Hotel.

A Mercedes parked outside Le Bristol Hotel.

Email: reservation@lebristolparis.com

Amenities: 3 restaurants (a 3-Michelin star and 1-Michelin star) and a bar; Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie, one of the world’s most luxurious skin care names; Swimming pool; Fitness Centre.

Metro: Saint-Phillippe-du-Roule

Le Bristol came to my attention when it was featured in Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris. I fell in love with the plush interiors of the rooms, the flowers, the elegant look of the place. And get this — what really did it for me was the trim moulding on the walls; that detail just speaks luxury to me. History? Le Bristol was built in the 18th century and features furniture in the Louis XV and Louis XVI styles, along with paintings and fine fabrics reflecting the eras. Chef Eric Frechon is a recipient of the “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” (“Best Craftsman in France”) title for his 3-Michelin star restaurant Epicure.The hotel makes many Top Hotels in Paris lists. Located in the 8th arrondissement, it’s located in-between the Champs-Elysees and boulevard Haussmann, two luxury shopping areas. Le Bristol is a 5-minute walk from Saint-Philippe-du-Roule metro.

 

 

Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel Paris
2 rue Scribe
75009 Paris

Phone: +33 01 40 07 32 32 (Hotel)

Raph & John's reception at the Opera Ballroom.

Raph & John’s reception at the Opera Ballroom.

Email: parhbevent@ihg.com

Amenities: Cafe, Bar & La Verriere Restaurant (set in a winter garden); Spa treatments; Sauna; Shoe shine; Private limousine; Business Center.

Metro: Opera

The Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel Paris, also known as “Le Grand Hotel,” opened in 1862 and is classified as historic. The 9th arrondissement is mostly known as the home of the Opera House, and Le Grand Hotel offers floodlit views of it. The hotel’s Opera Ballroom, which Raph & John rented for their reception, is said to be the most renowned ballroom in Paris, and is so stunning it took my breath away the first time I saw it.

 

Four Seasons George V Hotel Paris
31 avenue George V
75008 Paris

Phone: +33 01 49 52 70 00

Courtyard at the Four Seasons George V Hotel.

Courtyard at the Four Seasons George V Hotel.

Email: Contact Page

Amenities: Spa (Massages, facials, hair salon); Health Club; Pool & whirlpool; Saunas & steam rooms; 24-hour Business Centre; Multilingual Concierge; Complimentary standard WiFi; Babysitting services; Internet access in meeting rooms; Family activities.

Metro: George V

I became familiar with the Four Seasons brand by the chain’s DC hotel where I used to have tea. Luxurious and elegant, I always felt at home there. The Four Seasons George V Hotel came into my radar when it was featured in the movie “French Kiss.” As you might imagine, it’s a 10-minute walk to the Arc de Triomphe via the Champs-Elysees, the most famous shopping district in Paris. Other than shopping, the 8th arrondissement is known for the Place de la Concorde and the Elysees Palace, the official residence of the President of France.

 

Les Jardins de la Villa & Spa (Boutique Hotel)
5 rue Belidor
75017 Paris

The Les Jardins de la Villa is modern and ultra chic.

The Les Jardins de la Villa is modern and ultra chic.

Phone: +33 01 53 81 01 10

Email: info@jardinsdevilla.com or Contact Page

Amenities: Garden terrace; Sauna; Steam bath; Massages; Fitness room; unlimited Wi-Fi; balcony with upgraded rooms; children under age 2 stay free.

Metro: Porte Maillot

This boutique is small with 33 rooms but has a lot of character and class; it is considered a small luxury hotel. Located in the 17th arrondissement, a relatively quiet living area for mostly upper-class and middle class young couples and families with children, it is a 10-15 minute walk to the Arc de Triomphe, and very close to Porte Maillot metro.

 

Au revoir!

 

 

 

Raph & John at the Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel by Agence Tophos, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Mercedes SLS outside Le Bristol Hotel by Ian McWilliams, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Raph & John’s reception at the Opera Ballroom by Agence Tophos, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Courtyard at the Four Seasons George V Hotel by Calwhiz, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Les Jardins de la Villa by TripAdvisor.

I am featuring photos of Raph & John’s wedding in Paris for this series (see above). I want to make it clear that I do not know this couple: I selected their photos from an album on Flickr because I love their theme and the photos are available for use under the CCBY 2.0 license. If I married in Paris, I would want a theme somewhat similar to theirs–in terms of colors and formality.

 

Destination Wedding in Paris: Your Flowers

Leave a comment
Flowers have a direct affect on the mood of your event. They are nature’s way of showing us the beauty of color. When selecting flowers for your wedding, think of the overall feel you would like your guest to experience. If you are looking to create a romantic feel, choose softer palettes of colors with larger blooms like roses or peonies. And if you are looking for a more festive feel, choose flowers with brighter hues and interesting shapes like daisies or hydrangea.

— Andrea Davis, Event Expert & Creative Director, Entyse Lyfe Entertainment

Notice how the flowers for Raph & John's reception work with the tableware to set a romantic mood.

The flowers for Raph & John’s reception work with the tableware to set a romantic mood.

When a bride first thinks of flowers for her wedding, the first thing she usually thinks of is her bouquet. While it is true that pictures of a groom arm and arm with his new bride holding her bouquet will be an enduring memory, as Andrea Davis is quoted above, flowers set the mood for guests, as well. To illustrate how right she is, purchase a bunch of three types of flowers you’re considering, one type for three weeks straight. Put them in a place in your home in which you spend a lot of time. Do you notice yourself and others speaking softer when you have pink roses displayed, as opposed to another flower? Do you feel happier around one flower more than another? You can also get feedback from members in your family. Chances are, different flowers will have a different affect on you and those around you (and don’t forget to consider if anyone might be allergic). Consider this information, as well as the color(s) for your theme when making your selection.

Having trouble selecting your flowers? Buy one bunch at a time (or one mixture at a time, as you will likely use 2-3 different flowers at once) so you can see how you feel around them. This is even more important when planning a destination wedding.

Having trouble selecting your flowers? Buy one bunch at a time (or one mixture at a time, as you will likely use 2-3 different flowers at once) so you can see how you feel around them. This is even more important when planning a destination wedding.

Most wedding planners suggest you budget 8-10% of your overall wedding budget for flowers. Since the average wedding in 2015 cost roughly $31,000, that’s $3,100 for flowers. It sounds like a lot to spend on flowers until you look at the flower checklist from Brides.com. The list is long! When selecting your flowers, my suggestion is to keep your theme in mind and prioritize the list: Is it more important to add life to a dark-wooded house of worship, or to have more flowers throughout a reception venue? I’m not suggesting to cross off anything on the above list; rather, to simply spend less on placements that have a lower priority. Also, be sure to read The Knot’s 15 Most Common Wedding Flower Mistakes to Avoid.

Here are three florists/wedding flower designers to consider:

1. L’Artisan Fleuriste (2 locations)
95 rue Vielle du Temple
75003 Paris

Telephone: +33 01 42 78 40 40

Hours: Not given

A dark-wooded house of worship needs white or light-colored flowers to lighten it up.

A dark-wooded house of worship needs white or light-colored flowers to lighten it up.

Fax: +33 01 42 78 20 40

Metro: Saint-Sebastien-Froissart

L’Artisan Fleuriste
6 rue Commaille
75007 Paris

Telephone: +33 01 42 84 40 40
Fax: +33 01 42 84 40 41

Metro: Sevres-Babylone

Contact Page

Detail of hydrangea. While the flower comes in many colors, this could be your "something blue."

Detail of Hydrangea. While the flower comes in many colors, this could be your “something blue.”

Facebook Page

Contacts:
Alexis de Matharel, Communications & Media
Telephone: +33 06 27 18 48
Email: amatharel@gmail.com

Anne Wehr, Direction de Creation, Graphic Design
Telephone: +33 06 70 67 71 64
Email: wehranne@gmail.com
Personal Website: www.annewehr.com

I selected L’Artisan Fleuriste because they are so accessible – a real plus when planning a destination wedding.

 

2. Estelle Preston
Estelle Preston is an independent floral designer who “specializes in haute couture wedding work tailored to a bride’s exact wishes.” She says she was inspired by Christian Tortu, a master floral designer, largely considered to be the leading seller of flowers in New York City, and who taught her how to buy the very best flowers. She was featured in Meet the Experts in French Wedding Style.

Detail of Peony, a popular wedding flower.

Detail of Peony, a popular wedding flower.

Contact Page

Telephone: +33 06 03 13 02 15

Hours: Not given

Email: estelleprestonflowers@gmail.com

 

3. Un Jour de Fleurs 
22 rue Jean Nicot
75007 Paris

Reception flowers by Eric Chauvin.

Flowers at a wedding reception by Un Jour de Fleurs.

Telephone: +33 01 45 50 43 54

Hours: Mon-Sat 9:00 A.M. – 8:30 P.M.

Contact: commandeparis@ericchauvin.fr

Metro: Invalides or La Tour-Maubourg

Eric Chauvin on Pinterest

Eric Chauvin, owner of Un Jour de Fleurs, was voted Paris’s poshest florist by W Magazine in 2009. His creations are sought after by Dior and the Hermes’ Paris Flagship Store, among many
others.

Flowers by Eric Chauvin for Opera Garnier.

Flowers at the Opera Garnier by Un Jour de Fleurs.

 See if you can imagine your flowers in any of these settings:

 

Au revoir!

 

 

 

 

Detail of image of Raph & John’s reception by Agence Tophos, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Roses+Peonies+Flowers by Maegan Tintari, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of dark-wooded church by L’Artisan Fleuriste, Facebook page, CCBY 2.0. Image of detail of Hydrangea by Nyaman Kamome, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Peony by Wikimedia Commons, CCBY 3.0. Image of flowers at a wedding reception by Un Jour de Fleurs, Eric Chauvin’s website, CCBY 2.0. Image of flowers at the Opera Garnier by Un Jour de Fleurs, Eric Chauvin’s website, CCBY 2.0. Image of Art Nouveau lighting at reception by Agence Tophos, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of flowers at an entrance to a garden wedding by Un Jour de Fleurs, Eric Chauvin’s website, CCBY 2.0. Image of flower-covered chuppah by Sarah, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of flowers giving light to an area at a wedding by L’Artisan Fleuriste, Facebook page, CCBY 2.0. Image of White Calla Lily Wedding Cake (created by Graceful Cake Creations) by Grace Tari, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of tall vase of flowers on a table by Anne Ruthmann, Flickr, CCBY 2.0.

 

I am featuring photos of Raph & John’s wedding in Paris for this series (see above). I want to make it clear that I do not know this couple: I selected their photos from an album on Flickr because I love their theme and the photos are available for use under the CCBY 2.0 license. If I married in Paris, I would want a theme somewhat similar to theirs–in terms of colors and formality.

 

 

For Men Only: A Travel Gift for Valentine’s Day She’ll Never Forget

Leave a comment

They’re not just pictures in a photo book – they’re my most precious memories.
This is who we are.

Source: Shutterfly.com/photo-books

If you and your significant other like to travel, what better gift than a personalized photo book as a keepsake for those memories? Shutterfly offers you three options: Custom Path, Simple Path, or Make My Book — to organize your book.

Custom Path
*Your book, your way, with many choices of layouts. Click here to view their “Bon Voyage” layout.
*1-30 pictures per page (1000 max.)
*7 sizes, starting under $15.00.

Simple Path
*Pictures arranged for you, which you can rearrange and add captions.
*More than 40 styles with preset backgrounds and layouts.
*1-30 pictures per page (1000 max.)
*7 sizes, starting under $15.00.

Make My Book
*Their designers do the layout.
*Choose your size and style.
*Upload your photos.
*Ready for your review in 3 days.
To make your Valentine’s Day gift complete, you can get a gift box and a dust cover for your book.

You can even create your photo book on an iPad online or offline, edit it and order from your computer. Chick here for more information.

While there are other websites to create a photo book, Shutterfly was voted the best website to do so by Good Housekeeping.

It also gets Elsa’s seal of approval for a thoughtful gift.

 

Au revoir!

 

Image by CanStockPhoto.

Destination Wedding in Paris: Reception Venue

Planning the reception for a destination wedding in Paris is likely the toughest part of the entire process, simply because there are so many details to coordinate from a distance. If you don’t have a planner helping you, arm yourself with reception checklists and feedback from others to check you haven’t forgotten anything. Like a proofreader of a book, it’s good to have a second pair of eyes to review what you’ve planned.

Raph & John selected Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel Paris as their reception venue for a romantic and elegant setting.

Raph & John selected the Opera Ballroom at Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel Paris as their reception venue for a romantic and elegant setting.

Hopefully, you’re getting an idea as to where to hold your ceremony in Paris (see my previous post in this series), and now you’re thinking of a reception venue to complement it in theme and tone.

While researching for this post, I realized I could probably write a small book on planning a destination wedding’s reception. (And perhaps I will!) There are so many checklists and books with checklists and magazines with checklists out there! (Whew!) It’s been tough to wade through them all. I decided to think like (an older) bride would: I went to a bookstore to see what they had available in the planning-a-wedding department. They had plenty of bridal magazines (I bought two), and they offered a few wedding planning booklets (soft cover books): Unbelievably, I didn’t think the destination wedding booklet was very informative because it didn’t give much specific information on planning a wedding in France. Instead, I bought Modern Wedding Planner from modernwedding.com.au (that “au” is for Australia, folks). Do you think I’m ridiculous for purchasing a wedding planner meant to plan a wedding in Australia, when I’m writing about Paris? Before you pass judgement, take a look at it. It is 128-pages on virtually every topic a newly-engaged bride needs to know about planning her big day — and yes, it contains checklists galore. The section on planning a reception is very informative and a lot of information for someone to absorb if they’ve never planned an event before. (That doesn’t include me, by the way.) It made me realize that this post should be more about opening your eyes to the possibilities of reception venues in Paris, with a few key questions.

I bought the Modern Wedding Planner because it is so informative and well-organized.

I bought the Modern Wedding Planner because it is so informative and well-organized.

Most of the information I found on the internet about planning a destination wedding in France was about planners who would plan it for you — not do-it-yourself information. In my view, even if you hire a wedding planner to do it for you, you should still have an overall idea of what you want your day to look like. Working with a wedding planner is best when it is collaborative with a give-and-take, and not just a planner asking you questions.

Key questions for possible reception venues:
1. How many people does your venue hold?
2. Do you have your own caterer, or do I have to hire my own?
3. Do you have a list of vendors you often work with? (This can save you time.)
4. If indoors: How many people sit at each table? (Called “rounds of 10” if a table seats 10 people.)
5. If outdoors: What provisions do you make in case of rain? (More than a light sprinkling.)
6. What is your cancellation policy?
7. How many guests are served by each waiter?
8. Are there places for the wedding party to change?
9. How many bathrooms serve the guests?
10. What is the time limit for my reception?

 

Here are three types of reception venues in Paris:

1.Rooftop Terrace

The breathtaking view from the Shangri-La's rooftop terrace.

The breathtaking view from the Shangri-La’s rooftop terrace.

Shangri-La Hotel Paris
10 Avenue d’Iena
75116 Paris

Phone: +33 01 53 67 19 98 (Hotel)
+33 01 53 67 19 38 (Weddings)

Metro: Iena, Line 9

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines shangri-la as “a remote, beautiful, imaginary place where life approaches perfection: utopia.” James Hilton originated the word as a paradise four travelers find in the Tibetan mountains in his 1933 novel entitled “Lost Horizon.” With that as background, you should expect the Shangri-La Hotel in Paris to be very luxurious — and very pricey. Their rooftop terrace is available for rental for events during the summer months.

They do not give a minimum number of people required to rent space, nor do they advertise on their website that they rent out their terrace (that I saw): it looks like this is one of those details you can only find out from someone who lives in Paris, as I did. Click here for Shangri-La’s Wedding page; you’ll see several links, including a Start Proposal Request link. Write in the comments that you’d like to rent the terrace for “X” number of people, and inquire as to whether you have your choice of catering from any of their three restaurants: La Bauhinia, which offers Asian/French fare and has a casual atmosphere; L’Abeille, which offers authentic French gourmet, or Shang Palace, which offers authentic Chinese (Cantonese) food. All three restaurants are under the helm of Executive Chef Christophe Moret; each of the latter two have a
1-star rating in the Michelin Guide.

 

Mama Shelter

Mama Shelter offers a less formal atmosphere in the 20th arrondissement.

Mama Shelter offers a less formal atmosphere in the 20th arrondissement.

109 rue de Bagnolet
75020 Paris

Phone: +33 01 43 48 48 48 (Hotel)
+33 01 43 48 48 08 (Events)

Email: events.paris@mamashelter.com

Metro: Alexandre Dumas

Mama Shelter is, in the mind of this writer, an ultra-hip hotel with a millennial vibe located in the 20th arrondissement (Gambetta); the 20th is itself in transition from being an old working-class neighborhood to one with renewed life as the younger set moves in. The 20th arrondissement is most known by tourists as the location of Pere Lachaise Cemetery.

Mama Shelter is not as luxurious as the Shangri-La, but it also isn’t as pricey. To privatize the Rooftop Restaurant, they list:

For 15 people or less, 1035 euros ($1,121.00) TTC
For 16 people or more, 69 euros ($74.73) per person, TTC

Click here for their Rooftop Restaurant menu for groups. Note they also can provide Add-Ons.

Click here for their “Instant Quote ” link.

Note: TTC in French means toutes taxes comprises, or “Grand Total.” In other words, all taxes, including VAT, are included in the price.

2.Hotel

Compare this picture of the event room in the Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel, with the one above of Raph & John's reception. What a difference their color choices make.

Compare this picture of the Opera Ballroom in the Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel with the one above of Raph & John’s reception. What a difference their color choices make.

Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel Paris
2 rue Scribe
75009 Paris

Phone: +33 01 40 07 32 32 (Hotel)
+33 01 40 07 35 35 (Sales/Events)

Email: parhbevent@ihg.com

Metro: Opera

The Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel Paris, also known as “Le Grand Hotel,” opened in 1862 and is classified as historic. How grand is Le Grand Hotel? It has hosted royalty and public figures throughout its long history, and has been the subject of novels. It is also the setting of Roman Polanski’s 1988 film “Frantic,” starring Harrison Ford.

Unfortunately, while they offer a section on Meetings/Events (and “Weddings” is a subset of this) along with a Request a Quote link, when you click on the link you only see information on corporate meetings and events; for weddings, they seem to prefer contact by email. They do not have a full-fledged Wedding section where you can learn about wedding services. I have notified them of my findings and that this makes it hard for couples to investigate what they have to offer. Though, in all honesty, this could also be to purposely limit the number of people they have to get back to: only seriously interested people will take the time to email an inquiry.

They do offer the menu of their Cafe de la Paix online, and their Discovery Menu is 82 euros ($88.81) per person, TTC; this might give you an idea as to how much you’ll pay (for food) for an event.

 

The Maison des Polytechniciens is lit up for the "Forfait Passion" wedding package.

The Maison des Polytechniciens is lit up for the “Forfait Passion” wedding package.

3.Garden

The Maison des Polytechniciens
12 rue de Poitiers
75007 Paris

Phone: +33 01 49 54 74 74

Metro: Solferino, Line 12
RER: Musee d’Orsay

The Maison des Polytechniciens is an 18th century mansion built in the Second Empire Style, and is a short walk from Musee d’Orsay. It’s located in the 7th arrondissement, about a 10 minute drive from with Eiffel Tower. For a minimum of 100 people, it can be privately let (rented), and can accommodate 250 people for a sit-down dinner and up to 600 people for cocktails. Le Poulpry, headed by Chef Ygor Swietlik, is the on-site restaurant that provides catering; it is rated #1,813 of 13,924 restaurants in Paris by TripAdvisor reviewers, which I consider pretty impressive.

But what really got my attention is the garden with a terrace and the availability of air-conditioned tents. Writers shouldn’t let their pre-conceived ideas to influence their writing, and I have to admit here my general reluctance to feature gardens as a wedding venue because…what would you do if it rains? Still, even though I wouldn’t want a garden as a wedding venue (okay, I admit: I hate bugs), many other people wouldn’t care if it rained and thundered on their ceremony, or if they had a beetle crawling up their leg while being congratulated for marrying the person of their dreams. I love the outdoors — to a point. Not in bridal dress or formal wear. But with air-conditioned tents available, rain and bugs would be no problem.

Maison des Polytechniciens offers three wedding packages:

*Forfait Tendresse (Tenderness)        173 euros per person, TTC
*Forfait Bonheur (Happiness)            183 euros per person, TTC
*Forfait Passion (Passion)                   199 euros per person, TTC

Notes: “Forfait” means “flat rate.” Also, these quotes are to rent the entire Maison; ask if you can rent just the gardens, if that is your desire.

The wedding packages vary according to their menu.

 

Au revoir!

 

 

 

Image of Raph & John’s reception at the Opera Ballroom of Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel Paris by Agence Tophos, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Modern Wedding Planner from modernweddings.com.au, CCBY 2.0. Image of Shangri-La Rooftop Terrace by Wicker Paradise, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Mama Shelter Rooftop Terrace from mamashelter.com, CCBY 2.0. Image of Opera Ballroom at the Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel Paris by Twiga269, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Maison des Polytechniciens from en.convention.parisinfo.com, CCBY 2.0.

I am featuring photos of Raph & John’s wedding in Paris for this series (see above). I want to make it clear that I do not know this couple: I selected their photos from an album on Flickr because I love their theme and the photos are available for use under the CCBY 2.0 license. If I married in Paris, I would want a theme somewhat similar to theirs–in terms of colors and formality.

 

 

 

 

Destination Wedding in Paris: The Ceremony Venue

Leave a comment

For most foreign couples who marry in Paris, it’s symbolic — a “re-wedding” for memories, with the legal ceremony already behind them.  This means the venue possibilities for your ceremony in Paris are (almost) endless.

Raph & John held their wedding ceremony at the Synagogue de Tournelles.

Raph & John held their wedding ceremony at the Synagogue de Tournelles.

While I won’t swear on it, this is likely the last time this series I will mention this: Unless you establish temporary residency by living in Paris for 40 consecutive days, and can provide documentation of this to the city hall, you can’t legally marry in France if a foreigner. In addition, France only legally recognizes wedding ceremonies at city halls; all ceremonies in houses of worship, even for French citizens, are therefore symbolic.

When selecting a ceremony venue, keep in mind the following:
a. Your choice of ceremony venue will have a direct impact on the atmosphere of your entire wedding day (formal, casual, or something in-between).
b. Number of guests it will accommodate.
c. Proximity to your hotel (and guests’, if different) and the reception venue (if different).
d. How will people be getting there? Paris is plentiful in metro stations, but parking…not so much. If everyone is staying in the same hotel, consider renting a coach (bus) to transport everyone.
e. Provide your guests with a map that includes written directions to the ceremony venue, regardless of transportation provided. Suppose someone had a last-minute detail they needed to attend to, and then didn’t know how to get to the ceremony? Also, while it is said that in Paris, you are never more than 10 minutes’ walking distance to a metro stop, you don’t want your guests stressed about feeling lost when they arrive at your ceremony.
f. If you select and are accepted by a house of worship, be sure to ask about their restrictions, especially regarding decorations and dress. Two examples: Not all venues allow confetti, and some houses of worship require women to have their shoulders covered, so an off-the-shoulder wedding dress would not be appropriate.

The groom and his men need a place at the ceremony venue for last-minute preparations as much as a bride and her attendants.

The groom and his men need a place at the ceremony venue for last-minute preparations as much as the bride and her attendants.

g. Everyone knows the bride likes to have a room for her and her bridesmaids to prepare to walk down the aisle; not everyone understands the groom and his men need one, too. Do you really want the guys to have to straighten their ties and tuck their shirts in in front of guests and vendors?
h. If you hold your ceremony outside in a public place, traffic and tourists walking by will be part of the charm. Be prepared for interesting sites!

So, where to have your wedding ceremony in Paris? Here are three ideas.

1. House of Worship
You can have a symbolic ceremony in a house of worship if you can find one that will grant you permission. Landmarks like Notre Dame can’t be rented as they are national public spaces. Catholic parishes in France generally only allow their own members to marry in their respective churches, and most churches in France are Catholic. That said, if you can find a Catholic church who will grant permission for you to marry in their church, you still have to meet specific requirements: provide a letter from your local priest and Bishop that you are a member of a parish in good standing; Baptism and Confirmation certificates; and a marriage certificate from your civil ceremony.

An interior shot of Synagogue des Tournelles showing the mixture of architectural styles common in French Second Empire.

An interior shot of Synagogue des Tournelles showing the mix of architectural styles common in French Second Empire.

The couple I am featuring for this series, Raph & John, being Jewish, chose to hold their wedding ceremony at the Synagogue de Tournelles. It is located at 21bis rue des Tournelles in Marais, the 4th arrondissement, not far from Notre Dame. The closest metro stop is Bastille. Its architect, Marcellin-Emmanuel Varcollier, designed it in Second French Empire, the architectural style of the time, which is an eclectic mix of European styles, most notably Baroque. Gustave Eiffel was the engineer who oversaw its construction from 1867-1876, before he became famous for building the Eiffel Tower in 1889. Outside, it is decorated with a stained glass rose window with sculptures representing the scrolls of the Law with text in Hebrew. Inside, it is very grand with plentiful seating on two floors and arches on the second floor. By volume, it is the second largest synagogue in Paris. Perhaps due to recent attacks, specific information on the synagogue (such as seating number) was not available when I researched for this post. I suggest you call the synagogue on +33 01 42 74 32 80.

Synagogue de Tournelles is not far from the luxurious Intercontinental Paris Le Grand Hotel, where the couple stayed and held their reception.

This couple married outside near the Eiffel Tower in November 2014. They were oblivious to the group behind them or the girl next to them.

This couple married outside near the Eiffel Tower in November 2014. They were oblivious to the group behind them or the girl next to them.

2. Outside a Monument
You can’t rent the inside of Notre Dame or the Eiffel Tower, but you can marry on their grounds. On the plus side, this is the easiest, cheapest, and fastest to arrange. It is also easy for your guests to find. On the down side, you can’t control how tourists and others passing by will behave — nor can you control the weather. It tends to sprinkle a lot in Paris (though not as much as London), so if you decide to marry outside a monument, you should have pretty umbrellas at the ready just in case Mother Nature decides not to cooperate with your ceremony plans.

If you select this option, I highly recommend you visit Paris during the time of year you plan to marry, so you can see just how the ceremony will unfold. It also is a good idea to contact your embassy in Paris near the time of your ceremony to verify they know of no reason why you shouldn’t hold your ceremony at the location of your dreams. (For instance, they might know of a protest coming up.)

A wedding takes place on the Seine River on a beautiful day.

A wedding takes place on the Seine River on a beautiful day.

3. Cruise on the Seine River
This would be my choice, so I had to include it, though this option speaks more to a combined ceremony/reception venue. Bateaux Parisiens not only offers glass-enclosed boat tours of the Seine River and dinner cruises, they also offer wedding packages for a minimum of 50 people. According to their website, they hold 400 private events per year, so they have the experience necessary to make sure your event is successful.  To that end, they offer an artistic director and event cruise directors dedicated to your event.

If you were to select this option, you first have to decide whether you want an afternoon or evening wedding, and whether you want table service or buffet style. From there, it’s a matter of your choice of menu selection and whether you want extras, such as table decorations that start at 17 euros per table. While you will have to ask for a quote, their gourmet buffets start at 14 euros per person; so figure 14 euros x 50 people = 700 euros ($749.00) as a starting price — not bad for a wedding and reception on the Seine River. (In addition, all of the wedding packages I saw on their website included a piano player and singer as entertainment.) There is parking available nearby at the Musee du Quai Branly.

As I’ve said several times before in posts, my dinner cruise on the Seine River was one of my most memorable experiences of my last trip to Paris — and I wasn’t even getting married!

 

Au revoir!

 

I am featuring photos of Raph & John’s wedding in Paris for this series (see above). I want to make it clear that I do not know this couple: I selected their photos from an album on Flickr because I love their theme and the photos are available for use under the CCBY 2.0 license. If I married in Paris, I would want a theme somewhat similar to theirs–in terms of colors and formality.

Black & white image of Raph & John inside Synagogue des Tournelles by Agence Tophos, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of groom ironing by Agence Tophos, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of wedding couple near the Eiffel Tower by Elsa L. Fridl. Image of interior of Synagogue des Tournelles, Wikimedia Commons, GFDL License. Image of wedding on a boat on the Seine River by Becky McCray, Flickr, CCBY 2.0.

Travel Laws That Could Affect Your Plans in 2016 and Beyond

Leave a comment

Are you prepared to travel in 2016? If your passport book is full or you owe back taxes, you may be grounded. Welcome to the new United States of America: land of the impeded, home of the…well, you decide.

Source: Changing Travel Laws That Could Affect Your Plans in 2016

This is a summary of the above article. If you are a frequent air traveler, I suggest you read it in its entirety.

As part of a bill for federal highway funding, as of January 1, 2016, any U.S. citizen who owes at least $50,000 in unpaid taxes can be prevented from applying for or renewing their passport. This regulation can also allow the IRS to rescind travel privileges of tax delinquent travelers. The traveler has to be the subject of a tax lien, but their passport privileges can be restored by either contesting the taxes owed in court, or by actively working with the IRS to pay the debt.

Also as of January 1, 2016, frequent U.S. travelers abroad are no longer able to order an additional 24-page insert for visa stamps for their existing passport books. Now, you either have to apply for a second passport book when the pages are filled, or opt for a 52-page passport book at renewal time. A regular passport book has 20 pages for visa stamps.

Come 2018, the scene in "The Hunt for Red October" where Sean Connery tells Sam Neill he can travel in the U.S. between states without certain "papers" will become quaint.

Come 2018, the scene in “The Hunt for Red October” where Sean Connery’s character tells Sam Neill’s he can travel in the U.S. between states without certain “papers” will become quaint.

Another law that was supposed to take effect this past January 1 but has been postponed to take effect January 22, 2018 requires all U.S. air travelers — for domestic and foreign travel — to carry identification that is REAL-ID compliant. REAL-ID legislation was passed in 2005 and is described as “an effort to combine driver’s licenses and state ID cards into a national identification system as a way to support national security.” Two of the key features of REAL-ID: certain personal information and features will be encrypted into each card, and states will share this information with other states. In the double-speak of the Department of Homeland Security, you’re not required to carry a REAL-ID, but if you want to board a commercial airline, you will have to, come 2018. If you live in one of the four states (or in the American Territory of Samoa) that are not REAL-ID compliant, you can purchase a passport card for $55, but only if you are current with your taxes.

DHS also claims REAL-ID will not create a national database of personal information on U.S. citizens, but as Jennifer McFadyen points out, “the implications of a national-database-that-is-not-a-national-database are staggering.”

 

Au revoir! (But only if you’re current with your taxes)

 

Image of Passort by CanStockPhoto. Image of “The Hunt for Red October” from quora.com, CCBY 2.0.