Krista and Joe’s wedding day with meaningful Ukrainian traditions, beauty and love shared with Suzy Queen Photo and Video.

What traditions and customs did Krista and Joe incorporate into their wedding day and how did you prepare to capture them so beautifully?

Krista and Joe’s wedding day was filled with meaningful Ukrainian traditions that reflected their love for each other and their heritage.

One such tradition was the intimate blessing from Krista’s parents, known as the Korovai ritual. This special moment took place shortly before the ceremony and was a beautiful way for the parents and the couple to connect. Another cherished custom was the crowning portion of the wedding ceremony, followed by the sharing of a cup of wine.

Capturing these traditions was important to Krista and Joe, and as their photographer, I made sure to meet with them at least a month before the wedding day to go over the timeline and ensure that no detail was overlooked. In addition to my own research, I also listened carefully to the couple as they explained the significance of each tradition and how it related to their personal story.

One highlight of the day was the stunning cake created for the blessing. It was truly a work of art and added to the beauty and symbolism of the day. Overall, it was an honor to be a part of such a meaningful and cultural celebration, and I was thrilled to capture these special moments for Krista and Joe to cherish for a lifetime.

You created an intimate and candid quality in the wedding receptions photos. What do you attribute to this success?

The wedding venue was truly breathtaking, and Krista’s impeccable taste in layout and design made it all the more special. Her attention to detail was evident in the way she incorporated candles and floral touches that created a romantic ambiance throughout the room.

As a photographer, it was a pleasure to capture the beauty of the space and the love that filled it.

Through my journey with Krista and Joe, I had the opportunity to get to know them on a personal level. It was clear that everyone in the room meant the world to them, and I wanted to capture that sentiment in my photography. As the day went on, I got to know the guests and made sure to create a friendly and relaxed atmosphere that allowed them to feel comfortable in front of the camera.

My approach to capturing the evening was to document it as it happened, allowing everyone to be themselves and simply enjoy celebrating the incredible couple. The end result was a series of photos that captured the joy, love, and beauty of the wedding day, creating memories that Krista and Joe will cherish for a lifetime.

What were some of the priorities your couple shared with you about aspirations for their wedding experience and how did you respond with how you documented their day?

Krista and Joe’s top priority for their wedding day was to ensure that everyone could be together and enjoy the celebration. They wanted their wedding film to capture the joy and excitement of their guests as well as their own special moments. They wanted to avoid feeling too posed in front of the camera and didn’t want to repeat any movements with their wedding party, preferring instead to keep everything natural and unforced.

As a photographer, my approach to meeting this challenge is the same for every wedding. I take the time to get to know the couple, their family, and the wedding party before the big day. I work hard to establish a connection of trust and comfort so that everyone can feel at ease in front of the camera.

During the wedding day, I put myself in their shoes and act as a member of the bridal party. I play music that is meaningful to the couple and offer fun cues that help them to forget that the camera is even there. The result is a relaxed, natural atmosphere that produces not just still photos, but lasting memories that they will treasure for a lifetime.

My goal is to provide a comprehensive experience that goes beyond simply taking photos. I want to create a sense of warmth and happiness that reflects the couple’s personalities and the unique beauty of their wedding day. This approach has always worked well, and I am thrilled to be able to provide my clients with memories that they will cherish forever.

What are some of the considerations you made to so successfully document this day in this specific historical venue?

When I found out that Krista and Joe’s wedding would be held at the Berkeley venue, I was filled with excitement. It was my first time shooting at this stunning location, and I couldn’t wait to explore its unique features. One of the things that caught my eye was the two-floor layout, which offered an excellent opportunity to capture details from different perspectives.

As a photographer, lighting is always one of my top priorities, so I made sure to plan accordingly. I wanted to capture the beauty of the venue both indoors and outdoors, so I scheduled the photo sessions accordingly. I also brought along some extra lighting equipment to ensure that the dance floor footage would be bright and lively.

Overall, the Berkeley venue was a pleasure to work with, and I am grateful for the opportunity to capture Krista and Joe’s special day there. I can’t wait to return to this beautiful location and work with other couples to create lasting memories.

What was the best part of the wedding being featured in the news?

When I heard that Krista and Joe’s wedding had been featured, I was beyond thrilled. This day was truly special, filled with vibrant traditions, stunning outfits, and a breathtaking performance by the Kalyna Dance group. It was an honor to be a part of it, and to have the opportunity to capture these moments for the couple.

But what made it even more meaningful was the impact it had on the Ukrainian community. Seeing this celebration of their culture and traditions highlighted in the news was truly heartwarming. In a time when good news is hard to come by, I hope that my photos were able to connect people and bring a sense of home to those who may be far from their roots.

As a photographer, I believe that every photo has the power to tell a story and evoke emotions. I am grateful to have been able to capture Krista and Joe’s beautiful wedding day and to share it with the world. It is moments like these that remind me why I love what I do and inspire me to continue capturing memories that will last a lifetime.

Photographer Suzy Queen Photo and Video 

Decor:  Krista Watson

Planner Oksanas magical Events

Florist Fondly Floral Designs

Videographer Suzy Queen Photo and Video 

Band Zirka Music

Baker Julies Sweet Petites

Church Ukranian Orthodox Church

Hair/Make-up The Blush Parlour

Entertainer: Kalyna Performing Arts Company