Rain adds to the beauty of Melanie and Latham’s Paris wedding

“Actually, Paris is the most beautiful in the rain.”

Melanie Donaldson and Latham Ashton of Bendigo, Victoria were glad to learn this saying rings true; it rained heavily on their Paris wedding day. The pair, aged 26 and 29 respectively, always knew they wanted to celebrate an intimate overseas wedding. Just eight guests made the journey to the city of love to celebrate on the terrace of The Royal Suite at the Hotel Balzac overlooking the Eiffel Tower.

“Directly after the ceremony … we had our first dance to Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World,” explains Melanie “We had just said our vows, kissed to become husband and wife, and then, to have our intimate first-dance overlooking Paris as Mr and Mrs Ashton is a moment I will never forget.”

The couple and their guests then undertook some sightseeing but, in true Paris style, the skies delivered rain. “That didn’t put us off though,” says Melanie. “Although it made it more difficult and my dress was very dirty, we enjoyed those moments together and have some wonderful photos to have as precious memories.”

A reception followed at the Four Seasons George V Hotel where the bride and groom had the opportunity to spend quality time with each of their few guests. “I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day and our guests also took home special memories like no other wedding,” smiles Melanie.

Photos courtesy of Lost in Love Photography.

Melanie wore a stunning lace gown with plunging neckline and diamante-encrusted brooch.

“As we were legally married in Melbourne before we left, our friend Aaron was our officiant for the day,” explains the bride.

Recalls Melanie, “As we all walked back to our suite we enjoyed our last moments, crossing the road with the Arc De Triomphe behind us and a flow of cars tooting us well wishes.”

“Our flowers were created by the one and only Jeff Leatham and our meal was created by three-starred Michelin chef Christian Le Squer,” says the bride.