By: Zach Miller

Yurii Holiak is a highly regarded wedding and engagement photographer specializing in documenting classic love tales in New York, California, Miami, and Europe. As the creative driving force behind Holiak Photography, Yurii strives to add a distinctive fusion of spontaneous emotion and editorial refinement to each event. His photography reflects a respect for authenticity, style, and the quiet in-between moments, such as fleeting glances, genuine laughs, and tearful vows that often reveal true love.

Yurii and his team are known for creating breathtaking imagery that is intimate, iconic, and artistic. With no travel charges to destinations and an effortless, upscale client experience, Holiak Photography aims to make your day unforgettable. In this interview, Yurii shares how he works to make every shot memorable, what contributes to his and his team’s reputation as industry favorites, and his favorite wedding moments.

Q: Yurii, your photography has a distinct high-fashion, editorial feel. What inspired you to develop this Vogue-style approach to wedding photography?

Traveling through Europe played a key role in shaping my vision. The architecture, the fashion, the light… there’s a timeless elegance in those places that often inspired me. I wanted to try to bring that same cinematic, sophisticated energy into wedding photography. The Vogue-style approach allows me to blend the emotional depth of real love stories with the refined aesthetic I’ve absorbed from years of exploring Europe’s beautiful corners.

At the same time, I’ve always been fascinated by the way fashion photography tells a story without words, often relying on composition, movement, and mood. That influence stayed with me. I began to realize that weddings, too, can have these stunning, unscripted moments that deserve to be captured with that same artistic intent. My goal has always been to help enhance those moments to make couples feel like they’re living inside a timeless film.

Q: Wedding photography blends art with emotion. How do you balance capturing candid, intimate moments while maintaining the polished, magazine-worthy aesthetic your work is known for?

I strive to be very attentive during the shoot. I often watch for emotion, connection, and subtle gestures. At the same time, I rely on modern, professional gear that helps me react quickly and work discreetly, even in fast-paced situations. It’s this combination of sharp awareness and technical precision that can help me capture raw, intimate moments with the clean, editorial finish my clients love.

But beyond the gear, it’s about building trust. When people feel comfortable around you, they tend to let their guard down, and that’s when the real magic happens. I guide gently when needed, but I try to never interrupt the moment. I want my clients to relive the feeling when they look at their photos, not just remember how they looked. That emotional honesty, paired with a refined visual style, is what often makes the work feel both real and enhanced.

Q: Your signature Vogue-style wedding photography emphasizes elegance and drama. What specific elements—such as fashion-inspired posing, lighting techniques, or composition—do you use to create images that look like they belong in a high-end magazine?

I pay great attention to the small details that can help create a luxurious visual story, like how a dress flows in motion, how natural light shapes the mood, and how a subtle pose can evoke confidence and intimacy. I often draw from fashion editorials when guiding my couples, focusing on clean lines, relaxed elegance, and purposeful composition. It’s not about stiff posing but about directing with intention while leaving space for authenticity.

Photo Courtesy: Yurii Holiak / Holiak Photography

Lighting is also a key factor. I’m always studying the light, whether it’s the golden hour or dramatic indoor shadows, to help add depth and emotion to the images. I also scout locations carefully to find textures, symmetry, and backdrops that can add a sense of story. Ultimately, it’s about creating something that feels like an artistic interpretation yet remains true to the couple… something that feels like it could belong in a magazine yet captures who they truly are.

Q: Major photography platforms and publications have recognized your work. What do you think sets your approach apart in the competitive wedding photography industry?

I believe it’s the harmony between style and soul. My clients come to me for refined, high-fashion imagery, but they stay because they feel truly cared for. I aim to be deeply involved in every step, from timeline planning to the final edit. I try to bring calm, fun, and professional energy to the day, and I work to create not just beautiful photos but a memorable experience. That personal connection, combined with a strong editorial eye, often helps my work stand out.

More than anything, I strive to be present. I want the couples to feel seen and heard, not rushed or staged. Whether it’s helping the couple adjust themselves or calming nerves before the ceremony, I do my best to be there. That trust can allow us to create something real together. The photography becomes part of their memory.

Q: Trends in wedding photography are always evolving. What current trends do you love incorporating into your work, and which timeless elements do you believe will never go out of style?

I enjoy integrating modern storytelling techniques such as flash and creative cropping, but only when they add something meaningful to the image. I also love how couples today often want to express their individuality and style through their weddings. Still, I always return to the timeless: elegant natural light, true colors, honest emotions, and intentional composition. Those elements tend to never lose their magic.

The hottest trends in wedding photography can be exciting because they give me room to play creatively while retaining the timeless aesthetic. But I never want the trend to overshadow the story. The real goal is to create photographs that feel both of the moment and forever. That balance is what often makes an image live on in someone’s heart.

Q: What’s one unforgettable wedding shoot that truly challenged or inspired you, and what did you learn from the experience?

One wedding stood out when the schedule completely fell apart. There were delays, unexpected issues, and shifting lights. It pushed me to rely not only on my technical skills but on my ability to stay calm and flexible. I had to make quick decisions and guide the couple with confidence. In the end, we created some of the most meaningful photos because we stayed present and embraced the imperfect. It reminded me that connection and adaptability are just as important as creativity.

I remember the couple whispering to each other between portraits, laughing despite the chaos. Those are the unscripted, emotional, and completely real moments we caught. It taught me that no matter how much you plan, weddings are human experiences. When you meet them with grace, you can end up with something far more beautiful than perfection.

Summary

Yurii’s wedding photography skillfully combines editorial elegance and heartfelt storytelling. Throughout this conversation, it’s clear that his work goes beyond simply capturing a day. He seeks to preserve the emotion, beauty, and energy of each unique love story. His creative vision and calm energy help refresh each wedding he shoots. Yet, what truly defines him is his commitment to creating a joyful experience for couples, from the first meeting to the final gallery. From Europe to Toronto, Yurii tells a story that is both modern and timeless. For couples seeking more than photography, Yurii offers the possibility of a true artistic partnership.

Published by Joseph T.