Iva and Steffen’s Spiritual Summer Wedding
When Iva and Steffen asked us to photograph their summer wedding, Sam and I were thrilled! These two souls have an innate warmth and generosity of spirit; we knew their big day was going to be special.
“Having Ivana next to me on my wedding day was like having a good old friend who I can trust completely.
She and the second photographer Sam were extremely patient, easy going and positive. They made us and our guests feel comfortable in front of the camera with their delicate approach.
Our wedding pictures are a masterpiece and we are more than happy and proud to show them to everyone! Thank you from the heart for your amazing job!”
– Iva Heppt
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Set amongst three lakes in the wild southern region of Bulgaria, Belite Skali (meaning ‘White Rocks’) is eye-poppingly gorgeous venue! This ‘eco-complex’ blurs the boundaries between a pastoral homestead and a luxurious modern hotel.
Pro Tip: Belite Skali is the PERFECT place to elope to in the Bulgarian countryside!
Built only with organic, natural materials, the White Rocks Hotel was the perfect venue for our nature-loving couple. We spent the evening before the wedding strolling around its many rustic charms: the wooden bridges, tree-lined aisles, rock ponds, and even an Indian fantail pigeon coop.
This venue was perfect for our nature-loving couple. We shot their gorgeous engagement session on Vitosha Mountain near their home city of Sofia!
The morning was spent in the private cottages; here, Iva and Steffen prepared separately for what was going to be a truly magical day. Aided by her close family and friends, Iva was dressed in a stunning white gown of intertwining floral patterns. Iva’s tastefully luscious bouquet of eucalyptus, wildflowers, and a Pink Ice protea complemented her dress perfectly.
Dressed for a Summer Morning
Steffen was the picture of elegant simplicity. He was smartly dressed in a crisp white shirt and summery brown chinos. Along with his Best Man, Ruben, they spent the morning laughing in the joy of each other’s company. Iva’s mother arrived to send off her Son-in-Law (to-be) with her own fabric and lavender boutonnière, and an emotional hug too. She even designed the boutonnière to match Iva’s dress!
A Perfect First Look with Music on the Lake
When we had our pre-wedding meeting to discuss their big day, Sam and I helped plan out the sequence of events; we also made sure to include the First Look and it was certainly worth it!
When it came time for the First Look, we were giddy with excitement! Sam brought Iva down to the far lake, where Steffen waited. We had secretly organised for Konstantin the musician to welcome their arrival at the lakeside. As Iva arrived, Konstantin’s sweet violin sang out from across the still water.
The moment was serene! Time stood still as they embraced for the first time, only releasing when the violin’s beautiful melody ended.
A (Truly) Magical Ceremony
Before we knew it, it was time for the main event. We guided the bride and groom to their waiting families, who were bursting with joy to see them. Gathering the family prior to the ceremony was ideal; everyone was full of energy and could hardly keep away from Iva and Steffen!
Pro Tip: With the family formals completed before the ceremony, everyone had more time to celebrate with the couple afterwards.
Iva and Steffen stood surrounded by their adoring guests, the ceremonial table, the traditional band and the decorative teepee behind them. The guests held together tightly as the ceremony proceeded and blessings were showered on the bride and groom.
Family and friends knitted together and smiled on as Iva and Steffen became husband and wife before our teary eyes. They finally broke the ceremonial bread and said their “I Do’s”; everyone then rushed up to congratulate the newlyweds with gifts and hugs.
The ceremony itself was truly heartwarming. While the styling of the event itself was bohemian, it had elements of traditional Bulgarian weddings. Ultimately, this mixed spiritual and humanist ceremony, which blessed everyone with the couple’s love, was unforgettable.
After the blessings and tears, we returned briefly with Iva and Steffen to the far lake. Here, in the pre-dusk glow, they enjoyed a quiet, loving moment to themselves.
Loving Portraits in the Warm Dusk Light
When we returned, the festivities (and eating!) began in earnest! The familial mood created by their ceremony had migrated directly to the dinner tables; everyone was heartily chatting and enjoying themselves with the sumptuous food. But to enjoy an earthy, airy summer wedding like this properly, you had to do it barefoot!
The rest of the evening was filled with lovely food, great company, and traditional Bulgarian dancing (with a surprise appearance from Rammstein and AC/DC!). Love filled the mountain air and everyone danced their socks off – quite literally!
The guests wanted to compliment their summer wedding with a grand finale. So, we all sent Iva and Steffen into their new life through a tunnel of showering lights.
A Loving End
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much Iva and Steffen for sharing this wonderful day with us. Congratulations and we wish you love, happiness, and health for the rest of your lives.
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