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Styled Wedding at Ranch Kurilovec – the story of my first wedding styled shoot…
I always wanted to do a wedding styled shoot but thought that organising something like that was terribly complicated so I never wanted to get into it. Until one day when I said to myself: ok it is time you try no matter how it turns out. In a way I wanted to test myself, to push myself out of my comfort zone and see if I could organise the whole thing plus being the photographer. My first question was „Where to start?“. The idea was to make something absolutely simple without a lot of hassle. But just when I thought that, the hassle started. I ordered the boho styled dress that could use as a wedding dress, online. Unfortunately, the dress that came had nothing to do with what I ordered online. So basically the first thing I did went wrong! Lacking of dress I turned to finding the perfect location first. The idea came to me to call the specific location of Ranch Kurilovec and ask them if they could jump in with their outdoor space where my photoshoot would take place. They were very cordial and willing to cooperate so my luck started to change!
With the idea of a boho wedding, I immediately knew the person who would be in charge of the boho backdrop I had imagined in my head. That person is Mateja Fanuko, whom I have known for many years. She is making beautiful macrame for decorations and I knew that she was the ideal person to create a background for my boho themed shoot. Another person, who is my friend and who I have known since we were kids was Sanja Čabraja, the owner of „Dessange Zagreb“ hair salon. Her and her team were in charge of a hairstyle that matched perfectly with the theme. Furthermore, via Instagram I came in contact with a makeup artist that does luxury wedding makeup. That is Kate Ramic and after presenting her with my idea she graciously accepted to be a part of my shoot. Slowly but surely, I had a team! My happiness was growing. Things started to get along. Kate then suggested me a „Little Bi Wedding“ florist, Irma. When I saw her portfolio I knew that was exactly what I needed and luckily, Irma agreed. After a long search amazing bridal shop „Royal Bride by Ivana Bilich“ as well as „Varteks“ entered the story to dress the models.
The models were actually a real couple and at the same time, my friends, who have entered this adventure with an open heart and I am forever grateful for that! For my first (of many, I’m sure!) independent project shoot it was very important for me to have a real couple. I wanted to show real emotions but at the same time it was a risk because they have never modeled. That was the risk I was willing to take because I‘ve had a very good experience with couples that were professionally photographed for the first time (check out my blog on couples photoshoot). The team was assembled and I felt instant relief. We agreed on the date, the only thing that could possibly ruin my shoot was the weather. I decided not to look at the weather forecast and just go with whatever that day brings. The purpose of every photographer is to be creative, to create something out of nothing and that is the challenge that pushes me forward.
When we got to the Ranch Kurilovec and created the first scene the storm arrived. So we had to stop and wait to see what happens. It was raining relentlessly for a full hour but then everything stopped. The sun finally came out and a rainbow appeared (sounds like a movie scene!). We could finally continue with my long-awaited boho styled wedding photo shoot. The photos turned out so good and I was extremely proud of myself and my team of amazing and creative people! I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone and something beautiful came out of it! I will never be afraid, or doubt myself of anything I want to try. That builds a character! Failing would be comforting too, knowing at least I tried. But trying and succeeding, oh my, what a feeling!
On this occasion, I would like to thank the whole team of people I‘ve mentioned. I forgot to mention my twin sister, Vedrana, who has actually been with me my whole life, so naturally, she was there too. She was in charge of all the logistics at the shooting or so to speak she was my right hand man. At some point we remembered that we could have made a fake cake as well.
Guess what? She designed it in 10 minutes! Luckily, she is very creative too. Funny story, at the end of the day my friend's car battery was running low when we decided to finish everything and go home. Vedrana had the car ignition cables in the car and started her car (she learned everything via Youtube). That it is my right hand! Always ready for anything and nothing can surprise her.
The day was full of happiness, joy, love, fun, positive atmosphere and flew by in the blink of an eye. It was a great honour meeting and working with every single person on this team. They are all professionals at what they do. Creating this connections is so humbling for me and I thank every single one of them from the bottom of my heart. I am looking forward to cooperating with you again sometime. This was my first styled shoot but definitely not my last. My head is full of ideas, and now my team is ready! See you soon with new adventures!
Wedding at Ranch Kurilovec – Vendors (instagram):
Dress: Royal bride by Ivana Bilich
Suit: Varteks
Boho backdrop: Mateja Fanuko – Fantea macrame studio
Make up: Kate Ramic
Hair: Dessange Zagreb
Flowers: @Littlebiwedding
Location: Ranch Kurilovec
@Mayolis_home_decor, @malimacki, @our_wonderland_2016
