Zsófia & John Wedding Story
by a Bliss Photography International Wedding Photographer and Videographer
Sometimes, the best connections happen when you least expect them, and meeting Zsófia and John was one of those moments. We first crossed paths at a wedding fayre, where they stopped by our stand after Zsófia was mesmerised by our photos paying particular attention to the big dramatic sky portraits. At first, it was assumed we couldn’t shoot their wedding since it was abroad, but we quickly corrected that and advised we are in fact international wedding photographers and their eyes lit up. The excitement between her and John was palpable.
Zsófia, with her soft Hungarian accent, and John, a towering, muscular figure, were instantly captivating. It was clear they shared a deep connection and an eye for creative photography.
Their wedding was set to take place at the stunning Batthyány Castle Hotel in Zalacsány, Hungary. Having booked us a year in advance, it was a thrill to know we’d be capturing their special day at such a magical venue. From that first meeting to our growing conversations, Zsófia and John became more than clients—they felt like friends, especially when we were supplied with more home made cakes than we could have dreamt of at a meeting at their home.
The opportunity to shoot in Hungary for the first time, alongside such warm and welcoming people, was a dream come true with our team of photographers and our videographer on board, we couldn’t wait to bring their wedding story to life.
The Venue - Batthyány Castle Hotel
Nestled in the charming village of Zalacsány, Hungary, the Batthyány Castle Hotel provided a breathtaking backdrop for Zsófia and John’s wedding. This stunning venue, with its expansive grounds and perfectly designed spaces, offered the couple the flexibility of both indoor and outdoor ceremony options—ideal for their special day.
The castle’s rich history added a touch of grandeur to the celebration. Its foundations date back to 1490, originally built in the late Gothic style. Over the centuries, it underwent transformations, coming into the hands of the Batthyány family in the mid-1800s. In 1913, it was remodelled to its current form, blending Baroque and Art Nouveau elements, thanks to architect Samu Wassermann. The result is a venue steeped in history, elegance, and charm.
Bridal Prep
Zsófia’s bridal prep at the Batthyány Castle Hotel was nothing short of perfect. The room was filled with laughter, love, and an uplifting energy that set the tone for the rest of the day. A heart warming and humorous moment from bridal prep was when John sent Zsófia a card with a beautiful long message written in it which reduced Zsófia to tears. The best part about this is that Zsófia had just sent him one back simply with a message saying “see you at the altar”.
The highlight of the prep was when Zsófia slipped into her red evening dress and shoes, a show-stopping look that wasn't to be revealed until the night time (More on this later on). We were lucky enough grab a glimpse and capture a few photos before anyone else got to see it.
Zsófia looked absolutely stunning when she finally stepped into her bridal gown, with a pair of high heels that were as breathtaking as they were elegant. It was clear that John would be left speechless when he saw her.
Groom Prep
John’s groom prep at the Batthyány Castle Hotel was filled with laughter and lighthearted moments, setting the tone for the day ahead. He and his groomsmen, all proudly wearing their Scottish kilts and sporrans, had a blast, especially when they tried squeezing into the hot tub for a photo — resulting in a near overflow that had everyone in stitches! As always, our photographer Roo was with the boys, capturing all the fun and excitement during this unforgettable prep.
John remained calm and collected throughout most of the prep, but as the time ticked closer to the ceremony, the nerves started to creep in. Still, it was clear he was beyond excited to marry Zsófia. His calm demeanour gave way to visible anticipation as the big moment drew near, and you could tell that despite any jitters, he couldn’t wait to see his bride.
The Ceremony
The outdoor ceremony at the Batthyány Castle Hotel was set in a beautifully private space surrounded by trees and bushes. White rose petals lined each side of the aisle, and the sun broke through after a morning that had threatened rain, creating the perfect setting for Zsófia and John’s vows.
The ceremony was officiated by a Hungarian wedding celebrant, with the wedding planner stepping in to translate everything into English for the guests.
When Zsófia walked down the aisle, John couldn’t hold back his tears. The way he looked at her throughout the ceremony left no doubt that she was his entire world, its was really quite touching.
Though the ceremony was longer due to the traditions and translations, the time flew by, thanks to the heartfelt emotions and the blend of cultures. It was a romantic and deeply personal celebration, leaving everyone in awe.
Wedding Reception
The reception was held in a stunningly glass sided room within the grounds of Batthyány Castle Hotel. The Hungarians certainly know how to throw a feast, and the delicious food was a highlight. Of course, no celebration is complete without a few libations, and each guest was treated to a small bottle of pálinka as a wedding favour which I can tell you first hand is not for the faint hearted. The speeches were a heartwarming mix of laughter and tears, and Kriszta the wedding planner yet again stepped in to seamlessly translated between English and Hungarian, ensuring everyone could enjoy the heartfelt words.
Portraits
Zsófia and John couldn't resist the allure of Lake Balaton to start off their portraits, even with the picturesque surroundings of the wedding venue. This magnificent freshwater rift lake, nestled in Hungary's Transdanubia region, is a true gem of Central Europe. A short walk along the pier rewarded us with breathtaking vistas of the sky and the lake – an idyllic setting for their wedding portraits. True to his Scottish heritage, John couldn't resist a playful reminder of the traditional attire beneath his kilt (or rather, the lack thereof).
Cake, a lot of dancing and hangover pending
The evening celebrations were a whirlwind of energy. The Hungarians are renowned for their love of food, drink, and, most importantly, dancing! It was truly impressive to witness an equal number of men and women taking to the dance floor with enthusiasm. Later, we were fortunate to experience a captivating Hungarian tradition. Guests formed a circle, each holding a lit candle. The lights were extinguished, and Zsófia and John gracefully extinguished each candle one by one before disappearing into the darkness. When the lights returned, Zsófia reappeared in a breathtaking red dress and shoes. The guests eagerly lined the dance floor, and Zsófia took centre stage. A unique tradition unfolded: guests donated to the wedding fund for the privilege of dancing with the bride. Each dancer had their moment on the floor before the next guest joined, and amidst the dancing, attempts were made to 'steal the bride,' a challenge for John to overcome. This lively tradition was a captivating spectacle. However, after a spirited 10 minutes, we couldn't help but feel for Zsófia, who had danced tirelessly. Thankfully, John intervened, sweeping her off her feet and carrying her away from the energetic dance floor.
The Wedding Video
To ensure their special day was captured in its entirety, Zsófia and John also enlisted the talents of our videographer, Corley. Corley accompanied them throughout the wedding festivities, capturing the magic and beauty of their day on film. Now, we invite you to experience their wedding journey with us through this captivating video.
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Zsófia & Johns Suppliers
If Zsófia & John's wedding photos and video have sparked your inspiration and you're eager to infuse a bit of their style into your own wedding day, don't miss the opportunity to explore these exceptional international suppliers featured below. Each supplier's name is a clickable link directly to their website, making it effortless for you to discover and connect with the experts who contributed to this beautiful celebration. Bring your dream wedding vision to life with these top-notch professionals.