2021 wedding trends

This year we may be living through unprecedented times that have turned the wedding world upside down and caused lots of cancellations and postponements. Those couples who were willing, and more important, able to go on with their weddings, had to make heartbreaking decisions on who can be there for their special day. Choosing between friends and family can be incredibly difficult, though elopements were a big trend for some years already. After having been forced to self-isolate and not to see your family members and friends for months, the possibility toto celebrate the special day with the loved ones became even more precious. The definition of the “most nearest and dearest” vary greatly on couples in normal time. For some it meant inviting hundreds of relatives, colleagues and acquaintances, some preferred to celebrate in a cosy circle of intimate friends. Anyway, determining the guest list was always overwhelming and not that pleasant as wedding cake tasting. Traditionally the couple got half the guest list, and each set of parents ga quarter of the guest list (the most drama-free approach is to suggest the parents to split the list evenly three ways). Shrinking the event down to a cozy, intimate size will open possibility of having a venue that was not an option before, hiring a wedding photographer that was out of your budget or anything else you couldn’t afford before, you might be able to indulge now. Moreover you will have tons of memories of spending more time with every single guest.

If you feel a low-key version of your dream day just isn’t enough, you could always sign the marriage documents now and plan a larger celebration once restrictions have eased. Anyway, we want to stay optimistic and go on with planning. While the current restrictions are really challenging, there are still options to create a truly special wedding.

Other trends for 2021 weddings

• smaller, more intimate weddings,

• understated, cleaner, more minimal style,

• going big on the little details,

• elopements at “local destinations” (venues that are near the couple's home area but may require having guests stay overnight without having to get on the plane)

• cityhall weddings and outdoor celebrations with romantic ambiance,

• eco-friendly and sustainable,

• interactive food experiences, using  local produce from organic farms

• showing more of your personal style - colour, non-traditional wedding dresses, one-of-a-kind wedding stationary

Social media to inspire

You want your wedding day to be perfect: an exciting, romantic, beautiful event that you and your guests will remember for years to come. Your wedding is your day to shine, and you wouldn't want to look anything less than sensational. Which dress to choose, flowers, shoes, what kind of make up and hair style... Finding answers to these questions can be exciting but daunting at the same time. There are tons of fashion magazines, Instagram and Pinterest accounts. You will enjoy the fun of looking through the latest magazines, watching fashion channels, searching wedding and fashion blogs. You can be inspired by old Hollywood movies or celebrity weddings.

Here, I made a selection of my favourite social media things, some of which might be new and interesting for you.

I'll start with Instagram accounts (every name is clickable)

Instagram of my favourite blog

The Lane

My favourite photographers (they work with the best existing wedding stylists, designers and planners, and therefore great for finding inspiration not only because of their exceptional photography skills! I also want to attract your attention that both of them are film photographers)

Jose Villa

Elizabeth Messina

Two Spanish Instagram accounts that I discovered recently (I wish that all the guests that will be attending your wedding took their outfits inspiration here, totally "picture perfect" dress-code!)

https://www.instagram.com/whiteveils/

https://www.instagram.com/buganviliaevents/

Wedding designer

Joy Proctor

and the classics of wedding blogs

Style Me Pretty

Wedding style inspiration blogs 

https://www.oncewed.com

http://thelane.com

(they are both great, Oncewed is more about natural, quiet and organic beauty, The Lane is more edgy, raw and wilder elegance)

Pinterest

https://www.pinterest.com/oksanabernold/weddings/

https://www.pinterest.com/oksanabernold/allthingsbeautiful/

Huge collection of everything wedding  - wedding dresses, rings, food & drinks, veils & hairpieces, bridal jewelry, bouquets &  boutonnieres

https://www.pinterest.com/oncewed/

https://www.pinterest.com/the_lane

Pre-wedding pictures in Switzerland // Love story in Switzerland // anniversary portraits in Switzerland

The great thing about being a photographer is the possibility to meet people from the whole world and tell the story of their love. This year I had a pleasure to photograph couples and families with children from Asia, Australia, Middle East, Russia and the USA. If you are planning to have a destination wedding or an elopement in beautiful Switzerland wonderland, don't hesitate to write me! I love the idea of a romantic couple photo session -  pre-wedding pictures, portraits taken during your honeymoon or just a walk in the stunning Swiss Alps ... anything, I am at your disposal!

Minnie and William live in Hong Kong and love to travel, it was so nice to explore Switzerland together and visit these romantic locations - Château Gütsch, Meggenhorn Castle, Interlaken and around.

Anniversary photo shootings and pre-wedding photo sessions in Switzerland are getting more and more popular. Couples from Asia, USA, Australia come to Switzerland attracted by its stunning scenery. There are so many wonderful places, where your photo shoot can happen - Lucerne area, Interlaken, Thun, Grindelwald, the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Engadin to mention just a few. As your destination Switzerland based photographer, I will help you to plan your visit, will give recommendations regarding hotels, hair and make up artist, will arrange flowers and lovely details that will make our pre wedding or anniversary pictures more special and will even drive you, if several locations are planned for the photo shoot. 

Some thoughts on photography services available in Switzerland

You may spent months preparing for your wedding, but the day itself will pass in a heartbeat. You will be able to re-live the joy and romance of it by looking through your wedding album. So don't take chances with your wedding photographer. You need a professional, whose work you admire, who understands your vision and whose style reflects your own. 

·       Expertise & style

 You may be searching for a wedding photographer for your wedding that will take place in Switzerland or a professional in destination weddings that will come to the place of your choice, or if you are looking for a family in-home session or for a studio staged photo shoot – in any case, I would recommend to choose a photographer, who is experienced in the area and, what is even more important, whose style resonates with your personality. Photographer’s portfolio speaks better than all the words about the style and expertise, so spend some significant time looking through the pictures. Photographers are creative people and happy to experiment, but even trying something new we will stay true to our personal taste and style. 

·       Packages & hidden costs

Most photographers offer a selection of packages. Packages may vary in coverage, number of photos edited, number of images printed, quality of printed pictures and photo albums, etc. So, before making a decision, be sure to find out what is included in a package and which services are available at extra cost. Check for hidden costs, you may be surprised, but sometimes family and portrait photo packages don’t include digital images, the price of a photo session covers just time and talent of the photographer, while products, either digital files or prints, are purchased separately. It's important that right from the beginning you are absolutely clear on how you are being charged, ask your prospective photographer what their policy is. All my collections include full-resolution digital images with a release for personal use (sharing, printing and posting on social media). If you need the pictures for commercial use, please contact me first. Photographers often use password-protected online galleries that are very convenient for displaying  pictures from the wedding celebration/photo shoot. I would also recommend to check, if you or your guests will have to pay additionally to be able to download the pictures and how much. The nice thing about the online galleries is that you as a wedding couple or family on the portraits can regulate who may have the access to the pictures as well as which exactly pictures you want to have accessible.  

·       Duration of a photo session & coverage

The duration of time when the pictures are taken is certainly a very important factor. Don’t fall for longer coverage all other things being equal, except price, while choosing a family photographer – you don’t need 3 hours of a family photo shoot, since your children will be not willing to cooperate after certain time. At the same time, don't expect a variety of pictures, if you book a one hour photo shoot at one location. As my experience shows, 2 hours is the ideal time, we will be able to change the outfits as well as locations. Regarding wedding photography, you do need at least 6-hour coverage for a wedding session and even more, if you want to have the memories of the different stages of the day. We are all different, think what will have more value for you - portraits of you while getting ready, pictures of your dress, shoes, rings and flower bouquet or rather shots from the dancing floor? Formal portraits of the guests are regarded to be essential part of the wedding photo coverage, but are these pictures really so necessary? Why not to limit the formal group pictures to maximum 1-2 and better assign one hour to couple portraits? If you plan your photographer to be present at the Apero, ask her (or ok, him :) to make portraits of the guests (couples, separate small groups of friends), this will be a nicer memory from the artistic point of view! :)

You can’t get what you want until you know exactly what you are searching for, right? :) So be specific. Also, be prepared to ask right questions for getting comprehensive answers that will help you choose the best photographer for your needs.

Best Wedding Invitation Ideas

Best Wedding Invitation Ideas

A wedding is considered to be one of the most intense days during the whole life for a couple. It consists of many details. The wedding stationery sets the stage for a lot of components of the couple`s great day. First of all, these are style and the theme. In this context, it’s indispensable to ascertain that such elements are as remarkable as possible.

After nailing the impeccable invitation phrasing, it’s time to assure you have the appropriate design to fit. Beyond doubt, remember the theme you`d chosen, however, try to think outside the box and select a styling which expresses your inner world ideally. Eventually, there is only one chance to make the first impression. Surprise the guests with one of the marvellous wedding invitation ideas below.

1. Stay minimalistic

Both a trend and a comfortable way of arranging the wedding is elegant minimalism in everything. No need to overreach your wedding invitations with deliberate details. Keep it minimalistic and simple by concentrating on a monochrome design that provides you with charming typography.

2. Draw Your Love

One of the most delightful things for guests to receive is an individual illustration of you and your partner on your wedding invitations. This way the quests may feel cohesion with the couple. From plain vectors to hand-drawn sketches, pick an illustration design which portrays you as a future family.

3. Express it with flowers

It cannot be denied that flowers are an element of the wedding decoration which never goes out of style, regardless of the season you`re becoming a husband and a wife. Anytime a classy choice, adorn the invitation cards with sophisticated floral ornaments.

4. Share a feeling of tropical vibes

Impart your wedding stationery the tropic spirit of the rainforest. This way is perfect for those brides who strives a seaside or outdoor reception. Think of including different rather minimalistic greens and plants in the design to make it clear for the guests what your wedding theme is going to look like.

5. ‘Tag’ your guests

Instead of sending out invites that will just end off getting kept in reserve or thrown away, attempt to create the invitation your family members and intimate friends will be able to reuse. These may be luggage tags or other exciting interpretation of typical invitations.

10 Tips How to Shoot Architecture in Switzerland - photo school theory - wedding, lifestyle, family photographer in Zurich and Switzerland

Switzerland has a lot to offer people who would like to try architectural photography. But how to do it correctly and obtain great results? Today we will share with you 10 tips how to shoot architecture in Switzerland.

1. Shoot in various weather conditions and hours of the day and night

Most people like to take a photo at sunset hours to catch the dramatic atmosphere of the building. Of course, this usually gives good results but the negative side is - it doesn't reveal the whole potential. A specific point in time decreases the varieties of what the building is in various weather conditions and times of day and night.

2. Make good lighting your priority

Lighting can emphasize a structure, space, and atmosphere. It reveals the most important feature of the target architectural project.

3. Find a unique angle

Look for the angle that will expose some missed form or decorative detail of the building. Take your time and watch the target from different places to get what you need in your photo.

4. People can be included

Architecture is made by people so it would be strange if architecture could exist without them. Don't be afraid to add people to your composition as they are an integral part of any architecture.

5. Shoot details as well as the whole

Remember that details can be beautiful too.

6. Not to objectify the target building

When you start shooting, forget about photos of the building you have seen before and find your own angle to take the unique photo.

7. Use tools for post-processing

If you can improve your photo don't hesitate and do it!

8. Good photography equipment

Buy appropriate equipment to get the best shots. A wide-angle lens is considered to be the best one to photograph architecture. A tripod will give more possibilities to take a picture when the light conditions are bad.

9. Return to the place multiple times

Really interesting aspects of the architecture can be revealed only over time.

10. Do a research

Learn the history of the building before going to shoot. That will undoubtedly uncover you the essence of the architectural structure and you will know what to focus on.

Lifestyle photography, theoretical point of view :)

What do you feel when looking through beautiful pictures taken by professional photographers? Some of them are attractive from a technical point of view, while others engage due to an interesting idea or unusual story. But there are pictures driven by emotions - joy, love, romance, admiration, sadness, tenderness or whatever. There may be no "wow effect" of landscape photography, but looking at those pictures you really feel your emotions are involved. If you are looking for a photographer in Switzerland, who is able to tell your story in a natural and spontaneous, yet stylish manner, think of hiring of a lifestyle photographer.

Lifestyle photography is a stunning mix of the best qualities of event and portrait photography. As a lifestyle photographer in Zurich, you need to be ready for "catching the moment", while on the other hand, you should have an experience in working with lighting and composition. As the result, you have to create emotional pictures telling stories about individuality and uniqueness of human relations. This involves taking pictures of people making usual things in usual environment and behaving in a matter-of-course way. During photo shoots, a lifestyle photographer in Switzerland catches those important little details, habits, moments and emotions that our everyday life consists of.

Lifestyle photography is getting more and more popular all around the world, since it shows real people and conveys their true emotions as opposed to staged photography. The important idea of such portraits is that people can look real and sincere, and at the same time - beautiful in their naturalness. People do not pose, but live in shot, and while their memories of events become less detailed in course of time, emotions associated with these events are sealed in lifestyle photos forever.

Lifestyle photographer will find a beautiful story for a photo shoot in every day routine, like family having breakfast on a Sunday morning at home or some cute Zurich brunch place or a walk in a park near the house or playing with kids and pets right in the living room. The lifestyle photographer expertise is to feel relationships highly charged with emotions and to find a balance between true life and stage elements. This is quite a difficult task, but if handled correctly, the result is rewarding – unique, emotional and beautiful pictures telling real stories.

Working as a wedding and family portrait photographer, gives you an opportunity to travel a lot both around Switzerland and the world, visiting large cities and paradise islands, crowded places and out-of-the-way areas. When travelling, you find beautiful locations, learn authentic traditions, meet quaint characters, watch real-life situations – and this experience fills you with emotions and serves as a plentiful source of inspiration.  Lifestyle photography is blending portraits of people and events, urban landscape and wild life, then spicing this with fashion and colours, intimate details and emotions and finally getting a fascinating gallery of unique images that tell inspiring stories about our life. If you are in a search for a destination film photographer in Switzerland, who is able to tell your story in a natural and spontaneous, yet stylish manner, then I will be glad to help you through my experience and ideas.

Strong Points of a lifestyle photographer

·       is really passionate about travel photography, love stories, family portraits, and has plenty of creative ideas to share with you.

·       gets along well with adults and kids and that’s why your photo shoot is sure to be casual, relaxed and fun.  

·       knows the balance between directing and allowing things to go in the natural way – and this is how lifestyle photos are created.