Vác, Hungary Elopement Photo Story Award

A couple elopes and captures a romantic moment at sunset, exchanging loving gazes as the sun dips below the horizon. 

Petra and Oli live in the Netherlands, and we were introduced by wedding planner Györgyi Karácsonyi. It's heartwarming that even during online video chats, you can see how much they love each other.

All our channels of communication were always open, but I faced a challenge meeting in person for the first time on the wedding day. There was a lot of excitement and pressure, like during exams. My colleague, Gábor Agárdi, came to assist me as planned. He started with Oliver and the videographer while I went to the Petras' to photograph their preparations. The ladies were very excited, and it was refreshing to enter this fun yet tense atmosphere. We had a slight misstep, but it's good that we stuck to the plan. Petra walked over to the church wearing the Hölgy wreath!

We rarely experience such an attentive ceremony from the priest, but he prepared them well with his words, advice, and care. It was a special pleasure for me that members of the wedding party also spoke, which is always a nice touch.

As I stepped out of the church gate, I was greeted by a sea of balloons. I mention this because it's worth investing in the larger versions meant for children, rather than the small decorations typically used for weddings, and positioning them slightly behind the couple. I must say, in every single picture, it was evident that a very professional wedding party had done an excellent job in creating a beautiful scene!

After that, we hopped into the well-restored VW Beetle and headed for the Hangár Bistro.

We planned the creative photo shoot to take place before the civil ceremony, and the ceremony location was set up almost right next to the creative site. With the great weather, it turned into a particularly intimate event. They decided to have a merging ceremony, but instead of a simple approach, they chose a unique blend where each element played an essential role.

Finally, we said goodbye to the location with the group photos, but we still took a few photos while enjoying the setting sun!

The evening began in a special way, as Oli had prepared a performance with violin and piano accompaniment for the occasion. It was the perfect finishing touch, and after that, there was no turning back—they remained on the dance floor, unstoppable. The wedding party was already eager to celebrate!

After dinner, the Petrás started the party with an elegant dance, followed by a steady flow of 6-8 people on the dance floor. This was enhanced by the beautiful tradition of the candlelight waltz, immediately followed by the cake cutting. It's possible the wedding party began to tire at this point. However, with a clever trick and great success, our Master of Ceremonies energized everyone and brought them to the dance floor. During this time, the couple took the opportunity to sneak off and change outfits.

We then incorporated the classic Mr. and Mrs. game into the schedule, which led up to the wedding dance. After that, the only thing remaining was the lively after-party. We said our goodbyes and let the party animals continue to enjoy themselves!

While the bride adds the finishing touches to her look, the groom takes a quiet moment at home, focusing on the small details by putting in his contact lenses with the help of the trusty bathroom mirror.

Emerging from the church, the bride and groom are enveloped in a whimsical bubble wreath, as guests joyfully blow bubbles to bless their union with happiness and light-heartedness.

Celebrating love in the open air, the bride and groom exchange vows in a touching civil ceremony outdoors, inviting all their guests to witness the moment.

Under the soft glow of  light at the reception venue, the bride and groom share a moment alone on the dance floor for their first dance.