[If you’re pressed for time, here’s the run-down: A Paris portrait session for the lovely Ana Laura to celebrate her birthday. We strolled through the gardens at Notre Dame; walked on the Seine; and stopped at the Louvre before ending at the Palais Royal.]

Clouds promised rain the morning that Ana and I found each other in front of Notre Dame. Springtime in Paris is tricky — buckets of sunshine one moment, dreary skies the next.

“We’re doing this, rain or shine,” I said. The day before (which was cheerfully sunny), I had procured a clear plastic umbrella from my favorite Parisien concept shop, Merci, just in case.

At 10 a.m., there is generally a crowd in front of the cathedral, and during spring, I’d wager it’s more to see the cherry blossoms blooming than to enter the church itself. This was just the spot we wanted — bright and beautiful and and optimistic. It seemed the rain was going to hold off — a good sign.

It’s difficult to move to a city where you don’t know anyone. If you’re unprepared, loneliness will creep upon you and before you know it, you’re engulfed. Ana is one of the first friends I made here in Paris, as I was hopping around, searching for a church (and friends). Although we traded phone numbers, it took us a while to actually meet up…but I’m glad we did! Thank you, Ana, for the glimmer of friendship you provided to me as I was looking.

After weaving and working our way around the fellow flower-lovers at Notre Dame, we took a leisurely stroll down the Seine, stopping for photos, and almost getting hit by a truck! Then we meandered through the Louvre, which always inspires me, and finished at the always-stunning Palais Royal. It was definitely an adventure — and Ana, I hope this year is everything you hope for and more, filled with love in the city of light!