Getting ready in glamping tents, an outdoor ceremony, a first dance under the open sky… and doughnuts instead of a wedding cake!
Today we’d like to share the story of Zuzia and Alex’s wedding. It was a truly unforgettable day full of joy, love and endless fun. This time we photographed in a slightly different line-up – Julia, a friend of Zuzia’s, celebrated at this wedding as a guest, while Kasia from White Balance photographed with the support of our friend Michał Wąsik as second photographer. The result of this collaboration turned out wonderfully! See for yourselves.
The preparations took place in a wooden house and in the charming Kimura Glamping tents, which provided an intimate and picturesque setting for the couple. Our work started from the moment Zuzia, surrounded by her best friends, her mum and her sister, was transforming into a beautiful bride. The atmosphere was full of emotion and… a hint of impatience 😉 Meanwhile Alex was getting ready a little further away, in the yellow tents, with his brother and best man.
A first look – is it worth it?
In short – YES. It was a moment full of emotion, tension and indescribable magic.
Zuzia and Alex decided to see each other for the first time in their wedding outfits just before the ceremony, off to the side, away from curious eyes. This intimate, personal moment was a special time for them to stop the clock and look into each other’s eyes as future spouses before the whirlwind of the wedding began. Before the meeting they had both filled in little books by Polish designer Dopiletero, writing down their answers to various intimate questions, such as “Everything I love about you is…”. Reading them during the first look was a beautiful and personal summary of their love.
As Zuzia gently approached Alex, her face showed very intense emotions – excitement, joy, being deeply moved. It was beautiful to see tears so full of love and of the certainty that, standing face to face, they were ready for a life together. For us as wedding photographers, it’s always an extraordinary experience and an honour to witness such intimate moments and be able to capture them in photos.
Outdoor ceremony – Cicha23
The wedding ceremony took place outdoors, surrounded by lush greenery. All the guests were enchanted by this magical place and the extraordinary atmosphere of Cicha23. Family and friends from all over the world stood by the couple’s side to share the joy of this special moment. The visual side matched the feel of the ceremony perfectly thanks to minimalist decorations of delicate flowers: baby’s breath, also known as gypsophila.
A mini session on the wedding day
A mini session on the wedding day is a moment when the couple can catch their breath and take a break from the crowd of guests. It’s a moment when they can focus just on each other (and on the photographers watching them ;)). The result is a dozen or so special frames showing the couple in their wedding outfits, just the two of them – and if the weather and surroundings cooperate, they can easily replace a portrait session on another day.
Cicha 23 – drinks in the open air
Toasts from loved ones at the reception
At weddings in Poland we don’t often hear speeches from loved ones at the table. At Zuzia and Alex’s wedding, however, we had the pleasure of experiencing toasts in which the couple’s loved ones shared their thoughts and wishes for the newlyweds. It’s a beautiful and moving tradition, popular for example in English-speaking countries: selected guests – often parents, the best man and maid of honour, or closest friends – give short speeches. We probably don’t need to tell you that we sometimes shed a tear behind the camera too 🙂
A first dance under the open sky – Cicha 23 wedding
One of the special moments of the evening was Zuzia and Alex’s first dance. It took place on a wooden deck under the open sky, with warm fairy lights twinkling above the couple.
The reception hall – Cicha 23 wedding
And then… What more can we say – the dance floor was ON FIRE as the band Panowie od Muzyki took the party to the max. Even the bride’s grandma and grandpa didn’t miss the chance to spin around the dance floor.
Doughnuts as a wedding cake?
The traditional wedding cake was replaced by an original tower of doughnuts, which was a lovely surprise for all the guests. This unusual idea fitted perfectly with the energy and originality of the whole event.
Modern wedding party games
“Oczepiny” – a set of traditional games held late in the evening – have long been an integral part of Polish weddings. It’s also a moment that can stir up mixed feelings – from excitement to fear of kitsch and of being pushed into taking part. At Zuzia and Alex’s wedding, though, we experienced something completely different: modern, fun party games that were simply unforgettable.
It’s worth stressing that no couple should feel forced to hold traditional oczepiny. You can do everything your own way – it’s your big day after all 😉 At Zuzia and Alex’s wedding, Panowie od Muzyki not only provided perfect music but also led great party games. One of the most popular modern wedding games is “Name That Tune”. It’s a perfect way to get guests playing together and lighten the mood. We’ve seen many versions of this game and each one is great fun for both the couple and the guests.
Modern wedding games really don’t have to be tacky. We’ve seen many games tailored to the taste and personality of the couple, and as wedding photographers we’re always ready to advise our couples and share our experience and inspiration.
Cicha 23 in Marki – you’re doing it right! This magical place created a unique atmosphere that perfectly reflected Zuzia and Alex’s style and personality. We’re dreaming of more weddings we could capture there as a wedding photography duo!
Venue/vendors:
Civil ceremony: Cicha 23
Reception: Cicha 23
Music: Panowie od Muzyki – Marcin
Flowers & decorations: Ten Dom
Bride
Dress 1: Agata Wojtkiewicz
Dress 2: We Are Dearly
Shoes: Anniel
Make-up: Weronikowa
Hair: Hair by Bakun
Groom
Suit: Suitsupply
Shoes: Suitsupply
Dreaming of a wedding with a similar feel? See the story of another outdoor wedding at Cicha23.