Parisian Events -- Paris, France

Woman-owned business
profile by Kim Mance,
Galavanting co-editor-in-chief

Parisian Events

Owner: Kimberley Petyt
Location: Paris, France
Established: 2005

If you've ever dreamt about having the perfect destination wedding in Paris, we know just the woman for you.

While planning her own wedding to a Frenchman several years ago, she was suprised at how difficult it was. It was not only tricky to get her vision across (she didn't speak French at the time), but there was also a fundamental difference between the way French weddings and American weddings were conducted.

So after moving to France in 2001 and having her two children, Kimberley decided to go ahead and take the plunge and start her own business.

When asked to describe what services are offered, Kimberley says, "My agency, parisian events, caters to members of the Anglophone community in Paris, both those who live here, and those who come to Paris specifically for their celebration. Our specialty is creating “American-style” weddings in Paris. Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. And for many Americans, it epitomizes romance -- who hasn’t fantasized about running off to Paris to get married in a historic stone church or at the foot of the Eiffel Tower?

But, unlike American weddings which can take place nearly anywhere that a licensed celebrant will perform the ceremony, French weddings don’t typically take place outside of a church or City Hall. Things like bridesmaids and groomsmen, Unity Candle or Sand Ceremonies, goody bags and grooms cakes -- elements deeply rooted in the American wedding tradition simply don’t exist here.

Our agency has tapped into a vast network of venues and vendors from all over Europe and the United States in order to give our clients the best of both worlds -- a wedding in Paris that combines traditional American elements with classic Parisian elegance."

Besides the many challenges of owning her own business, not to mention in a foreign country, Kimberley says there are many rewards.

"I LOVE that everything is exactly how I want it -- from the font in my ads, to the paper that my business cards are printed on, to which services I choose to offer, and which ones I don’t. Sure, I’m also completely responsible for the negative parts as well (no sick or vacation days, being 100% accountable for anything that may go wrong, etc) but for me, at this point in the life of my company -- the good out-weigh the bad," she says.

So if you're looking for one of the most romantic destinations in the world, but a ceremony familiar to home, or the perfect party abroad, be sure to connect with Kimberley's parisian events. ■