Asagi & Takaki’s Engagement Portrait Session in Prague

It is not uncommon for couples from as far as the United States and Russia to travel to Prague for their Engagment portrait sessions - some like to call them pre-bridal portrait sessions, or even E-sessions. Prague offers a backdrop of stunning architecture and historic cobblestone streets that provides photographers like myself an incredible background to photograph weddings and portraits against.

In fact, it is becoming quite fashionable for couples, such as Takaki and his lovely fiancé Asagi (who traveled over 5,500 miles from their home in Aichi, Japan) to travel to Prague to have beautiful, creative, contemporary wedding portraits taken - even if they do not marry here.

We started our portrait session at the small luxury boutique Hotel Green Lobster that is literally under Prague Castle. After a small portrait session in their sumptuous suite, we were whisked away in a chauffeured Mercedes sedan up the hill to a favorite stop of mine – Strahov Monastery.

From Strahov one can get a beautiful view of the city that provides a nice backdrop – even if it is raining as it was on our day. We then headed over to Prague Castle where some fun shots were made with the color guard that stands at the Castle Gates. Then we headed to Starometske Namesti where a large group of Italian tourists were very happy to applaud and take pictures as Asagi proudly showed off her beautiful dress in front of the astronomical clock at Prague’s Old Town Hall as a beaming Takaki looked on.

After several more stops, we ended our day at the Prague Four Seasons restaurant Allegro. Where sweets and truly fantastic espresso and tea was served as a very happy Asagi and Takaki reviewed the images of their portrait session. For me personally, the picture of them in front of the clock tower will be one of my favorite memories for years to come. Everything came together at exactly the right time and naturally the large crowd applauding after we were done will be a memory I am sure none of us will forget.

All the best to Asagi & Takaki – we wish them much love and success!

I would also like to thank the very lovely Rieko Hayashi of www.le-maestro.com who was a great help in assisting me on this shoot. Rieko is not only a lot of fun to work with, she is also a wedding coordinator for Italy and Greece. Thanks again Rieko, I hope to see you very soon!