Bonjour! Blogging from my apartment in the Montorgueil district, a bustling neighborhood in the 2nd arrondissement. After a smooth flight and first day settling in, I helped my clients get to Versailles yesterday, and today, we met with our suppliers – vendors (and venue managers), in other words. They were all the definition of hospitality.
First, we had a meeting at the American Church in Paris. The place is loaded with history: Not as old as many of the buildings in Paris (it’s less than a century old), it is nonetheless gorgeous, with the only Tiffany plate glass windows outside of the United States.
One of the stunning Tiffany windows.
Pastor Bedford, on assignment for 6 months at the ACP from his home in Nashville, was charming, welcoming, and had tons of stories to tell.
A heavenly angle on the American Church in Paris.
Detail of an archway at the ACP.
After that, we headed to the Hotel De Crillon, one of the most opulent and luxurious hotels in Paris, and surely the world. Even more lovely was how our catering manager, Stanislas, greeted us – with enthusiasm and pleasure. To our surprise, we were able to move into a larger room for the event, with a stunning view of all of Place de la Concorde. There were people futzing about in the room, so I will wait till the big night to take pictures. Trust me, the room is amazing.
Afterwards, I had a wonderful meeting with my local assistants, Shawna, Mali, and Jane. All are fluent in French, having been residents of Europe or Paris for at least a few months to years. Professional, smart, and helpful, I am in good hands with them.
And lastly, I met with the florists, Naomi and Emma at A Fleur et a Mesure. They were all smiles and welcomed me and my awful French, and Naomi and I commiserated in “Franglais” about learning a language for years a l’ecole, then actually visiting that language’s country of origin – the natives speak so fast, that it’s hard to catch on. Between my French and her English, we set all the last tiny details in place for the big day.
I also met with Laurel of the Sugarplum Cake Shop (and her sisters-in-arms, Taylor and Krista), and will blog about that fabulous meeting very soon. All in all, we have received wonderful hospitality from all our ‘suppliers’ – thanks to them, the wedding will be stunning.