It has been two years since I took my BOYS to PARIS and we met up with CARLA COULSON for a PHOTO SHOOT!
I recently came across these photos in my computer and thought maybe you ALL would be interested in seeing the photos my SONS took of CARLA and me………BEHIND THE SCENES.
If you haven’t been FOLLOWING for awhile this is the scoop!
I had a shop.
Called HEN HOUSE.
I closed it.
With the leftover money I took the SONS to PARIS.
Why?
Because they had never been to PARIS.
I called it my last HORRAH.(With them!)
Who better to show them PARIS then their MOTHER…………….
SO,here we are OUTSIDE our apartment in the 14th and inside the LOUVRE museum.In PARIS of COURSE!
THE PHOTOGRAPHER who hails from AUSTRALIA but landed in Florence and via the HUSBAND now lives in PARIS!
The Bakery across from our DELIGHTFUL APARTMENT!
On RUE CHATEAU,don’t you LOVE THAT ADDRESS!
WE were being SUMMONED by one of my Two SONS!
Holding onto the BAGUETTES as they had a mind of their own!
The TEAM that made me look SO GOOD!
She could have been hit by a car or a bus…………..
UP close………………….those baguettes wanted to bend every which way!I had a TIGHT grip on them………..
Adjustments…………….for a better PHOTO.
By the ONE and ONLY Veronique.
I’m in sync with the crosswalk sign!
Nicholas, checking on the action below!The view from OUR rented APARTMENT.If you want info on that I would be HAPPY to put you in contact with that BLOGGER!
That’s a WRAP FOLKS………done with this location!
A BEAUTIFUL TEAM on a BEAUTIFUL FALL DAY………….
Carla has a blog HERE.She also, has a few books published which if YOU are an ITALIAN FAN I suggest you google and BUY PRONTO!Mostly photos but with words by another Australian LISA CLIFFORD who happens to reside in Florence ……..my old stomping grounds!
The hair was STYLED on a PARK bench in the JARDIN DES TUILERIES…….in about 5 minutes!
It was a bit chilly as I recall.
We did not know how much time we would have here as the SECURITY people in the LOUVRE could arrive at any minute.
A SLIGHT hair adjustment……………….so WONDERFUL to travel with a HAIR and MAKE UP MADAME!!!
She really is a wonderful photographer…….and SUCH a NICE PERSON!
Look at these STATUES they are MAGNIFICENT and to think I have these photos with them………still makes my skin have goose bumps!
Carla, had the brilliant idea of having the BOYS SNAP photos of me as she snapped ALL of US!
Love this………..
Then there are the REAL PHOTOS by the REAL PHOTOGRAPHER………to see those go HERE.
They are also at the TOP of my site under LA CONTESSA.
I have to say this was one of the BEST THINGS I HAVE EVER DONE with MY BOYS.
Make memories FOLLOWERS.
Memories are important.
Especially to ME.
XO
French Basketeer says
Chere Contessa, this is one of my favorite photo shoots ever, and I just love reading all the details of the behind the scene action!! You look amazing of course and what a fantastic voyage and memories to have with your sons! And the Cour Marly is possibly my favorite spot in all the Louvre, with such fantastic stories behind it. Sorry I have not visited in a while, we have had a few things going on here (gross understatement if there ever was one). XXOO A
contessa says
THANK YOU for stopping by……………I did see a photo on instagram.
Hope ALL is on the mend!
XO
Andrea@WellnessNotes says
Make memories! – Yes! So important!
I’m glad you got to show Paris to your boys! I very much enjoyed these behind the scene shots and will check out the original post next.
contessa says
SO, happy you agree!!!
Katie Clooney says
OMG!!!!!! Contessa – who knew you are a COVER GIRL! LOVE the pics and that RED frock is to DIE for!!! You wear it WELL!! Your SONS are so handsome and DEBONAIR! They got their GOOD LOOKS from their MAMA!! Enjoy your week!!
contessa says
YOU are TOO FUNNY!I see you have your CAPS and !!! DOWN!
THANK YOU!!!!
Karena says
Magnificent, glorious, gorgeous, I can not even come up with enough adjectives to describe these luscious images Elizabeth! Plus I can see you are all having so much fun! Carla is an amazing photographer!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Palm Beach Chic
contessa says
I AGREE!
XX
Loree says
Lovely. I think that was the first post on your blog that I ever commented on. You had left me a few comments but I couldn’t find you anywhere. I was following Carla and she posted about your photo shoot and led me to you 🙂 I love how some things work out. That photo shoot Carla had done of you and your boys was just awesome.
contessa says
Love this story……….I found YOU through LOST IN ARLES!!!
Heather, wrote about YOU!
XX
Sandra Sallin says
I adore, adore, adore every one of these photos. I could look at them for hours. They bring up such panache, beauty, wishes, striving, a world filled with glories! Of course, that red opera coat and your beautiful face just make me drool!
contessa says
SO, happy I can make you DROOL!!!
I think YOU and BOB need to do this…..in PARIS with CARLA!
Time to PLAN A TRIP!!!!!!!!!
XX
Miss Mary says
What a treasure of a mother you are! It is such a GIFT you have given your sons-and now you share the memories with us, your devoted followers. The GIFT that keeps on GIVING!
Thank YOU for this post- it is a reminder for all of us to live each day to the FULLEST! <3
contessa says
I think YOU are my MOST devoted FOLLOWER MISS MARY!!!!
I Thank You for that…………and your smiley face with the <3!!
I had to ask your daughter what that meant!!!
XX
DaniBP says
I love this times a million! I had to pin a couple of your pictures on 1) my Frock Philosophy board (amazing red dress) and 2) my STYLE board because you and your sons have style in spades. I think it is fantastic that you did this with your boys. XO
contessa says
FROCK PHILOSOPHY board…………….HOW I ADORE that NAME!
Love MY BOYS……….and they were use to the idea as for FATHER’S DAY every year for 21 years we had a Black and White photo taken for their PAPA!His office is now adorned with simple black frames on the wall and these photos…………….MEMORIES!
XX
Anita Rivera says
I am finally here, after a long day at work, and this is what I LOVE. The world of Paris, the world of adventurous, artistic, loving people like YOU. LOOK AT YOU…you are as statuesque as un oeuvre dans le Louvre. You are sensational, and I LOVE YOUR HAIR!!!!!!!!! Big hugs, Anita
contessa says
HEATHER……..what is an un oeuvre dans le Louvre?
ANITA…………so, happy I could GIVE you a touch of what YOU love at the end of YOUR day!
I loved MY HAIR TOO!
Merci,
XX
D. A. Wolf says
These behind the scenes shots are fabulous! Even with an armload of baguettes, you are every centimeter a Contessa!
contessa says
A WANT TO BE………………STRIVING TO BE!!!!
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
Just beautiful! The contrast of your dark hair, the rich red fabric and the statues… Gorgeous!
Shireen says
Contessa! You are STUNNING!!! I love these pictures and the ones from the original post!
What wonderful memories for the three of you!
contessa says
Millie GRAZIE!!!
I LOVED IT and had to SHARE!!!
XX
Sunday Hendrickson says
Oh, Contessa! how wonderful! I plan to live vicariously through you….
Missing you!
contessa says
OKAY,I allow YOU to do just THAT!
XX
Marsha @ Splenderosa says
Only you could have pulled this off so well.
I do love you so much !!!
contessa says
A LOT of people could pull this off with a PHOTOGRAPHER and a HAIR & MAKE~UP MADAME!It does take NERVE to go out in public and parade about and feed chickens in the TUILERIES GARDENS!But the end result is SO worth it!!!!!!!!
XX
foodiefan says
Yes, you are definitely a “cover girl’! But the precious thing about this whole trip and photographic session was the fact you took both Christopher and Nicholas. They will look back on that time with their Mama with fond memories of an extraordinary experience. And you never know perhaps they might repeat that tradition of taking a family photo each anniversary or birthday just as you have with Giampiero!
contessa says
THIS IS KEY!!!!!!!!!
I think YOU may have a BIG POINT!
Love that idea!
XO
FIFI says
Lovely, precious, unforgettable ……..wonderful time and memories to cherish. xoxoxoxoxoxo
contessa says
MERCI……….FIFI………….MERCI!!!!
XO
Mrs Badinage says
Quite incredible, an utterly magical time captured by the lens, it is so so utterly iconically stylish and you have so much confidence to do this, it’s so you. I won’t even let my family take my picture, I prefer the nooks and crannies to the centre stage.
contessa says
YOU Need to be in front of the camera…………..I have seen snippets of you!!!YOU MUST LEAVE A FEW MEMORIES…………….try.Think of me strutting about PARIS dressed in an OPERA COAT that dragged on the ground………..YOU can have your snap taken at dinner, in your SALON or out racking leaves would be a GOOD START!!!!!!!!XX
Mdm. Tortoise says
Simply sublime dear Contessa: the beautiful photos, your informative text and most especially the banks being filled with memories created by having your sons with you on this special day in the city of light. Priceless.
contessa says
MADAME TORTOISE………….you are PRICELESS.
THANK YOU for FOLLOWING!
XX
Loreen Attridge says
Love loved these photos…so beautiful! I am taking my daughter to Paris for New Years! Can’t wait to have a few photos of our own!!!
contessa says
OH MY!
I think I am a WEE BIT JEALOUS!!!!!!!!!
HOW GORGEOUS will that be!
BRAVA!
Lisa says
So awesome, so audacious. And such a great thing to do with your boys. I enjoy your spirit so thoroughly.
contessa says
I will take that COMPLIMENT and run!!!!!!!!!!!
Nathalie says
I met you via Carla with this shoot …as a mother of 2 boys I absolutely became enamored with you from this shoot, it is absolutely fabulous and divine, as you are :).
Did I mention fabulous?
🙂
Nathalie
contessa says
NATHALIE,
I recognize your name from the comment section over yonder on CARLA’s BLOG!
SO, tell me are the BOYS young………….when are you going to take them to PARIS and do a RE-MAKE of this?!!
SO, HAPPY you are HERE FOLLOwiNG Me!!!!
THANK YOU!!
beth djalali says
one of my favorite posts! as a mother of boys i understand all too well how important it is to whisk them off and make memories! how grand that trip must have been.
xxoo beth
contessa says
IT was VERY special to me BETH on so many LEVELS…………….XO
cherie says
All I can say is WOW! That dress is so spectacular!! Where did you get it. The red is so great on you and I love the flowing matching coat photos at the Louvre!!! What a great trip for you and your sons, such wonderful memories you and they have now. Love this post!!
XO
cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
contessa says
The coat did not MATCH CHERIE…….and that bothered me!You see I had the coat for years……..when you are MY height and find something made of TAFFETA that HITS the ground on the SALE RACK you snap it up no matter if you have NO WHERE TO GO!I found the dress in NAPA VALLEY in JULY.I wasNOT convinced it was RIGHT.I searched and searched until a week before departure……………then decided it had to DO!After this shoot and after going back to the shop where I purchased the coat over TEN YERAS AGO……….I found the matching skirt on the SALE RACK!IT’s a bit tight but I bought it JUST BECAUSE………….the coat and the skirt need to be TOGETHER!XO
~ carmen ~ says
Wow! This truly sounds like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’d be afraid to anger the security at the Louvre myself. Love that magnificent red & powerful statement gown. :]
// ? itsCarmen.com ?
ali says
Elizabeth…Fantastic… a true Contessa. If you walked around Salt Spring with that spectacular red dress on…carrying a chicken…guess what…No one would think it was that strange. C’est normal ici
contessa says
I think I like SALT SPRING!!!!
Eric Cortina says
I still dream about these photo’s. They are so perfect in every way. What a way to capture a trip, a memory, a family experience. Someday I hope to be as memorable as you are!
contessa says
YOU ARE A STAR!
cindy hattersley says
I think this was the first post of yours I ever read! I knew you were full of it to do such a thing. What a special time for you and your boys!!
contessa says
FULL OF IT……………
I guess I AM to some degree but the IDEA was CARLA’s……..the photographer’s.I just did as I was told.One of the BEST memories was Carla yelling at me to turn this way and that because of the traffic I couldn’t hear HER.So, my long haired SON started shouting the ORDERS!I could HEAR him loud and CLEAR………….”MOM, STOP dancing and FEED THE CHICKENS!!”The end result are these photos here in the TUILERIES.I think the location made me DANCE!!!!
Wendy Barrett says
Wow! I was entirely captivated with your photo shoot. How original, creative, opulent and luscious these photos are. You are such a larger than life character and I am thrilled that I happened upon your blog a couple of months back!! You are such dynamic and glamorous creature and a role model for us all!
contessa says
Would you BELIEVE me if I told you I am a bit SHY!!!
It is TRUE…………….XX
Leslie says
As a mother of two boys I absolutely loved reading this post! What a grand idea and you’re so right. Making memories is what matters in the end. You look so glamorous in this setting, I would love to have someone there to help my hair and makeup a
Leslie says
Oops. Don’t know what happened above but I did want to finish by saying that I too would love a Paris trip with my boys. Thanks for sharing these behind the scenes photos…
xo
Leslie
contessa says
YOU are SO welcome LESLIE……….how old are your SONS?
Libby Wilkie says
Well…I do love this and thank you for sending it my way!! Daughter and I have “done” Paris twice before and yes, oh yes, those memories are the stuff of dreams. But what fun, all dressed in red, baguettes and all, and in Paris.
jill says
i so vividly remember the day sharon showed me this photo shoot on carla’s blog. the tour was set to start in a few days’ time, and she wanted me to see the fabulous contessa who would be joining us. i was absolutely stunned! one of the greatest photo shoots ever. that red dress in the sculpture gallery is just to die for.
contessa says
THANK YOU!
See you TOMORROW for dinner!
XX
Susan (une femme) says
I always love reading the story behind a photo shoot! All of these images are fabulous. I’m intrigued by the chickens…where did they come from?
contessa says
CARLA found them…………..then we checked them through security in the LOUVRE!After we did that to astonished looks WE parked them at coat check!REALLY!!!!!!!
Jennifer says
This photo shoot captures so much of your marvelous spirit!! It’s glorious. And so fun to see behind the scenes!!
Xx
contessa says
THANKS…………so much!
Merisi in Vienna says
I remember the official photographs very well. I was in awe then, and I am now and will be forever!
Thank you for sharing the behind the scenes images, that was an exquisite pleasure.
Cheers,
Merisi
contessa says
EXQUISITE PLeASURE……………..I LOVE THAT!
THANK YOU MERISI.
Claudia | Gourmet Project says
what a fun experience, you look terrific! love all: the context, style and dresses!
contessa says
GRAZIE BELLA!
DAI UN CIAO A ROMA PER ME!
Jeanne Henriques says
Elizabeth..always adore seeing you in red and what a trip it was! Fabulous memories for you all and you look tres chic and so elegant…as you always do. xx
contessa says
SO, happy you popped over and left me a comment!!!!
I remember you even chatted it up on YOUR BLOG which was SO SPECIAL for me!!!
THANK YOU THANK YOU…………….I see from your POST today we shop at the same ENGLISH ADDRESS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love how small the world is…………….XX
Catherine says
Fabulous YOU…you look every bit the movie star, Contessa…stunning photographs…you are a stunning lady in red!
Have a lovely week…socks are on their way 😉 xx
contessa says
Good thing as I awaken COLD this morning!!!!!!!!
I will be on the LOOK OUT for the ROYAL MAIL delivery!
If anyone NEEDS cashmere socks for the winter this is your GAL………..I plan to gift a pair maybe two!XX
The Style Crone says
What a wonderful post. How beautiful and regal you look in these photos. I’m sure that your sons will never forget this trip to Paris with their stunning and interesting mother.
LA CONTESSA says
I hope NOT!
I like the “INTERESTING” Part!!!
XX
Karena says
Elizabeth,
Thank you so much for your comment on my site. I have an idea….call me at 913-638-5171, or email me at [email protected] with a good time to call you and your Number!!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Autumn Artistry!
LA CONTESSA says
I DID and it was lovely to chat with YOU!
XX
Tamera Beardsley says
These photos still take my breath away! Absolutely lovely to see more with the behinds the scenes! I think your trip with your boys … and then getting a fabulous photographer as well … personifies … Your Contessa Style! Absolutely Fantastic my friend!!
xoxo
LA CONTESSA says
CONTESSA STYLE………………..LOVE THAT!
THANKS for popping over here!!
XO
Dore @ BurlapLuxe says
Beautiful as you are here in the states or Paris where you fit so perfectly in-vogue!
I always enjoy a visit here with you my sweet contessa, I have to mention to you in case you did not take notices but there is a message with an email address and a phone number for you to contact KARENA over at her site in her comment list for she herself to you!
I will return soon for more of your beauty, and I soon will be inspiring a bit of gold I found, not real gold 🙂 but wall sconces in gold and so French/Italian and love that a bit of your style will be hanging off a wall in my home soon.
Beautiful days ahead of you.
Xx
Dore
contessa says
I spoke with KARENA!!
DID you say SCONCES…………….love sconces!
Dore @ BurlapLuxe says
Elizabeth darling as I have mentioned before your poise and beauty stuns, as for the second photo you feeding the chickens in red, so belongs on the cover of a French Cook-BOOK !
You could have even a bit Italian in it to please the Itailan man in your life. Perhaps a farmhouse cook book with a play to the cover shot being so amazing that everyone would want to buy it, I know I sure would, in fact I would become your biggest fan promoting it for you!
Your photos are amazing, and if this is what old is the new black is…. I don’t mind growing old you where it all so beautifully
Perhaps your next French tour in Paris Hannah and I can tag along with you and your boys 🙂
Xx
bisous
Doré
contessa says
YOU really are SO kind…………
No books from me………….YET!
But will keep your idea in mind!
I ADORE THOSE PHOTOS………………Carla did a TERRIFIC JOB!
XX
welovefur says
Wow! Wow and again Woooow!
many kisses
dear
http://www.welovefur.com
contessa says
THANK YOU for the VISIT!!
anita@letshavelunch says
What a day Elizabeth……..what an incredible.
You did something that you will never repeat again.
Time with your boys in Paris of all places.
I’m sure they got a huge kick out of the experience.
Your face says you did
xx neat