A Paris Engagement: From Bir-Hakeim to the Timeless Arches of the Louvre

There’s just something about Paris in September. The golden light lingers a little longer, the crowds begin to thin, and the city hums with a kind of quiet romance. It’s easily one of my favorite times to photograph here—especially when it’s an engagement session that feels straight out of a dream.

Last fall, I had the absolute joy of capturing a couple’s engagement in the heart of Paris. We mapped out a route that was both iconic and elegant, starting with the striking Pont de Bir-Hakeim. If you’ve ever seen Inception or Last Tango in Paris, you’ll recognize this cinematic bridge—its symmetrical steel beams, soft curves, and peekaboo view of the Eiffel Tower make it one of the most photographable spots in the city. It’s bold and industrial, yet still feels so classically Parisian.

We arrived just as the light began to soften, giving everything that signature Paris glow. The Seine glistened below, and the Eiffel Tower stood tall in the background. It was the perfect way to kick off our session, capturing movement and connection under the iron arches as the city buzzed quietly around us.

Next, we made our way to the Palais Royal—a personal favorite of mine. Tucked just behind the Louvre, the Palais Royal courtyard is home to one of Paris’ more unexpected gems: a contemporary art installation known as Les Deux Plateaux, more commonly referred to as “the Colonnes de Buren.”

Designed by French artist Daniel Buren in 1985, the installation features 260 black and white striped columns of varying heights. What’s fascinating is that the columns weren’t originally meant to stay forever. In fact, the piece was highly controversial when it first debuted—critics claimed it clashed with the historic 17th-century architecture of the surrounding palace. But over time, Parisians (and visitors from around the world) fell in love with them. They’ve since become a permanent part of the courtyard and a symbol of how old and new can coexist so beautifully in this city.

For our shoot, the columns offered a playful, graphic backdrop that allowed us to mix structured poses with natural, candid movement. The contrast of their clean lines with the soft emotion of an engagement session was just chef’s kiss.

To end the session, we crossed the street and wandered around the Louvre and its surrounding buildings. The Louvre’s arches are unlike anything else—tall and dramatic, with soft tan stone and intricate details that glow as the sun begins to set. We took our time there, walking through the arcades, stopping beneath the vaulted ceilings, and letting the light guide us.

It’s always incredible to me how each corner of Paris has its own mood. Bir-Hakeim felt bold and architectural. Palais Royal felt whimsical and modern. And the Louvre, well… it always feels regal and timeless. Each location told a different piece of their story—and capturing their love in these iconic places felt like weaving them into the history of the city itself.

One of the most fun parts of revisiting this gallery recently has been getting to relive my time in Paris. I lived there last year, and going through these images is like opening up a beautiful journal full of memories. I remember the warm breeze that evening, the soft echo of our footsteps in the arches, and the way the city seemed to pause just for them.

If you’re dreaming of a Paris engagement session that’s full of history, style, and golden light—I’d love to help make it unforgettable.

Checkout my latest post about a wedding proposal in Paris.

Your Narrative blog will appear here, click preview to see it live.
For any issues click here