Paris Profile: Kim Petyt - Parisian Events

Kim Petyt - Photo: Feels like Home in Paris

Just before the holidays I had the chance to sit down with Kim Petyt of Parisian Events. Kim is a lovely lady and though I've known her virtually for over 4 years, this was the first time we had actually gotten off the cyber wall and had lunch together - certainly not going to wait another 4 years to do it again.


This lady has energy and you would need to have energy to do what she does. I remember planning my own wedding and dealing with the stresses of that momentous occasion - It would have been wise to have someone like Kim handle the details. Kim is a wedding planner extraordinaire and she says it best on her site: "Our specialty is combining traditional American elements with classic Parisian elegance- and ending up with fresh, stylish, “oh la la” events that keep guests talking for ages after!"

photo: Photo Zhou event design: Parisian Events

Our lunch turned into a somewhat impromptu Q&A as I tried to get to know the woman behind the events - Parisian Events:

What brought you to Paris? 

"My husband. He's French." The stuff of novels really, it sounded like to me - They just hit it off when they met during a Parisian holiday which lasted 20 days. Not wanting the "party" to stop and since he wanted to live in the States himself, they moved in together first in Chicago then in San Francisco. [sigh] "It was a good trip." She says. They were married a year later.

How was Parisian Events created? What brought this on and how many years has it been in existence?

In San Francisco Kim was as an executive assistant and worked on a number of corporate events for Charles Schwab. She seemed to have found her calling and enjoyed the organization of these events though they were not so glam. She also spent time working with non-profits also coordinating various functions.


While planning her own wedding in the North of France, a few planning issues arose that got her thinking. Necessity is the mother of invention and also doesn't hurt the brain storming process either. Her mother-in-law spoke no English and that was just one of the obstacles in having a wedding outside her native country. She saw a niche for planners - more specifically English speaking planners and as moving to France seemed like something that would eventually be in the cards, this seemed like a great place for her to make her mark and get her hands dirty working with the expat community.

In 2006, Parisian Events was born!

photo: photo Zhou event design: Parisian Events

What do you offer your clients that someone else may not?
Kim tries to build events that are quirky, fun and individual. She designs events that speak to the person as opposed to imposing cookie cutter themes on them. "Off-beat but stylish." As she puts it. Who wants what everybody else has done over and over again.

What restaurant do you recommend for a romantic meal?

If they are an older couple Kim would recommend Lapérouse, which has a very rich and colorful history (classic and romantic). If it's not their first time in Paris, she recommends Le Coupe-Chou. For a young couple she would suggest La Maison Blanche - and why wouldn't she with it amazing terrace dining!

Recently Kim posted her 5 places to propose in Paris, so I had to ask her, How were you proposed to? What tips would you give to a guy (or gal), who wishes to propose to his or her partner?

"Sébastien says he didn't know that in the US men get down on one knee". They collect old 78's and Victrolas. "He put in 'That's Amore' and gave me the ring". When she opened the box it was in, she actually thought it was some sort of charm. She looked up at him not quite getting it at first and then it hit her. The rest was history.

photo: photo Zhou event design: Parisian Events

What's the number one spot for weddings in Paris? Most unusual? Most unique?

Small groups near the Eiffel Tower is quite popular. Boats are also very popular. Rooftop weddings in private places or in a private garden.

She tells me about one ceremony which actually wasn't that crazy but sticks out in her mind. It was a surprise vow renewal. They had rented a room overlooking Place St Michel. The wife thought they were going to a recital to which they were late. She was definitely surprised!

Why Paris? I asked. Why get married in Paris?

American have a romantic notion of Paris. They are not alone.

We chatted about what is popular nowadays for weddings and she mentioned that vintage wedding are very in but most people are referring to a 50s country look. But she takes it out of the country and makes it urban. More Gainsbourg and Belmondo with a vintage goddess.

You certainly get a sense that she really gets into the planning of these very special events. From the simple to the elaborate, customized boutique service. That's what you get from Kim Petyt. That's a Parisian event. So if you are looking for someone to help you plan that magical moment and you want to do it in Paris, I can't think of a better person to help you makes your wishes come true.

photo: photo Zhou event design: Parisian Events

Thanks Kim!