A Polish Palace Wedding
Lukasz and KATARZYNA’s WEDDING VIDEO FEATURE
The Venues
Roman Catholic Church of the Visitants
The Roman Catholic Church of the Visitants, officially known as the Church of St. Joseph, stands as a significant example of Baroque architecture in Warsaw, Poland. Its construction began in 1681, commissioned by the religious order of the Visitants, also known as the Nuns of the Visitandines, who were dedicated to the upbringing of young girls and the promotion of spirituality. The architectural design was entrusted to the renowned architect, architect and canon of the Cathedral of Warsaw, Józef Szymon Bellotti, who infused the building with a sense of grandeur that has continued to capture the attention of both devotees and visitors alike.
Completed in 1704, the church was initially built as part of a convent for the nuns, aiming to provide a serene environment for their contemplative lifestyle. The striking façade, characterised by its elaborate ornaments and dramatic use of space, embodies the quintessential features of Baroque architecture. The symmetrical layout and the dynamic interplay between light and shadow exemplify the grandeur and richness that the movement is known for.
One of the defining elements of the Church of the Visitants is its remarkable bell tower, which adds verticality to the building, creating a dramatic skyline. The church’s interior is equally stunning, with an array of intricate altarpieces and decorative frescoes that speak to the artistic fervour of the Baroque period. The altar, featuring a lavish gold leaf design, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is flanked by sculptures that illustrate various saints. The ceiling frescoes, painted by prominent artists of the time, depict biblical scenes that are both captivating and spiritually uplifting, designed to inspire awe and reverence among the congregation.
The church has undergone various phases of restoration and reconstruction over the centuries, particularly after suffering damage during World War II. The resilience of the structure and its community is evident in how it has adapted and maintained its original character, despite the trials it has faced. In the aftermath of the war, the church was refurbished to preserve its historical and architectural significance, ensuring that each feature remained true to its Baroque origins.
In addition to its architectural splendour, the Church of the Visitants holds a place of importance within the local community. It serves not only as a place of worship but also as a cultural and social hub, often hosting events that strengthen the community bonds among its parishioners. This integral connection between the church and the people is vital in sustaining the traditions and practices that have been handed down through generations.
Today, the Church of the Visitants remains an essential landmark in Warsaw, drawing tourists and pilgrims from around the world who seek to appreciate both its artistic heritage and spiritual significance. Its historical narrative, combined with the elegance of its Baroque architecture, makes it a crucial part of Poland's rich cultural tapestry. The enduring beauty of the church, coupled with its deep-rooted history, encapsulates the spirit of resilience and faith that defines the Roman Catholic Church in Poland. Through the centuries, the Church of the Visitants has continued to serve as a beacon of hope and a testament to the art and architecture of the Baroque era, maintaining its relevance and appeal in modern times.
It was a stunning place to film and the light was some of the best I’ve had during a wedding ceremony, which you can see in the couples film.
Pałac Mała Wieś
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Poland, Pałac Mała Wieś serves as a stunning wedding reception venue, perfectly blending historical elegance with modern amenities. This enchanting palace, located just outside Warsaw, offers a unique setting for couples seeking a romantic and sophisticated backdrop for their special day.
The architecture of Pałac Mała Wieś is a testament to neoclassical design, characterised by its grand façade and beautifully manicured gardens. The expansive grounds are dotted with vibrant flowers and lush greenery, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere that enhances the wedding experience.
Inside the palace, the opulent interiors captivate guests with their exquisite decor and historical charm. Richly adorned furnishings and stunning chandeliers provide an air of luxury, whilst the high ceilings and large windows bathe the space in natural light, creating an inviting and warm atmosphere. The main banquet hall accommodates large gatherings, making it an ideal choice for couples with extensive guest lists. For more intimate gatherings, smaller salons offer a cosy and charming feel, allowing wedding parties to celebrate in a more personal setting.
The culinary experience at Pałac Mała Wieś is another highlight. The venue boasts a talented team of chefs dedicated to crafting impeccable menus tailored to the couple’s preferences. From traditional Polish delicacies to contemporary cuisine, the culinary team ensures that every dish served is not only delicious but also beautifully presented. This attention to detail contributes to the overall upscale experience that couples and their guests can expect during their celebration.
Additionally, Pałac Mała Wieś provides a comprehensive wedding package that includes professional event coordination. Expert coordinators work closely with couples to ensure that every detail of the wedding runs smoothly, from setting up the ceremony space to managing the timeline of the day. This level of personalised service allows couples to relax and enjoy their special day, knowing that experienced professionals are handling the logistics.
Extra amenities available at Pałac Mała Wieś include luxurious accommodation for the couple and their guests. Elegantly decorated rooms provide a comfortable retreat for wedding parties before and after the festivities. With a range of accommodations to suit varying budgets, guests can unwind in style, making the entire experience even more enjoyable.
The location of Pałac Mała Wieś further enhances its appeal. Just a short drive from central Warsaw, it is easily accessible while still offering the tranquillity of the countryside.
Lukasz and KATARZYNA’s WEDDING Day Plans
Warsaw Wedding Teaser Film
Lukasz and Katarzyna chose to book me, my second videographer Thomas and my photographer Ayla for their wedding day which I think is always a great choice if budget allows as you then get a fully comprehensive and cohesive service from Handcraft Pictures.
We actually filmed the couple’s wedding preparations the day before their wedding at the Palace as they had access to it’s main beautiful bedroom that day, so this gave me and my photographer plenty of time to capture some cinematic getting ready shots as well as some couple portraits around the grounds of the palace. got ready in the morning at the venue which allowed me a chance to get some lovely shots of them both and their families.
On the wedding day we then commenced coverage at the church in central Warsaw, first taking some shots of the beautiful building before the couple and their guests arrived. It was a beautiful wedding ceremony and the light beams shining through the ceremonial incense was some of the best I had ever witnessed, so at the end of the wedding ceremony both me and Ayla kept the couple back to take a few portraits in the light.
I then joined the couple in their wedding car for the journey back to the palace, which gave me an opportunity to get some more video portraits for their film.
After a quick drinks receptions, the couple and their guests sat down for dinner followed by some lovely speeches from both Lukasz and Katarzyna’s father, some of which you can here in their feature film.
The day ended with some family photos in the fading evening light before me and the team headed back to Warsaw.
It was a really memorable and pleasant experience filming with such a warm and friendly group of people and a highlight of my summer weddings that year.
Wedding Videography Approach
My main aim as a wedding videographer is to produce cinematic, yet authentic, mementos of a wedding day. I want them to be stylish, filled with all the emotions of the day while being infused with a classic cinema flair, which I always have in the back of my mind when choosing which lens to use in a certain moment, how to frame a shot, the sounds and music I will use to tell that part of the story and thinking always about the edit.
Me filming a wedding in Portugal with my minimalist set up.
Lukasz and Katarzyna day was steeped in tradition, tender words and a beautiful location and I wanted to make sure I included these in their film in the most appropriate way possible, so the music I chose for their film was very important- I wanted something timeless, slightly austere and dramatic but ultimately melodic and I think the piece I chose really helped lend the film the gravitas I was going for.
Once I have these all story telling elements in place I make sure my films are as cinematic as possible, and what I mean by that is I use every tool and technique at my disposal, from the filming style on the wedding day, to the editing and colour grading techniques afterwards, to create a piece of work that feels like a mini-movie, like a short piece of classic cinema, with a proper beginning middle and end, establishing people, place and story as elegantly as possible, woven together with music I choose carefully for each project.
Most importantly though, I use equipment and a filming style on the day that allows me to capture these moments without leaving a heavy footprint on the day- I use very minimal equipment, similar to a photographer, and avoid stage managing the day in any way because the most important element of making a great film is authentic moments and emotions and the only way to achieve these is allow them to happen naturally, unhindered by over posing/staging and manufacturing the events.
