All wedding photographers know ‘that feeling’ when they get the inquiry to shoot a kind of wedding they strive to do. But it is more than ‘that feeling’ when you are hired to shoot the wedding of a fellow photographer and adventurer.
When Ivan called us to ask if we are available for his intimate outdoor boho wedding on Bacina Lakes, the first thing we were thinking was ‘Wow, our kind of a challenge!’. Well after a couple of hours, we got relaxed because we knew it will be perfect – a wedding to remember.
Let us introduce you to the location: Baćina Lakes consist of 7 lakes and are a real Croatian hidden gem. Not many people know them but we assure you, Bacina Lakes has great potential for an intimate and adventurous wedding.
We need to tell you a bit about this couple because it is kind of important for the whole idea of this intimate boho wedding. Ivan is a photographer and adventurer, he is the owner of Paddle Surf Croatia and his love for Bacina Lakes is huge – when he talks about the lakes, you can feel that love. No wonder, it is his home and also a beautiful location in Croatia.
Beata is from Poland, she is one amazing soul, in love with rock climbing and windsurfing. She is the owner of the adventure agency Surfflow and a great promoter of environment-friendly living, so we knew the wedding will be kind of eco-friendly.
On the first meeting on the porch of their house, they explained to us that the wedding is going to be a surfer-relaxed-boho party. They invited their closest friends and family from all around the world to witness their love celebration on Bacina Lakes.
So, Ivan had an idea to organize a secret ceremony at a special place on the lakes. Beata did not know where is that place so Ivan and Beata were to take paddleboards and paddle toward the secret spot. Meanwhile, all other guests would follow them in traditional boats from this area of Croatia.
The idea was too good to be true. We were so excited and that was one hell of a challenge because we were hired to do both photos and video. We were to cover their paddling toward the secret ceremony spot from our kayak, we even got some additional equipment and hired a second shooter to make sure that everything is covered.
But, this is one of the weddings where the rain messes up with your plans. There was pouring rain during the whole morning and they decided to go with plan B – the ceremony in front of their lovely wooden house on Bacina Lakes, the place which normally you are able to see only if you take part in one of Ivan’s paddle surfing tours.
Getting ready location: Ethno Art Village Podcempres
Reception location: Paddle Surf Croatia secret spot
Catering: Catering Pećina
Party location: Adria-Kuti
Bride’s dress: Bonboho
Bride’s shoes: Lasocki
Groom’s outfit: Zara Man
Hair and make-up: Martina Durica
Flowers: Hedera Design
Band: NoA & Funkblasters
Traditional boat rental: Izleti Sedam jezera
Drone filming: Life and Ventures
Are you searching for inspiration for your own elopement in Croatia? Since you are here, you might love our comprehensive guide to elope in Croatia!