“The concept for this shoot was born from a need to truly trust myself, my intuition, and my creative soul,” shares Ewa Szozda, the creative mind and photographer behind this editorial. “It marked the end of a certain chapter in my life, the chapter of being the ‘good,’ compliant girl who listened to others more than to herself.” More than a styled shoot, this project became a symbol of freedom, a moment of creating entirely on her own terms, and of allowing herself to feel genuinely proud of what emerged.
The inspiration came from a desire for creative freedom, from the joy of the process, and from letting go of limitations. Blending authentic emotion with a strong fashion perspective and intentional minimalism, the editorial became a reflection of creating without compromise, guided entirely by instinct, feeling, and artistic clarity.
Fashion
“In wedding photography, I’ve always been drawn to three elements, fashion, emotion, and minimalism,” shares Ewa Szozda. “Bringing these three together became the foundation of this vision.” For Ewa, less is more is not simply an aesthetic choice, but a way of seeing, feeling, and creating images that hold timelessness.
Fashion became the most natural language for this story, which is why she invited Ismena Studio to be part of the project. Her bold, distinctive designs perfectly echoed the direction of the editorial, while emotion and minimalism created space for what mattered most, the subtle, often unspoken moments that give imagery its depth.
“I wanted to create a bridal look that isn’t driven by trends, but by character and confidence,” Ewa shares. Two gowns by Ismena Studio shaped that vision, one structured, bold, and fashion-forward, the other lighter and more effortless, with a beautifully draped back that felt sculptural and editorial. Clean, modern updos and refined makeup completed the styling, creating what the photographer describes as “the image of a strong, modern, and self-aware woman.”
Where Less Becomes Everything
For the setting, the team chose Dwór Uphagena, a truly unique destination in Poland, recently nominated in the World Travel Awards 2026 in the category of Best City Hotel in Poland. “I chose it because it reflects the ideas of freedom, courage, and conscious aesthetics,” the photographer shares. Blending beautifully restored historic interiors with contemporary design, the venue felt honest, refined, and timeless, exactly the kind of atmosphere she wanted this story to carry. “Beautiful places have a real impact on the energy of the people within them. They bring calmness and naturally inspire creativity.”
The floral direction, created by Gaszcz Art, evolved throughout the shoot, beginning with timeless white compositions that felt clean, structured, and elegant, before moving into softer, meadow-inspired arrangements that introduced movement, texture, and an almost analog softness. The overall design remained rooted in minimalism and modernity, layered with a subtle feminine touch, where every element felt intentional and expressive.
Even the cake became part of the visual storytelling, designed by Iwli Desserts in a way that felt modern yet carried a gentle vintage sensibility. “The most interesting part was the collaboration with people who truly create from the heart,” Ewa shares, “where every detail matters and every person brings their own sensitivity.”
When Minimalism Meets Emotion
“The biggest challenge was bringing all these artistic personalities together into one cohesive vision while staying true to myself,” Ewa Szozda shares. Years of experience in wedding photography taught her how to stay calm in dynamic environments, where decisions are often made in the moment, allowing her to carry the vision through with clarity and confidence.
This editorial had been living in her mind for over a year, evolving from the very first idea to its final form. It was essential to collaborate with people who shared a similar sensitivity and created with intention, while also highlighting local artists and the quiet beauty of northern Poland, its light, textures, and atmosphere. “This project was very personal to me,” she shares, “and at the same time, it marked a step toward even greater authenticity in my work.”
