Grace & Lance could have married anywhere but opted for the beautiful, medieval city of Prague for their elopement. Their wedding planner arranged for their wedding to take place before lunchtime (a truly odd time). When I found out about their timeline I asked them if they would consider getting up very early to experience something couples rarely have the privilege of having: a romantic nighttime/sunrise wedding portrait session. Seeing their smiles was all I needed to know that this couple was really going for something truly unique and special. The preceding photos capture in pictures what they felt – far more than my writing. As such I will leave it there.
Prague has become very popular with tourists and with so many tourists out and about it just does not feel intimate any longer. It used to be that on one’s wedding day you could take leave of your guests and enjoy a few intimate moments alone on or near the Charles Bridge or especially near the riverside. Those locations are quite prized for couples wishing to capture some unique portraits on their wedding day. Yet with so many tourists out and about, capturing those special moments has become increasingly more difficult. For those adventurous couples who are willing to get up quite early, the rewards of having these incredible locations nearly all to yourselves are simply priceless.
Regina & Peissu’s natural style pre wedding in historic Prague
Many couples are eschewing the traditional posed pre wedding for ones that focuses on capturing real moments – artistically and creatively. But there is a caveat; capturing real, heartfelt moments takes a bit more effort, dedication and attention to many factors: light, composition, color temperature, lens choice and etc just being some.
The reality is very few can create and capture a session that feels and looks natural.
Of course having a couple who trusts in you and your vision and feels comfortable and confident in front of the camera is also a big factor. If as a photographer you can not get your couple to feel free, uninhibited or natural – you will fail no matter how hard you try.
Regina & Peissu traveled over from the US for their pre wedding. Like many couples it is an obligatory rites of passage as they both will be completing their advanced degrees soon and tying ‘the knot.’ They knew the incredible architecture of Prague would provide a gorgeous background for their photos. They also were quite concerned about having a session that fits their styles, taste and personalities. In addition they were not exactly sure about the timeline and locations and what to do. So after a few rounds of emails and a video chat to discuss everything – in addition to our FAQ section of our website. We were able to put their fears to rest and focus on the session itself.
For those couples who brave the very early morning wake up call – the magical, quiet atmosphere of Prague devoid of tourists as the city slumbers is an experience few are lucky to have had. There really is nothing like strolling in silence underneath the gas lamps taking in the incredible sights of ‘the city of 100 spires’. As a photographer, creative type and yes, a very proud citizen who lives here, sharing this historic city with new friends and clients from afar and near is something I still love – even if it means getting up at 4 am in the summer months…
Regina & Peissu were all smiles as they walked hand in hand under the deserted Tower on the Charles Bridge in the cool, crisp summer air as the sky began to lighten and the birds began to sing. Simply capturing allowing these two to walk around and study the statues, the views and just enjoy the atmosphere was all I needed. We spent about 20 minutes enjoying just that.
Though the sunrise was a bit flat at the beginning, the sun flaring over the spires of Tyn Church in the Old Town Square was a sight that left all of us speechless. The rising mist created an ethereal, visual feast and the normally bustling square seemingly stood still in time. It was too good to pass this atmosphere up so we stayed put to soak it all in. And then as the sun lifted the temperatures further we laughed as these two chased after each other in the Old Town Square. And yes, we simply had to have a few art directed portraits to create those drama filled images that couples love to have but are too shy to ask for.
Nearby the Astronomical Clock had it’s usual queue of wedding couples lining up to be posed underneath. It is always a laugh to see so many couples and to see the same kind of photos. We also captured a few portraits as well including images of Regina & Peissu sauntering under its historic facade. Funny enough the Astronomical clock images did not make the final cut of their favorite 60 images. But the pictures of them walking hand in hand underneath it are also some of my faves (nothing like having a 14 mm lens to really capture that scene).
As our goal was to explore more of this enchanted city and not spend too much time at the usual tourists traps we headed towards the riverside where the Rudolfinum Concert House was awaiting our arrival. The sun flared its warmth all around as we enjoyed playing on it’s historic grounds.
We then headed to one of my favorite gardens where the gorgeous Regina was the centre of attention as the sunlight seemingly led the way. The fountain and use of a coveted 85 1.2 lens created the magical natural light portraits that are some of their faves (and mine too). Afterwards and with the clock quickly running down (this was a very manageable 6 hour session) it was time to visit our last stop: overlooking Prague.
Truth be told, Prague offers many wonderful locations, but few locations offer an unobstructed and very peaceful view overlooking the city and Prague Castle. With the right light and of course the best time of day this is a place I highly recommend. Though the walk can be a bit of work the reward speaks for itself.
It was worth it to simply sit down, take it all in, breathe and reflect on where they are and where they are going in life.
They say pictures are worth a 1000 words. I totally agree with that assessment. Pictures should not just show you hot things look but more importantly how it felt at that special moment in time. I like to think that these pictures captured that feeling and for them – that is priceless.
Our pre-wedding photo session with Kurt was an amazing experience! Prior to our photo session, Kurt both videochat and met us in person to personalize our session. During the session, Kurt and his assistant made it super fun and low-stress, so it’s very easy to have lots of natural photos. Kurt also knows all the best and hidden places in Praha so it’s like going on a private tour with him. The photos that came out are mind-blowing. I highly recommend Kurt as anyone’s photographer as he’s such a nice person, fun guy to talk to, an amazing photographer and a photographer who cares 🙂
A special thanks to Linda for doing a fantastic job on the hair & makeup and of course a Big Thank You to the best lighting assistant Stefan!
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{Prague wedding photographer / lifestyle photographer / pre wedding photographer available worldwide}
To have us capture your beautiful wedding day or a fantastic and individually created portrait session please contact us here to discuss your ideas and availability.
American photographer Kurt Vinion has been providing the very best in couple photography in Prague since 2008. Widely experience and well known for his creative & artistic use of light he can create beautiful, intimate and authentic images that will blow away your family & friends and will be enjoyed for a lifetime. Kurt does not just take pictures he captures beautiful moments that will be cherished for a lifetime.
People often ask ‘what happens if it rains during our pre-wedding session in Prague?‘ Truth be told if we are available the next day – we will happily change it. After all who wants to get soaked during their photo session?
The lovely Irene & Ryan – who hail from Vancouver – contacted us for a last minute Engagement shoot here in Prague. A week out from their session date they contacted us asking to change the date due to the weather forecast. As they seemed really sweet (though clearly stressed with the weather) and their second date was my day off, I thought why not? The crew being available was also a big plus as we all agreed to give up our day off. The day before their session, well, you guessed it: the forecast called for rain and once again contacted us frantically asking to change the date once more. Unfortunately I was committed to another client and was not able to do both at the same time.
There is a difference between the American / North American Engagement Photo Session and the ‘Asian pre-wedding‘ or ‘overseas photo shoots‘. The pre-weddings sessions tend to be more structured, lit ( lighting crew ), hair & makeup prep and at times in attendance and of course wedding outfits (2-3 wedding gowns is quickly becoming the norm) and a more posed look. Whereas the Engagement sessions are really about two people exploring the city and are photographed in a natural – spontaneous way with their normal clothes with very little posing or even directing. On the morning of the session we met up with them at the castle where Irene was wearing a white wedding dress and her always smiling fiancee Ryan was wearing a dark outfit – and they (like ourselves) were already soaked. Truth be told, as a professional photographer one who works with a crew – you can create stunning images with the rain. After capturing a few images (the castle gates in both color and B&W for starters) and showing these images on the back of my trusty and nearly waterproof Canon EOS 1Ds MarkIII everyone relaxed, smiled – everything was going to be ok.
One of my favorite moments was when we were shooting posed portraits of Irene under the Powder Tower and there was a group of 10-12 Japanese tourists all with cameras (and flashes going off like mad) as she posed for a few images. It was quite funny as they were very excited to show us their images and of course Irene being the center of attention was all smiles as well. Even in the worst of situations something funny, beautiful and unforgettable occurs making it all worth while – fate is like that. We took leave of our new friends and headed up to one of my favorite places overlooking the city down below for our session wrap. It was really at that time the rain stopped and the sky lightened a bit. After a few sitting shots overlooking the valley down below, we said our goodbyes and left them to enjoy the park – after all the sun was starting to shine.
Pictured here are various styles captured during that session – a session where having the right kind of lighting crew really does make a difference.
To Irene & Ryan, congrats on getting married this month – and thanks for bringing that Vancouver weather 😉 On behalf of my team, I wish you both the very best in your new lives together as husband and wife. BTW I am personally quite pleased to hear how much you enjoyed the book as we are always quite proud creating something truly unique for our wonderful couples like yourselves.
Portrait Locations: Prague Castle Gates, Charles Bridge, Old Town, Letna overlook
{pre wedding photo Prague / Lifestyle & Engagement photographer / pre wedding photographer available worldwide}
Kennis & Ripple are two really sweet people who will be marrying in Hong Kong in a few months. But before they exchange their ‘I do’s’ they decided to travel to Prague for their sunrise & sunset pre-wedding portrait session with yours truly.
They decided on a sunrise start on top of the Charles Bridge. Truth be told the Charles Bridge at sunrise feels more like Disneyland than the once peaceful oasis of calm it used to provide. On this particular morning before the sun came up it was already quite busy so we decided to back away from the crowds and take it all in from a different location. Thankfully the bridge is large enough to accommodate everyone. Not only did we capture them during the pre-dawn we also backed up to give them time to stop, look around and take it all in. It is not often that you get a chance to view such a beautiful sunrise from Prague’s Charles Bridge.
Mother nature did her part by providing them with blueish purple sky that flared a deep Orange and it was truly unforgettable. As we work with a full lighting crew capturing these beautiful colors at night is not a problem. Kennis & Ripple clearly enjoyed the experience and were quite happy to exchange a warm hello to the other couples who were also being photographed as we made our way to the Old Town Square.
Sadly the Astronomical clock was covered in scaffolding so we simply took in the square’s architecture and especially the sunlight breaking over it which created a wonderful atmosphere for these two. My only regret was not having a long veil for Kennis to use to create some very stylish images of the bride-to-be. But truth be told, this is a couples portrait session and ultimately that is what they want: couples portraits.
After taking a walk around and seeing more sights we headed back to the already very busy Charles Bridge to capture more unique portraits at some of my favorite locations. One thing I enjoyed (and they absolutely loved it as well) were the many sun flare shots we were able to create during the Golden Light hour here. To complete our morning session we headed to the riverside. Some of their favorite images are of them simply sitting and taking it all in.
As this was a Sunrise and Sunset session we had a much needed break in the afternoon, and with a new hair & makeup look and a stunning red dress it was time to head out and capture more unique locations. For a late afternoon start there is no better location than the peaceful oasis of the Vrtba Garden. We were not the only photographers there during that time but nevertheless we were able to create some beautiful & stylish lit portraits overlooking the city below. Prague Castle was our next stop before heading down to the Charles Bridge after the sunset.
Though we did not have an amazing sunset we did have one of those incredible mornings where the golden light bathed us in its warmth and created some unique images. One of the nicest things I will remember from this session is when Ripple (or as I like to call him Mr. Ripple) finally let go and just laughed and laughed and laughed. His smile and laughter are really infectious and Kennis being the sweetheart that she is lights up when he does as well. As a photographer I am very happy I met these two and were able to create something quite unique for them and about them as they really are a sweet couple.
The following collection of images are some of their chosen ones that they will be showing proudly to their family & friends during their upcoming wedding in Hong Kong. To Kennis & Ripple, I wish you both much luck, happiness and success in your new lives together as husband and wife.
Portrait Locations: Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Riverside, Vrtba Garden, Prague Castle, Charles Bridge
{pre wedding photo Prague / Lifestyle & Engagement photographer / pre wedding photographer available worldwide}
A Prague wedding anniversary photo session with Savannah & Taylor (USA) at sunrise in Prague.
These two are not only a very sweet couple but very proud parents who decided to steal away some much needed quality time with each other to celebrate their wedding anniversary. But where? Obviously when you live in the US you can go to many places, but they wanted something special, unique even and Europe was calling out to them. Though Savannah has traveled quite a bit, Taylor who is very busy with his job and work really has not. After viewing many places they came across photos of Prague and it was settled.
On a surprisingly cool summer morning – where the mist coming up from the Vltava was beautifully back lit with that incredible Golden Light – we caught up with these on the Charles Bridge. What follows is a very special and beautiful intimate post wedding photo session in Prague.
Prague Locations: Charles Bridge, Old Town Square
{pre wedding photo Prague / Lifestyle & Engagement photographer / pre wedding photographer available worldwide}
A beautiful destination wedding at the Troja Chateau featuring the lovely Helen and her husband Cesar who traveled over from Lebanon to have their dream wedding in Prague. Beautiful, natural-styled wedding photography captured not only at the Troja Chateau but at many of Prague’s iconic locations.
Not only were these two an absolute joy to capture on their visually stunning and happy wedding day but their close family & friends who joined them made it all come together. It was truly unforgettable.
And the beautiful bride left me this wonderful review:
Kurt Vinion was the best decision I made during the entire wedding planning process.. You are simply FANTASTIC!! came up with great-looking unique photos ? thank you for capturing our big day and making it look so effortless, your dedication and precision to work is what matters! I am overwhelmed with the outcome and every single picture is fabulous! Kurt & the team are thorough professionals and the quality of their work was incredible. Undoubtedly, they have created the most treasured memory of our life. A picture conveys more than 1000 words and I’ll let their pictures tell the rest. I wish you all the very best to reach more heights and come out with flying colors establishing in more cities and countries !!
? thank you for capturing our big day and making it look so effortless, your dedication and precision to work is what matters! I am overwhelmed with the outcome and every single picture is fabulous! Kurt & the team are thorough professionals and the quality of their work was incredible. Undoubtedly, they have created the most treasured memory of our life. A picture conveys more than 1000 words and I’ll let their pictures tell the rest. I wish you all the very best to reach more heights and come out with flying colors establishing in more cities and countries !! 
