Making Memories – with MTstudio
Welcome back to the Bodleian Wedding Blog. We’re so glad you found us, because in this post we’re talking about capturing the essence of your wedding through images. Like so many other aspects of the wedding world, wedding photography often varies in style and focus. If you value heartfelt, unfeigned, and honest photography, a couple who can guarantee all these qualities are Oxford-based husband and wife team, Monika and Maciek Tomiczek who make up MTstudio.
Read on to see and find out more….
About MTstudio
Monika and Maciek shot their first wedding together in 2012 and have been expanding their business ever since. Eight years on, they are now working in partnership with several other photographers who second shoot with them, they have collaborated with a photo booth company and now run a photography studio in central Oxford.
What makes wedding photography so enjoyable?
- It’s a milestone in one’s life: A wedding is a special moment in the life of the entire family. The photos that the team take on the day will keep the memories vivid and fresh.
“I love looking through old family photos. They’re like mini time windows that allow me to witness moments from even before I was born. This way, I can connect with my mum and grandma when they were my age. We all need a connection with the past. I feel grateful that the next generations’ children and grandchildren of my couples will be able to witness the wedding day as captured through my lens.” – Monika
- You don’t get bored: The wedding industry is very dynamic, and the trends are ever-changing. The wedding couple often spend months upon months of time planning the day and every detail and moment is carefully thought through. Both factors mean that every wedding is unique, so boredom is hard to come-by when shooting weddings.
- Creative freedom: MTstudio love knowing that they have the freedom in how they choose to tell the story of the wedding day. They can navigate the entire process, from picking the right frames, to editing photos in post-production.
Esther and Mark
This couple are originally from the United States but often relocate due to Mark’s work commitments. They chose to exchange vows in Oxford, as they think it’s one of Europe’s nicest cities. They made their vows in Convocation House, accompanied by the soft sounds of acoustic guitar.
Divinity School, Bodleian Library: MTstudio
Convocation House, Bodleian Library: MTstudio
Telling Stories…
MTstudio appreciate earthy colours and raw moments. This team’s preferences are perfectly weaved through their work: they continuously strive to create a wedding gallery that channels an honest eye-witness perspective and to maintain this authenticity, staged photos are usually avoided.
Cinema is also a great source of inspiration for Monika and Maciek, especially when it comes to building the frames and telling the story of the couple’s wedding day. For this reason, in 2019, the team introduced a new package including both photography and video. The cinematic style is present in both products and both are edited in a consistent manner.
Keeping it real…
“Whatever the couple decides to do, we respect. We encourage the future bride and groom to tell us about their vision of the day, share Pinterest boards, and contact us when they have any thoughts and questions.” – Monika
The team recognise that while some couples feel comfortable in front of the camera, many others do not. MTstudio relish in authenticity and rarely instruct the couple or their guests to pose for the camera. This is your day, so why must it be staged, over-rehearsed or needlessly over-planned? The purest moods are captured when events and actions are true and spontaneous. A whisper of well-wishes from your father before the doors open to the ceremony, or a gentle squeeze of the hands when you and your partner declare the words that will affirm your devotion to each other forever: these small, but heartfelt moments will all be recognised, received and recorded by a team of professional photographers that you can trust.
“We love spontaneous smiles and tears of joy.” “We always keep our eye on what’s going on around and will quickly point the camera at a mischievous child, emotional mother or a group of boys performing break-dance show on the dance floor.” – Monika
Emily and Nik
These photos were taken shortly after the wedding ceremony. It was the very first quiet moment that they shared as a married couple. The room behind the closed doors was full of guests waiting for the Newlyweds to come out. Even though the photo looks peaceful, guests’ voices could be heard buzzing through the air.
Divinity School, Bodleian Library: MTstudio
Divinity School, Bodleian Library: MTstudio
The best photo spots…
MTstudio strongly recommend that couples meet with them onsite. When working at the Bodleian, Monika and Maciek will go on a photo walk around key spots in and around the Bodleian. This includes the Bodleian’s Old School’s Quad, Radcliffe Square and around the Sheldonian Theatre. They do not create wedding shot lists prior to the wedding, rather, on the day they choose to observe the light and seek photo opportunities as the day unfolds. Again, this technique sits in line with their shooting style: its spontaneous, natural and it means that every wedding gallery that they deliver is different.
“The Bodleian Library is a gorgeous ancient venue, plus it’s located in the heart of Oxford, so great photo spots are guaranteed regardless of the weather and time of the year.” -Monika
Carmel and Max
“This was one of the most beautiful wedding ceremonies that we have ever photographed. The Divinity School was beautifully decorated with flowers and the ceremony was led by family friends. We loved that the guests were invited to read poems and sing. Our favourite performance was that of the mother of the bride. It brought tears to many eyes, including ours.” – Monika and Maciek
Divinity School, Bodleian Library: MTstudio
Old School’s Quadrangle, Bodleian Library: MTstudio
Until next time…
We are hugely grateful to Monika and Maciek for working with us on this blog post and for sharing these breath-taking photos. I’m sure you’ll agree that they capture so much energy, emotion and intimacy. Leave us a comment if you have a favourite!
If you want to find out more about MTstudio, please see their contact and website information below:
Email: ask@mtstudio.co.uk
Website: www.mtstudio.co.uk
Instagram: @mtstudio_weddings
If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy: Your guide to Wedding Stationery
Website: visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/venue-hire/weddings
Contact us!