My name is Vladimir Nadtochiy, and I had the honor of being the main photographer for Sarah and James’ wedding in Montenegro on May 30, 2025. The couple booked me a year in advance, and I flew from Toronto to photograph their big day. Having lived in Montenegro for over ten years before moving to Toronto in 2024, I know the country intimately and was especially excited to return to capture this love story in Perast, Boka Bay.
I stayed just 30 meters from the wedding dinner venue, which made it incredibly convenient to fully immerse myself in the celebration. Alongside me was the talented second photographer Anastasiia Gorchakova (Instagram, website), who covered the day until dinner.
The morning began in Hotel Conte (website), where Sarah’s bridal preparations took place in a villa above the Perast fire station, while James and his groomsmen got ready in the hotel’s largest suite overlooking the bay.
Sarah’s bridal look was styled by Marina Kuznetsova (Budva), with guests’ hair and makeup done by Dasha Bloom (Instagram). Surrounded by her mother, bridesmaids, and relatives, Sarah’s morning was filled with love, laughter, and emotion — especially during the first look with her father, who couldn’t hold back tears.
Meanwhile, James celebrated with champagne and family portraits before heading to the boat that would take him and the guests across the bay.
The ceremony was held at the pier of Hotel Splendido (website), directly across Boka Bay. Guests and the groom arrived by ship, while Sarah arrived in her own private boat with her father.
To add storytelling depth, I even launched my drone from the moving ship — a risky but rewarding choice that captured the sweeping beauty of the Montenegro coastline and Perast from above.
The ceremony was perfectly coordinated by wedding planner Anastasia Belyakova of Blush Pink Events (Instagram), who worked with the couple for a year to bring their vision to life.
One of the most memorable moments? During the vows, a local cat casually walked into the aisle, amusing everyone and making the ceremony uniquely Montenegrin.
After the ceremony, we captured group portraits before everyone boarded the ship back to Perast. While the guests enjoyed cocktails, Sarah and James took a short couple photoshoot by golf cart, exploring the charming streets of Perast. They wanted to spend most of the time celebrating, so the portrait session was intimate, natural, and only about 15 minutes long.
The dinner and reception took place back in Hotel Conte’s main square, surrounded by historic stone walls, palm trees, and the Adriatic Sea. The breathtaking floral design and decor were created by Serafima Pavlova (Instagram, website), one of the most renowned wedding florists in Montenegro, whose work has been featured in international wedding magazines.
Sarah and James added a deeply personal touch — they wrote heartfelt letters to each of their 45 guests. When guests opened and read the notes, many were moved to tears, creating an atmosphere of intimacy and family warmth.
As the evening continued, speeches, laughter, and music filled the air. A live saxophonist set the mood while cruise ships sailed by in the distance and the sun set behind the mountains.
After dinner, the newlyweds cut the wedding cake and the celebration turned into a lively party under the string lights of Perast. Guests danced until late into the night, with endless hugs, laughter, and joy.
It was a truly unforgettable wedding in Montenegro, and one that perfectly showcased the beauty of Boka Bay.
As a photographer who has lived in Montenegro for over a decade and now works as a Toronto and destination wedding photographer, I can say without hesitation that weddings here are magical. The mix of historic architecture, stunning Adriatic views, and warm hospitality makes Perast one of the most romantic places to say “I do.”
You can explore more of our wedding stories in our portfolio.

back to blog
Let’s Begin Together
Whether you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime wedding or capturing the simple magic of family, we’d love to be there — quietly documenting it all, with heart and artistry.