Oh, the beautiful town of Split …

This beautiful town and Sustipan, a small peninsula located in the southwestern part of Split, it just overwhelmed me. Even though it was a pretty hot day, it was such a beautiful love session. These two were a real treat to photograph. For me, it was one of my favorite sessions that year.  For some reason, there weren’t any people at Sustipan, when we were there. So it made my job even easier. It was a nice change to have a location all for yourself.

I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody,
you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.

– When Harry Met Sally

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Novi Dvori, Zapresic // I’m a bit late with blogs. This is not my favorite part of the wedding photography business. I can never decide which photos I wanna publish, or what to write along side them. That’s why I’m late with this one. These beautiful people got married a year ago, but I feel it would be a shame if I didn’t show you a few pics from their wedding session.

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How to describe this next day wedding session? Maybe the best word to describe it would be: awesome

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Next-day sessions are always a good idea, and these pictures prove it without a doubt. The bride and groom can choose a location freely and we can pick a time of day that is perfect for sessions. What also needs to be said is that you cannot put a price tag on stress-free and relaxed one-on-one time. The couple doesn’t get distracted, doesn’t have to hurry anywhere and the most important thing of all – the two lovebirds get to smile, cuddle and devote their time only to each other.

Marina & Zeljko chose this location and I was just thrilled about it. This is exactly where my hubby and I had our wedding session. With all the memories and emotions running high, it was nice to be behind the camera this time. We wanted to catch the golden hour so we could get those beautiful goldish photos we all like.

Even though we had a mini wedding session on their wedding day, I think these photos truly represent their love for each other. You can feel the romance in every last one of these photos. Every touch, every look and every kiss shows how much they care for each other.

Enjoy their love and a beautiful goldish summer day we had

When you came into focus
How could I pretend I didn’t notice?
An incision when you looked back
You gave me tunnel vision right through the pack

-Jutty Ranx: ‘I see you’

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The Hungarian capital Budapest unites the cities Buda and Pest, together with Óbuda. It was once called the “Queen of the Danube” thanks to one of the longest European rivers that runs through it and divides Pesta from Buda.

Buda was the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Hungary. Since 1873. it is an integral part of Budapest and lies on the west bank of the Danube. Buda is often referenced to „the old town of Budapest“. Interesting landmarks include the grand Buda Castle, the Citadella, and Hungary’s president’s residence Sándor Palace. A 19th-century Chain Bridge connects the hilly Buda district with flat Pest – the eastern part of Budapest. Among its most notable parts are the Inner City, including the Hungarian Parliament, Heroes’ Square and Andrássy Avenue.

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Last year we were there for a weekend. It was my first time in this beautiful city. Even though Budapest is very close to Zagreb (about 2 hours by car), I’ve never seemed to find time to visit. This time J and I decided to go somewhere just for the weekend. We were deciding between Prague, Bratislava or Budapest. Budapest won the ‘battle’ just because it was the closest to Zagreb, so we didn’t have to lose too much time on traveling. Even though I don’t travel as much as I would like to (who does? ), I’ve done a fair bit of traveling so far. Without a shred of doubt I can tell you that Budapest should be a city in your travel book. It has changed so much in the last decade and in a good way. It offers so many interesting sights, things to experience and taste. Our weekend was, definitely, too short to see everything.

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We rented a beautiful airbnb apartment at Pesta. It was situated only a few house numbers away from one the most popular ruin bars in Budapest (I have to say this was a lucky coincidence). Our mornings started with a breakfast at Szimpla bar. Definitely a place to recommend, good food and good coffee for a great price. The „Szimpla Kert“ is basically an old factory converted into a huge open-air cinema and pub. At night, this is a very popular place to go out (they have great cocktails). During the day we tried to see some of the most famous Budapest sightseeing attractions like the Parliament House, Fisherman’s Bastion, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Buda Castle Hill, Szechenyi Chain Bridge … the history of this city is just remarkable and you can see it in every brick of it.

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Usually we don’t have a detailed plan what to see when we travel somewhere new. We like to read about the city and have one or two sights to see a day and the rest of the day we like to just explore. As you are going to see in the video (I couldn’t fit everything into a blog ) and in the images, this city appears to have been made for photographers. Wherever you turn, there would be something interesting to photograph. Needless to say, I came home with too many images . We finished our road trip, stopping at the “Hungarian Sea” – Lake Balaton, which is the largest lake in Central Europe and a big tourist attraction in Hungary. We were practically alone there because we were there during off season. The weather was a bit gloomy but a perfect end of our road trip.

Enjoy the photos and video, my darlings

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Samobor // Old town. Old town Samobor is situated at 250 m above sea level. The Tepec hill, part of the beautiful Zumberak Nature Park, is home to an old castle that was constructed back in 1270 by supporters of Czech King Otokar. It was abandoned in the 18th century and has remained as such up to the present day. Even though the castle is now in ruins, it provides a  really beautiful backdrop for us wedding photographers.

Before climbing up the hill, the Ana & Ivan and I stopped for a drink. How better to start a shoot, then with a nice cold drink on a hot summer day? And it was a hot one, at least for me The climb wasn’t that hard but maybe I should‘ve reconsidered my kit choices, and brought a bit less with me Ana and Ivan were real troopers and made it to the top without breaking a sweat. Arriving at the top and enjoying the beautiful sights is what makes it all worth it.

Ana and Ivan are friends with two of my previous brides. So in a way, we knew each other before they hired me. Referrals from past clients help in establishing a friendly, casual atmosphere, but are also something I am very proud of and thankful for.

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Arriving at the top, seeing the old town and enjoying the beautiful sights is what makes it all worth it

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This kind of couple-sessions are very important in my opinion. They help familiarize the couples with standing in front of the camera (as I’ve already talked about here). We are all shy in front of the camera (yes, especially me). I feel that an informal, laid-back chat with the couple on some common topics helps a bit in the start. After all, you can‘t mix rushing and relaxing, right? After a while, everybody relaxes and gets used to someone running around, hiding and trying to capture pictures. Just like that, these two gorgeous people hung-loose after a while. I can’t remember how long were we there for, but together we grabbed so many magical pics (see below) it almost doesn‘t even matter.

Oh, yeah, we finished right exactly how we started … with a cold drink

These streets of gold so much untold
Blessed by the sun
You touched my soul
You showed me warmth more than enough
This place that i have never been before
You took me without even a thought
I thank you for my place in your heart
And you give me love so pure and so free
And you give me all the little things that i could ever need and
You give me love and planted your seed
And even through the rain your smile will last with me

-Idris Elba: ‘You Give Me Love’

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Last time I had a session at Erdödy park was approximately 5 years ago. Back then, it was in the process of reconstruction. This beautiful natural landmark was opened on the turn of the 20th century. Among various plant and animal species, this vast park treats its visitors to a brook named Reka, a pond named Park, the Jaska Granary and the Erdödy Castle, its most valuable “exhibit”. This castle is the oldest building in Jastrebarsko and was built at the end of the 15th century. Unfortunately, today it is in very poor condition and the interior is not open for visitors. I hope the local community renovates it soon. It would be such a pity to leave this beautiful historical monument to rot.

When I was at the park with Marina & Zeljko for their engagement shoot last summer, you could see all the changes that were made in this beautiful natural retreat. I just loved what they did with it and feel as though I could wander around with my camera for hours and hours. It certainly provided us with a perfect scenery for this beautiful couples session.

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engagement session – a casual meet that usually ends up with smiles, some great photos and a beer or three

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Even though the park is about half an hour from Zagreb, Marina and Zeljko decided it would be a great place for their engagement session. I love engagement sessions because couples have a non-stressful opportunity to be in front of a professional camera. Most often this is their first time in front the professional camera. Also, this a great chance for me to get more familiar with my clients. It’s a kind of rehearsal shoot for their big day. But at the same time, it’s a casual meet that usually ends up with smiles, some great photos and a beer or three (or cakes in this case ).

Play the music & enjoy the photos, guys

And so it is
just like you said it would be
Life goes easy on me most of the time
And so it is the
shorter story
No love, no glory
no hero in her sky
I can’t take my eyes off you
I can’t take my eyes

-Damien Rice: ‘The Blower’s Daughter’

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Some couples choose to spend their wedding day in a smaller, cherished circle, with only their merry groomsmen and bridesmaids. Tea and Mijo decided to organize their special day in a manner that would allow them to be casual, relaxed and easy-going. Tea had a beautiful timeless dress which reminded me of those worn by Hollywood actresses a few decades ago. Yes, she was stunning, but what made her truly shine was her radiant smile. Mijo certainly was an elegant groom, a true smooth operator with style.

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Some couples choose to spend their wedding day in a smaller, cherished circle, with only their merry groomsmen and bridesmaids

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We had a beautiful day at the Upper Town in Zagreb. Tea and Mijo gave their nuptial vows in a short private ceremony at Old City Hall, after which we went on a wedding session. I think it’s always a bit more relaxing for the couples to have photo sessions after the ceremony. Then the stress is off and emotions are high, so the pictures we get show pure love and emotion. Check out the photographs below, you’ll see what I mean. These two are such beautiful and gentle souls and I‘m truly very grateful that I got to be a part of their big day.

These two lovebirds sealed their day with a great lunch at the famous Dubravkin put restaurant in Zagreb. If you haven’t been there, then it should be on your must-try-when-in-Zagreb list. Trust me, it is memorable and you will really enjoy it. Now I will let you enjoy the photos below

‘She stood there bright as the sun on that California coast
He was a Midwestern boy on his own
She looked at him with those soft eyes so innocent and blue
He knew right then he was too far from home
Oh
He was too far from home
She took his hand and she led him along that golden beach
They watched the waves tumble over the sand
They drove for miles and miles up those twisting turning roads
Higher and higher and higher they climbed

And those Hollywood nights
In those Hollywood hills
She was looking so right
In her diamonds and frills
Oh those big city nights
In those high rolling hills
Above all the lights
She had all of her skills’

-Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band: ‘Hollywood nights’

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Oh, 2017 … you were good to me

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In the last few weeks of December, the wedding community was swamped with all kinds of seasonal reviews and summations of 2017, so I’ve decided to wait mine out (and also I was a bit sick during the holidays). In this short video, I would like to share with you some of my favorite last-years moments.

It was a really colorful and interesting year, both personally and professionally. Sure, it had a few ups and downs, but when I sum it all up – it was a very good one. I was really lucky to get to meet and work with so many wonderful and beautiful people. Honestly, that’s the best part of my job. I get to take part in their special day, soak in the atmosphere of their precious moments and share memories with them. Isn’t that just a dream job?

I’ve been a bit lazy about posting my stuff on social media lately. That is why I’m going to be working extra hard in the coming few weeks to show you some of the weddings of last year. After all, It’s winter and what else is one to do than to write some blogs and publish photos of beautiful people? Soon to come …

Until then, I hope you are going to enjoy these beautiful photos as I did when I was creating them

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‘ It’s time to begin, isn’t it?
I get a little bit bigger but then I’ll admit
I’m just the same as I was
Now don’t you understand
That I’m never changing who I am ‘

– Imagine Dragons: “It’s time”

Why Couldn’t It Be Christmas Every Day?

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Last Friday I met with some fabulous female wedding photographers for a Christmas brunch. We gathered at Il secondo, one of the best Italian restaurants in Zagreb. The interior was so beautifully decorated, as you can see in the photos below, and the food was even better. The girls (Barbara, Danijela, Mateja, Sanja, Nina and Maja) and I used this brunch to catch up after a very busy wedding season, to unwind before the holidays and enjoy the tasty dishes with an italian accent. I have to mention that this gathering wouldn’t take place without our dear Daniela, who was under the weather that day but still managed to come and spend some time with us, as well as Lidija who was ‘to blame’ that we met at Il secondo.

This cosy and elegant restaurant, along with its young but professional staff, were great hosts. They prepared a bunch of delightful surprises that were colorful, mysterious and interesting, exactly as our beautiful brides and grooms, we’ve had a pleasure of sharing our year with. All of us thoroughly enjoyed a variety of seafood and meat delicacies (and some vegan goodies for our Mateja). Even if I wanted, I couldn’t tell you which one was better then the other. Believe me, you should go and try it for yourself, you won’t regret it. I truly hope this kind of gathering is going to become an annual thing.

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venue: Il secondo

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A beautiful and sweet little town Moscenice is a perfect background for a love session!

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Moscenice is an adorable small hillside town situated above Moscenicka Draga and near the famous summer resort of Opatija. It’s medieval fortified walls surround the most beautiful small and narrow streets without any cars or bikes, which is quite nice for a change. Exploring the town by foot takes less than an hour and is well worth it.

I had my heart set on visiting this town on the eastern slopes of Ucka Mountain with a beautiful view of Kvarner and the islands of Krk and Cres. I fell in love with the town few years ago and have wanted to have a session here for so long. So I suggested this location to Ivana and Mario for our love session which was really near to their hometown of Labin. They loved the idea of exploring their ‘neighbourhood‘.

We really had a lot of fun exploring all the cracks of this adorable little town with numerous cultural monuments, churches, a castle and an olive grove. Both Ivana and Mario were really relaxed and endearing while enjoying this amazing location and the views that surround it. What more could I ask for? (smiley)

Looking back at this warm may afternoon, we had such a lovely time in Moscenice. I hope to be back soon and enjoy the views or even visit some of the hiking trails to the old, abandoned villages of the Ucka mountain.

Dear Istria, I am looking forward to seeing you soon!

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‘A small town is a place where there’s no place to go where you shouldn’t.’

– Burt Bacharach