Shireen's Favorite Things

Capturing love and romance in “The City of Light,” thanks to #TheParisPhotographer & #TACoutureMiami.

I know I promised this blog last week, but I’ve retreated from writing lately and instead, have been busy living. Paris will do that to a person. When you’re there, she wraps her arms ever so gently around you, leans in and whispers: “Vivre l’instant présent.” It’s a message that lingers long after you leave her and finding your normal footing afterward seems next to impossible, but alas, here I am trying.

I’ve been to Paris before, but not with someone I truly loved and more importantly, not with someone who loved me the same in return. If love isn’t equal, it hurts; it steals a special part of your heart and leaves you empty, insecure and on borrowed time. That’s how I felt years ago in Paris with an ex. Despite the magnificence of the city and her insisting I be fully present — I wasn’t. I was struggling with myself and my place in the world. That kind of noise isn’t good for any romantic getaway.

I’m older now, wiser and in LOVE. The real kind. With someone who takes care of me when I’m sick, who loves me when I’m grumpy and in bad form, who laughs at my jokes (I only know two) and most importantly, who knows how to heal the hurt little girl inside me. My bad childhood, desperate need of unconditional love and longing for a solid partner were never a deterrent. Astonishingly, my partner accepted my faults, my demons and to this day, remains fully committed to helping me move past my dysfunctions with his loving actions and thoughtfulness

Part of that thoughtfulness? Whisking me away to Paris to show me a side of romance I’ve never known. Indulging my every whim, from postcard shopping, to sightseeing, lunch at the Eiffel Tower, a show at the Moulin Rouge, excessive steak frites, escargot and champagne consumption and a photo shoot — to capture a moment in time, in love… in Paris.

Starting at the Eiffel Tower, we met up with Pierre and Vio, from “The Paris Photgrapher” — laughing and romancing our way through the city all while having our picture taken. It was such an amazing experience. “The Paris Photographer” is all about making you feel special, relaxed and capturing intimate connections between you and your loved one.

Dressing to the nines is a must, too. Because, Paris, darling! My look was made possible by the beyond-talented designer, Tammy Apostle of TA Couture, whom I’m proud to call a friend. My initial inspo for the dress was Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s wedding gown made by Narciso Rodriguez in 1996. After deciding on the base look, Tammy brought to life a gorgeous version that best represented me: complete with a whimsical, feathery, sumptuous bolero jacket. I’ve had the privilege of wearing a lot of amazing dresses in my life (because of my job,) but I’ve never felt more beautiful than in Tammy’s Parisian creation. It was an extension of my personality intertwined with everything I’m feeling in my life right now, detailed with my hopes and dreams of the future. Back to that love story…

James Andrew Woodley completes me. He’s the first thing I think about in the morning, the last thing I connect with at night and he’s the reason I try to be the best version of myself everyday. For him, for me, for us. I’ve suffered a lot of physical and emotional pain in my life, but I have found my happiness now and it was worth all the wishing and all the waiting and James, when you read this, remember, “We’ll always have Paris.” I love you, baby.

Photos by www.theparisphotographer.com
IG: @TheParisPhotographer
FB: The Paris Photographer

Dress & Jacket by
www.tacouture.com
IG: @tacouture
FB: TA Couture