Wedding in Klub Sosnowy in Warsaw. Karolina & Pedro

The Polish-Portuguese wedding of Karolina and Pedro took place in the scorching heat of July. The air was hot, and the atmosphere was even hotter with the lively energy and joy of the celebration.

The ceremony was held at the Church of Saint Catherine, the oldest parish in Warsaw, founded by Konrad of Masovia in 1238. The preparations and reception took place at Klub Sosnowy, a beautiful venue surrounded by a pine forest, located less than 15 kilometers from the center of Warsaw.

After careful consideration, Karolina and Pedro decided to use a classic wedding hall instead of a tent. Given the conditions, it was a wise choice, as the air conditioning was really appreciated on that day. I don’t regret missing the tent because I had the chance to visit one soon after.

BMW Isetta: Icon of Microcars

In the world of automobiles, dominated by powerful engines and speed, the BMW Isetta stands out as a charming symbol of innovation and practicality. This microcar, affectionately known as the “bubble car,” became an icon of the 1950s and 60s, offering a solution for drivers seeking economical and easy-to-maneuver vehicles in the crowded cities of post-war Europe. The history of the Isetta began in 1953 when the Italian company Iso SpA, known for producing refrigerators and motorcycles, introduced the Isetta as a “motocarro,” a vehicle positioned between a motorcycle and a car. BMW, looking for a smaller model to add to its lineup, acquired the license to produce the Isetta and introduced it to the German market in 1955.

BMW Isetta as a Wedding Limousine?

The design of the Isetta was not only unique but also practical. The car featured a single front door that opened along with the steering wheel and dashboard, making it easy to get in and out of in tight city spaces. Powered by a 247cc single-cylinder motorcycle engine, it offered a top speed of around 85 km/h—more than enough for city driving. Production continued until 1962, with over 160,000 units built. Today, the BMW Isetta is a prized automotive relic, reminding us of a time when innovation went hand in hand with simplicity, and the automotive industry was just beginning to develop towards today’s technologies.

BMW Isetta as a wedding limousine is an unconventional and definitely original idea. What are the advantages of this choice?

Uniqueness: The Isetta attracts attention and is extremely photogenic, which can add character to wedding photos and make the day even more unforgettable. You’ll make a lasting impression with this vehicle! Originality: Choosing such a vehicle for a wedding will make the bride and groom stand out and be remembered by the guests. Eco-friendliness: As a low-fuel-consumption vehicle, the Isetta is more environmentally friendly than traditional limousines. Not that anyone cares, but you can show your commitment to ecology this way. City suitability: For a wedding in the city center, where space is limited, the Isetta may be easier to park and maneuver. Again, in this case, it’s likely nobody cares.

The downside of the Isetta is the lack of air conditioning. Karolina solved this problem with a battery-powered portable fan (as the temperature on the wedding day was well over 30 degrees).

Wedding at Pałac Sosnowy

Choosing a wedding venue depends, of course, on personal preferences, budget, the guest list, and what is most important for the couple on their big day. But if you follow your heart, Pałac Sosnowy is one of the most beautiful wedding locations you can imagine.

Advantages of choosing Pałac Sosnowy:

Capacity: Palaces often can accommodate a large number of guests, which is beneficial if you’re planning a big wedding with overnight accommodations for selected guests.

Elegance and style: Palaces usually offer a unique and elegant backdrop for wedding ceremonies and receptions, adding extra splendor to the event.

History and atmosphere: A historic venue adds a special character to the wedding and helps create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Photos: The palace and its surrounding park or gardens provide a beautiful backdrop for wedding photos. We have the palace itself and a beautiful pine forest.

Comprehensive service: Some palaces offer a full range of services, including catering, decorations, and day-of coordination, making life easier for the organizers.

Polish – Portugese Wedding

Polish-Portuguese Wedding Traditions

Polish Traditions:

• Oczepiny: This is a traditional Polish wedding custom where the bride transitions into a wife. It may include games and competitions, as well as the symbolic removal of the veil and placing of a headscarf, symbolizing the transition from girl to woman.
• Bread and salt: Upon greeting the newlyweds, parents may offer bread and salt, symbolizing abundance and prosperity in married life.
• Vodka and glasses: In Polish tradition, there is often a toast with vodka, and the glasses are thrown behind the back—if they break, it’s a sign of good luck.

Portuguese Traditions:

Sweets: Portuguese weddings are often rich in sweets, such as “bem casados” (well married), which are given as keepsakes to the guests.

Parental blessing: In Portugal, it is important to receive a blessing from the parents before the wedding ceremony, which expresses respect and seeks support in this new chapter of life.

Shared and Cross-Cultural Elements

Music and dance: Both nations value music and dance, so you can expect a mix of Polish and Portuguese rhythms at the wedding. While traditional choices like Polish polkas and mazurkas and Portuguese fado are possible, the event leaned toward a more modern style. Language: The priest delivered the sermon in both languages. During the more humorous parts, either the Polish or Portuguese side of the audience would laugh accordingly. Decorations: They were inspired by motifs from both countries, with a slight emphasis on Portuguese tradition (after all, the wedding took place in Poland). Cuisine: The wedding menu included dishes from both Polish and Portuguese cuisines, offering guests a wealth of flavors, along with an above-average amount of seafood.

The wedding beautifully combined different traditions in a way that was both visually appealing and enjoyable to photograph.

Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria in Warsaw

The Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria in Warsaw is one of the oldest and most significant churches in the capital of Poland, located in the Służew district of Warsaw. It is part of the historical urban complex of the former Służew Przyrynkowy.

The history of the church dates back to the 13th century, making it one of the oldest surviving churches in Warsaw. Originally built in the Gothic style, the church has undergone numerous reconstructions and restorations, resulting in its current architecture being a blend of various styles, including Baroque and Classicism. The Church of Saint Catherine has a rich history that is closely tied to the history of Poland.

The interior of the church is as impressive as its history. It houses valuable works of art, including altars, paintings, and sculptures, which attract both the faithful and lovers of history and art.

And here are a few more photos from Karolina and Pedro’s beautiful day (the material is over 5 years old and may not represent what I do now). For the latest, I invite you to my wedding photography portfolio

And here, to complete the set, is the outdoor session we were able to do at the same location.

You often ask what equipment was used for a particular job. That’s why I’ve decided to occasionally add what and how I used it in my posts. Mainly because I don’t use anything special. Usually, it’s two “Mark IIIs,” both very well-worn. One of them even took a two-meter fall when I left it on the roof after a session (nothing happened). Both have well over 200,000 clicks.

While I always encourage people to shoot with regular gear and not blame the equipment, I don’t recommend following in my footsteps too closely.

Cameras:

• Canon 5D Mark III

Lenses:

• Sigma Art 35mm 1.4
• Canon 85mm 1.8 (yes, the regular one)
• Canon 24-70mm L 2.8

Lights:

• 2x Canon Speedlite 480EXII

P.S. Feel free to comment, especially if you’re planning a wedding at the Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria in Służew or a reception at Klub Sosnowy in Warsaw.

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