Love Session: Our Life in Paris

Later this year, my husband and I will celebrate five years of marriage. I used to roll my eyes at my parents when they’d bemoan the swift passage of time – “it feels like only yesterday….”, the story goes. Now as I get older, and my days become increasingly dictated by meetings, appointments, deadlines and dinners, I understand their bewilderment.

But before we reach this astounding milestone, we will celebrate one equally as sentimental. Five years ago to the month, we bought and moved into our first Paris apartment. Few vestiges of our studio life remained as we ushered in the next chapter of our lives, trading my husband’s adolescent furnishings for more sophisticated wall-hangings and wood pieces we actually intended to preserve. A small space became a veritable home, brimming with firsts and inimitable moments.

While our plans are inchoate at this stage, we’re hoping to continue our journey in 2013 in a slightly larger space, perhaps even in a new neighborhood. I’m deeply attached to this home – exposed wood beams, orange kitchen tiles and all- and the thought of filing it away with other memories seems unceremonious. Paris has been undeniably instrumental in forging my sense of self but so has this apartment.

So when I saw my friend Meg’s gorgeous photo session at home with photographer Jean-Laurent Gaudy, I knew I wanted to do something similar. A ‘love session’ at home, in the environment most comfortable and natural for both of us. Valentine’s Day was approaching (also the anniversary of our engagement) so I spoke with Jean-Laurent, arranged a date and made it my gift. I take great pleasure in photographing the world around me but that means that I have few photos of me and Cédric together, and even less chez nous.

I was moved to tears when I saw the results of last weekend’s shoot (a small selection below) both because JL captured exactly what I was imagining and because he gave us a memento we will happily and lovingly take with us wherever we go from here.