A Golden Hour Photoshoot with Meghan from wit & whimsy

There is nothing we like more than a golden hour photoshoot. Something about the way the light shines through the trees and reflects off of the fantastic architecture here in Paris is just perfect. Pair that with one of our favorite bloggers as the subject and you’ve got a recipe for the best afternoon ever!

We have loved Meghan Donovan from wit & whimsy for a long time – a francophile at heart, her blog is all about elevated living and combines her life in New York City, (with plenty of trips to Paris thrown in, of course) style, beauty and more. She also runs a bespoke travel atelier (En Route to Rêverie) that helps people plan custom trips to England and France – could she be any cooler?

When we got the opportunity do a golden hour photoshoot with Meghan in central Paris, we were so excited! Perfect light, perfect backdrop, perfect subject! We couldn’t resist asking her a few question about herself during the shoot – find out more about Meghan, her style inspiration, some of her best tips and of course, what’s next for wit & whimsy.

Where are you from originally and where are you located now?

I was born and raised in Chicago with the exception of two years of my childhood that were spent in London. I moved to New York back in 2011 and I split my time between Brooklyn and trips to France.

Tell us about wit & whimsy, what made you decide to start this website and blog?

I began wit & whimsy back in 2006 when I was seeking a creative outlet to write and share recommendations for products I loved, I never imagined I would still be doing it all these years later and how the brand has grown and evolved. I am so proud of the community I’ve built and love sharing my recommendations and ways to elevate the everyday with those that follow along on my journey. wit & whimsy remains a destination for style, beauty products, travel inspo and more.

How would you describe your style? How does it differ when you’re in NYC vs Paris?

Feminine, classic and timeless. I really rely on tailored pieces that stand the test of time. In Paris my style is a bit more polished whereas in New York I am more casual and you’ll find me in athleisure often as I run about town. In Paris I would never wear athleisure. I don’t think I’ve ever even packed a pair of leggings for a Paris trip!?

Describe your perfect day in NYC. 

I would start by picking up croissants at L’appartment 4f or Poppy’s in my Brooklyn Heights neighborhood. Then it’s an iced latte from Arabica down in Dumbo followed by a long walk around Brooklyn Bridge Park. Dinner is at Minetta Tavern – their Manhattan, Burger and Aligot potatoes followed by chocolate soufflé is my perfect meal in NYC. 

Describe your perfect day in Paris.

I love days in Paris spent flaneuring. I like a long morning breakfast on a cafe terrace people watching. Then I’ll do a museum – the Rodin or the D’Orsay are favorites but the Dior Galerie is also so inspiring visually. I love to walk the parks, along the Seine and see where the day takes me. I love photographing the city via my iPhone, I find Paris so captivating. 

Any day that involves shopping at La Grand Epicerie is a great day in Paris, too. And loads of good eating, too. Chocolates from Jacques Genin or a great hazelnut pastry of some sort. Dinner would be at Le Bistrot Paul Bert for their steak frites and Grand Marnier souffle. 

Quick! You’ve got 10 minutes to get dressed for a day of touristing around in Paris, what are you throwing on?

A blazer, a great pair of jeans and my Chanel ballet flats. Timeless, classic and practical for a day spent out exploring.

What are 5 things every woman should have/own?

A pair of jeans that makes them feel amazing. A classic ballet flat. A good crossbody bag that can go from day to night. A well-fitting black blazer. A smile. 

What is next or upcoming for wit & whimsy?

Next year will be the site’s 20th anniversary so I feel I should do something epic for that, right!? 

Want to book a golden hour photoshoot with one of our friendly English-speaking photographers? Drop us a line on our contact form or email us at info@timb343.sg-host.com.