As a destination wedding photographer based in Prague, I was thrilled to capture the wedding of Anna and Sergey from Moscow at the enchanting Castle Hluboka. Their vision was clear - they wanted a reportage style, focusing on authentic emotions and genuine moments, eschewing traditional posed portraits.
The day began at Hotel Stejkl, nestled within the castle grounds. I arrived to see Anna, the bride, surrounded by her mother and sisters, who were tenderly addressing her bridal nerves. In a nearby room, Sergey, the groom, was a whirlwind of activity, balancing last-minute business calls with wedding preparations, his laughter echoing through the room where his mother assisted him and his friends toasted to his big day.
The weather was a gamble with a forecast of light rain, but fortune smiled as the ceremony commenced under a merely gray sky, holding off the rain just long enough.
The moment Anna and Sergey turned to see each other was pure magic. As they faced one another, their smiles were radiant, and Anna's emotions overwhelmed her, tears of joy streaming down her face, which Sergey lovingly wiped away.
The ceremony was filled with heartfelt moments; the cheer when they were introduced as Mr. and Mrs. was deafening, a testament to the love surrounding them. After formal group photos and champagne toasts, I suggested they steal away for a moment of solitude amidst the chaos of the day. This quiet interlude was perhaps the most intimate part of the day, until Sergey's phone rang with work, pulling him back but not without a shared smile with Anna, understanding the balance of life, love, and the continuing success of a businessman.
Post-ceremony, we journeyed back to Prague in a luxurious Maybach. Anna, curious and playful, asked where I would go for a special photo if it were my wedding day. I knew just the spot. As we reached our destination, the sun broke through, casting a golden light that matched their rising spirits, leading to spontaneous dancing and embraces against a backdrop that took their breath away.
The evening's festivities moved to the opulent Kaunicky Palace in Prague, where the atmosphere was nothing short of sumptuous.
To the beautiful Anna & the always smiling Sergey:
Я желаю вам обоим большого счастья, успехов и любви в вашей жизни как мужа и жены. Спасибо, что выбрали меня своим фотографом!
Bride & Groom preparation location: Hotel Stejkl
Wedding venue: Castle Hluboka nad Vltavou
Gala & Dinner: Kaunicky Palace
Wedding planners: A&A