Romantic Rustic Wedding at Loděnice: Love is the Answer
It was a strange time when I set off for Ve Století Loděnice, just outside Prague, to photograph the wedding of Petra and Luky — two nature lovers and big fans of the band Rybičky 48. Their summer wedding, held at the height of the pandemic, was a beautiful escape from all the uncertainty around us. The venue they chose was simply perfect — Ve Století Lodenice, a charming location just 10 kilometers from Prague. The former farmstead, renovated in 2002, retains its original features and offers a cozy countryside atmosphere. It’s a place with soul, and the picturesque surroundings make it an unforgettable wedding venue. I first met Péťa and Luky in 2019 at the wedding of mutual friends. They were such a fun couple, and I couldn’t help but notice Péťa’s epic pink hair and how they completely owned the dance floor. I soon learned that Luky is a dancer, and it definitely showed. A little while after that wedding, Péťa reached out to surprise Luky with a couples’ photoshoot for their anniversary. She told me how much they enjoyed my work at the wedding, and I was honored that they wanted me to be their photographer.
A Surprise Proposal During the Photoshoot
I remember it like it was yesterday — on September 8th, I got into my car and headed to their charming little cabin, a place that holds a special place in their hearts, which they chose as the setting for their love photos. After about a two-hour drive, I arrived and began to take in the surroundings. Luky caught up with me with a conspiratorial grin and blurted out that he wanted to propose to Péťa at the end of the photoshoot. AMAZING! Our plan was to start the shoot in the nearby forest and finish it at the cabin. The entire session is a bit of a blur due to the nerves and excitement of the upcoming proposal, haha. But it was fantastic. These two are an absolutely stunning couple, and if relationship goals apply anywhere, it’s here. What they have is truly unique and rare. Once we moved to the cabin for the last few photos and the significant moment, Luky’s nerves were visible. But everything went perfectly, and after Péťa said “yes” and squealed at me, “You knew about this?!” through her tears, the moments of joy and happiness that followed were simply unforgettable. It was beautiful, perfect, and I am incredibly grateful to be part of such moments and to experience them with you. THANK YOU.
Prewedding photoshoot at Rosa Coeli and the Big Day
Of course, it wasn’t long before we started discussing the details and everything necessary for their wedding photography. They booked the date quickly because they didn’t want to risk me being unavailable, which is always incredibly flattering. Before the wedding, we had a meeting and a pre-wedding photoshoot at a fantastic location—Rosa Coeli Monastery ruins in Dolní Kounice,
a place that practically photographs itself because of its incredible surroundings. They also got to enjoy a nice trip, which was great since they traveled quite a distance to see me, and Rosa Coeli is definitely a place worth visiting. The photoshoot was filled with a relaxed, joyful atmosphere and an incredible sense of love and emotion. It’s just how Péťa and Luky are. Their chemistry is truly something special. I attended the wedding with my boys, as we were all invited. IT WAS PERFECT. Truly. I remember all the weddings I’ve ever photographed, whether I recall them more or less vividly. But this wedding… This one is etched in my heart so deeply that even after all these years, I can recall every moment of that indescribable day—whether it was the tear-filled first look, the bride’s father’s toast, which I could probably still recite (yes, it was that good!), the evening dance moves of everyone present, or the intimate, emotional moments during the newlyweds’ photoshoot. The bond between Péťa and Luky, and who they are as people, completely captivates you, and the outside world ceases to exist. On their day, there was no oppressive pandemic fear. No problems. Nothing. It was just the two of them and an absolute party.
A Proposal During the Bouquet Toss!
If you think this is already too much romance and happiness, just wait until I tell you about the bouquet toss, haha. That turned into another proposal! The main players, besides the bride, were her brother, who decided to seize the moment and ask his girlfriend the big question. The whole scene was full of love and joy, and I was lucky enough to capture these special moments. The bouquet toss didn’t go quite as planned — the recipient said “yes,” and the whole scene turned into a celebration. The atmosphere was so thick with emotion, you could cut it with a knife. I’m thankful that through my tear-filled eyes, I managed to take any photos at all!
Not only did I capture another emotional and wonderful proposal, but it also amplified the day’s magic and, I think, sent everyone over the moon. The bouquet toss itself didn’t quite happen as planned—the intended recipient said yes, and the entire scene turned into a round of congratulations. The atmosphere, full of love, emotion, and friendship, was so thick you could cut it with a knife, and I was grateful that, through my tear-filled eyes, I was even able to take any photos at all. And have I already mentioned how Péťa looked like an absolute goddess in her wedding dress from the Maya salon? And that hair! During the first look, I saw her for the first time, just like her soon-to-be husband, and I was almost floored by how stunning she was. Luky’s suit from Blažek had a hidden touch of humor—the inner lining of the vest had a turtle motif.
Turtles are something they both love, and they have references to them everywhere, from pendants to other small details. This wedding took place in 2020, and the edit is, let’s be honest, a bit wild. But I don’t care. I love this wedding, and I love these two even more, which is why their day will probably remain in my portfolio forever, no matter how my work evolves. Péťa and Luky are some of the most wonderful people that photography has brought into my life, and I simply want to have them here, no matter what.
Venue: PENZION VE STOLETÍ | Dress: Svatební salon Maya | Flowers: PAVLÍNA ZEMANOVÁ | Sweet bar & cake: VYMAZLENÉ DORTÍČKY | Suit: Blažek | Video: SVATEBNÍ JÍZDA | Dj: KAREL MORAVEC
