The raw beauty of nature, the artistry of ceramics, and the celebration of love all came together in this breathtaking editorial shoot captured by Karina Leonenko. Set against the textured cliffs and sandy landscapes of Cyprus, this project was more than just a visual masterpiece—it carried a deeper message. Inspired by the recent legalization of same-sex marriage in Greece, “Embracing Equality” is a heartfelt tribute to love in all its forms, highlighting its transformative power.
“What made this project even more special was the fact that everyone involved in its creation was a woman. From the photographers and stylists to the models and content creators, this all-female collaboration was a celebration of creativity, passion, and the strength of women working together to craft something truly meaningful.”
Concept
This shoot was born from a collaboration between creative minds who share the same vision and aesthetics. “This collaboration between friends who share the same vision and aesthetics is filled with love for what we do,” says Karina Leonenko. More than just an artistic project, it was a symbolic statement celebrating equality, unity, and the beauty of human connection.
“Our beautiful creative journey has finally begun, marking the start of something truly magical.”
The Artistry of Photography
With a deep understanding of light and texture, Karina Leonenko captured every moment with an intimate, cinematic touch. The soft glow of the setting sun, the movement of the veils in the wind, and the delicate contrast between fabric and rock created a visual language that was both poetic and striking. “I wanted the images to feel intimate, like frozen moments from a quiet, poetic story,” she shares. Her ability to blend editorial composition with raw emotion resulted in imagery that feels personal, evocative, and timeless.
Decor & Setting
Clay became a central metaphor in this project, representing love’s ability to shape and transform. “Just as clay can be shaped and molded into stunning forms, love shapes our lives in profound and transformative ways,” explains Karina. The art studio and white caves of Cyprus, reminiscent of ceramic artistry, became the perfect setting—where love, like art, finds its shape naturally and beautifully.
The decor and floral elements were intentionally minimalist, allowing the setting itself to speak. The dinner setup featured handcrafted white clay vases, a tribute to the artistic symbolism of the shoot. Each piece, placed carefully on textured linens, mirrored the concept of shaping love and creativity. Dried florals—grasses, cotton stems, and wild botanicals—added an organic touch, reinforcing the connection between nature and art.
The invitation suite continued the theme of raw elegance, featuring hand-torn edges, delicate calligraphy, and textured paper. Every detail was curated to feel personal and handcrafted, mirroring the artisanal elements of the ceramics.
Bridal Fashion
The first bride’s look was a seamless blend of structure and airiness. She wore a sheer, long-sleeved dress with delicate ruffle details, giving a soft, sculptural silhouette. The dramatic headpiece, a fusion of a veil and abstract art, created an ethereal frame around her face. The oversized sleeves and high neckline added a modern edge, while the transparency of the fabric allowed light to dance through, creating an almost celestial glow. She paired the look with pearl drop earrings and natural, dewy makeup that let her features shine. The entire ensemble felt weightless, as if she belonged to the wind and sand.
The second bride’s outfit embraced modern minimalism. She wore a fluid satin slip dress with sheer draped sleeves that moved effortlessly with every step. The pearl-embellished headpiece cascaded down her hair, resembling a delicate sculpture molded from fine ceramics. The gown’s simplicity was its strength, allowing the silhouette to stand out against the dramatic rock formations. A pearl choker and structured gloves added contrast, mirroring the handcrafted details of the shoot. “The contrast between softness and structure was key in styling,” Karina notes.
Reception
As the brides moved through the breathtaking landscape, every moment felt like a visual poem. They walked hand in hand beneath the sun-worn cliffs, their veils catching the wind as if becoming part of the landscape itself. They shared quiet moments by the shore, their reflections shimmering on the water, a reminder of love’s fluidity and strength.
The celebration ended with a beautifully minimal cake, adorned with dried florals and earthy textures. Even in its simplicity, it carried the deeper theme of endurance, artistry, and love’s ability to evolve.
"To all the couples who have fought for their love to be recognized, this one’s for you. Love is love, and it will always win."
A Love Story Told Through Art
More than just a styled shoot, “Embracing Equality” became a statement of love, resilience, and artistic expression. “This project celebrates the recent legalization of same-sex marriages in Greece, highlighting growth, change, and the enduring strength that love provides,” says Karina Leonenko.
This is just the beginning of a creative journey, one that Karina and her team hope will continue to inspire and evolve. “We embarked on this adventure on the stunning island of Cyprus, but we can’t wait to see where this journey takes us,” she shares.
"Keep loving each other."
PHOTOGRAPHER Karina Leonenko | VIDEOGRAPHER Tatiana Getta | DECOR & FLORALS Tatiana Kirliotis | DRESSES The Robe Romance | VEILS Mara Petrides | MUAH Galina | CONTENT CREATOR Socially Michelle | MODELS Dina & Alona
