The story behind this Wilanów Palace wedding photoshoot
I photographed the couple on a separate day from their wedding. They wanted the palace as a backdrop, and the bride had visited Wilanów once before and loved it. We scheduled the session to finish at sunset.
In two hours, I photographed the couple by the main gates and palace facade, in the gardens, by the fountain and at the stone balustrade. I like how the setting changes across the series: palace architecture gives way to garden paths, sculptures and water. The final portraits were taken in soft evening light.
The unplanned photo by the fountain
My favorite photo from this series happened unexpectedly. The groom suddenly stretched out on the edge of the fountain. The bride protested, and I managed to catch the moment. Later, we all loved the photo.
I love it for its spontaneity. It stands out among the couple portraits and reminds me how upbeat they were during the session; they were a pleasure to work with.
What happened outside the frame
Many other wedding couples were being photographed at Wilanów at the same time. Some appeared in the background of our photos, and I had to remove them during editing.
How much time to allow and what to bring
If I planned a similar session again, I would allow at least three hours. Our two hours gave us a varied set of photos and the sunset finish we had planned, but there were several interesting spots we did not reach.
I also advise brides to bring a comfortable second pair of shoes. Moving between locations in heels is tiring, and your feet tire quickly. Comfortable shoes for walking can help you keep your energy for the final portraits, especially when the session ends at sunset.