Paris, France
First, to see the best sites of Paris and record the memories that will last a lifetime, we recommend a most WONDERFUL photographer for you and your Love! Ivan Franchet (www.ivanfranchet.fr) took our pictures of our Honeymoon in Paris; with photos soon to be posted here. He and his wonderful wife, Emmanuelle, knew of all the most picturesque spots of Paris. She drove – he shot – and we smiled – a lot! The result – MAGIC!
Our August afternoon in Paris consisted of the Basilique Sacre Coeur, Jardin des Tuileries – Le Louvre, Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris, Le Pont des Arts (St Germain des Pres), Place de la Concorde, and the Trocadero overlooking the Tour Eiffel. I had chosen Ivan online, and we developed a friendship through emails before we met. I fell in love with his photography, and he offered a photo package that was extremely reasonable. He gave us the full CD of pics, and created a lovely keepsake book of our photo memories. We could not have possibly gotten these pictures for ourselves, or seen as many sites – as we did not know Paris well, did not have a car, and did not know the truly picturesque places to go. Ivan practiced his English, and I my French, and Emmanuelle was the perfect translator!
Whirling around the city of Paris, hearing the applause of city people loving us lovers in love — this made our trip so magical! THANK YOU Ivan, and Emmanuelle, for truly letting us live and feel the true spirit of Paris – as we glance at our book of photo memories – created by your heart, love, and knowledge of the world of Paris and photography!
To contact Ivan Franchet, member of the International Assoc of Wedding Photographers, in Paris France, go to www.ivanfranchet.fr. Please tell him Riana & Jimmy sent you!
Acapulco, Mexico
La Quebrada Cliff Divers: A MUST See while in Acapulco! Come watch the family tradition of these men who have been diving beautifully off these cliffs since the 1930’s. Be sure to eat and drink at La Perle restaurant while watching the show- the fish for lunch was amazing! Afterward, have a photo taken with the divers for a small tip.
Key West, Florida
Totally casual, but relaxing as can be – this resort island town is dear to my heart as I traveled here for years as a young girl before it was developed and heavily promoted. My Artistic Aunt Jeannie (Called Ms Jeannie there) lived there for years, and is a true conch. Our family stayed where The Reach Resort now stands, on the beach at the end of Simonton Street, and is the prettiest resort there. For a great beach and breakfast/lunch experience, go to the Southern Most Beach, or what we used to call, “John’s Beach” after the original cook at the beach restaurant.
Duval Street is the place to walk, shop and eat, and to catch the Celebration of Sunset – go to Mallory Square one hour before the sun sets to enjoy all the artisans and action there. There are vendors there every night at sunset – and you’ll some of the prettiest sunsets in the world! The people there are totally cool, and because it is a town of artists and celebrators of every type, you will love the many options for music, bars and clubs.
The shops are great – plan to spend a full day of shopping alone! There are many restaurants – but a few stand out in my mind where food is art. I loved Louie’s Back Porch – a favorite of mine for years; and 7 Fishes for dinner. In 2020 I discovered “Better than Sex!” Dessert Restaurant, again visited A & B Lobster House for the best Lobster and Steak anywhere; Half Shell Clam bar for a mid-day snack of raw clams, shrimp and oysters being shucked as they serve them; and also Latitudes Restaurant on Sunset Key – another MUST restaurant to experience and a short free ferry ride from the dock near Margaritaville Hotel – one that I highly recommend and so convenient to everything! All these restaurants require reservations way ahead of time, so plan accordingly!
Smathers Beach is nice too, there is parasailing and other water sports along that area. DO take the Conch Train tour early on – although it looks cheesy, it is an incredible tour of the rich history of the island. It helps you get the lay of the land early on, so you can enjoy walking everywhere – take comfortable flat shoes, no dress clothes, but ladies you’ll enjoy wearing dresses and skirts due to the heat — but this is totally a casual town.
