When we found out Ben was deploying to Spain I told him I was determined to see him, to which he replied, “Care, I’m deploying, you can’t do that.” To this, I replied, “Who do you think I am?” Thus began my adventure of how to a) get to Europe and b) see Ben.
I’ve recently become intrigued obsessed with the whole concept of cheap flights. So, I got on a mailing list for Scott’s Cheap Flights (which is the real hero of this whole adventure, do yourself a favor and sign up) and stumbled upon a flight to Paris that I simply could not pass up. My thought process was that France was close enough to Spain and I would iron out all the other details at a later date. I was confident; Ben was still skeptical. He has since learned to trust me when it comes to planning adventures. All this to say, we worked it all out and this trip was a dream come true. I was reunited with my two loves– Ben (most importantly) and Europe.
On to my Paris trip! Well first I got to spend the weekend with Liz and Ashton in Atlanta and that always makes for a grand time. Such a treat to stay at their new house and get to spend so many days together! On Tuesday, I made my way to the airport and started on my journey. Sadly, the weekend before I left I started feeling sick. Naturally, I practically bought the entire shelf at Walgreens and did everything in my power to not get sick. I failed. On my second flight over the pond, the pressure in my head from my ears got so intense I began to frantically look around, tears streaming down my face, to see if anyone appeared to be a doctor. I was convinced that my head was literally going to blow up and medical assistance was necessary. Sounds dramatic now, but man was it terrible. The last two hours of that flight and the entirety of the next one was honestly miserable. No inflight entertainment could cure me. I landed in Paris, with the ability to hear in only one of my ears, and made my way into the city and directly to my bed in the Airbnb. Bummed that I wasn’t making the most of my first day in Paris, I still only longed to sleep off whatever was going on in my head. Several hours later, I woke up feeling less miserable and noticed a text from Christy that they were heading to a few flower markets to gather flowers for the bouquet. I was in!
So, let me explain. Back in Nashville, once I figured out I was going to be in Paris for a few days, I wanted to set up a shoot with a couple in Paris because, well, why not! Social media did a really cool thing and connected me with Christy and Elizabeth, a photographer and stylist, who were also going to be in Paris while I was! Plot twist: they asked me if I would be willing to wear a dress in front of the Eiffel Tower for a sunrise shoot. LIKE WHAT LITTLE GIRL HAS NOT DREAMED OF THIS HER WHOLE LIFE?!?! So, fast forward to the morning before the shoot and we meandered through the streets to put together the perfect Parisian bouquet of flowers. After foraging, we enjoyed dinner at a cafe and rested up before our early morning. I took the scenic route home to where I was staying and it did not disappoint.
My alarm went off at 5:30 and I was giddy with excitement! I put a few curls in my hair before meeting them at their place and ubering to the Eiffel Tower. All week it was calling for rain, but the sky decided to gift us with these beautiful pink clouds and blue skies instead. 
Christy and Elizabeth worked their magic on the bouquet and it ended up being more beautiful than we could have imagined! 
It was a quiet morning with just me, my bare feet, and the Eiffel Tower. I mean, COME ON! Christy shot the shoot on film and I am just so excited to see her work! Here are just a few I had her snap on my camera for me! 
Architecture usually doesn’t produce the water works for me, but man the Eiffel Tower always makes me shed a tear or two. 
After our shoot, we popped into a bakery (as one does) for a croissant and cafe au lait and walked towards Notre Dame and the Luxembourg Gardens. Last time I was in Paris was for my birthday a few years ago and it was such a treat to go back to these spots in the warmer weather with fresh blooms. 
I spent the afternoon bopping in and out of shops and grabbing myself some more bread to consume. 
A little corner of my cozy Airbnb.
It was that afternoon that Katherine and I realized that we had somehow miscalculated and we were both in Paris at the same time! Honestly, what are the odds?! So it was settled– a picnic at the Eiffel Tower was in order. Kat and JD were so, so kind to let me join in on this romantic occasion. 
I am obsessed with them and will happily third wheel any day. (But actually, next time I would like if Ben attended)
I adore you, sweet Kat.
We waited out the rain and were very much rewarded. Last time I was in Paris I didn’t get to see the full twinkle effect of the tower. This time, I was determined not to miss it and it did not disappoint. At 9 o’clock it lit up and my heart was so incredibly happy. It is truly a sight to see. 
What was meant to be a quick stop before making my way to Spain ended up being better than I could dream or imagine. I fulfilled every little girl’s dream at sunrise, made a few new friends, and spent time with one of my favorite duos.
Paris is truly one of the most beautiful, romantic cities and never disappoints.
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