Unless you’re a model, being photographed probably feels a little awkward. I do this for a living and still, feel a little out of place when I have my photos taken. I’m a big fan of engagement sessions for a few reasons.

First, they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera and all the attention of it on you. It takes time for most couples to warm up to being photographed. Timelines can be pretty tight on weddings days and 10-30 minutes may be all we have for portraits - which is why wedding day portraits turn out so much better when couples do engagement sessions ahead of time.

Second, you can showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you (and even include children or pets!). They’re great for save-the-dates, we’ve taken engagement photos anywhere from 18 months in advance to a few days before the wedding. Your complimentary session is included in the price, but you don’t have to book it only with your wedding package. It can make a great gift for newly engaged friends, anniversary gift to your significant other and so on.

Have a read through the advice below to help make your mind up.

Nestled in the beautiful Côte d'Azur area of Saint-Tropez, Ramatuelle is a small hilltop village with stunning views all around, little cobbled streets, fab restaurants and bakeries offering amazing french pastry. My partner and I arrived in France 2 days ahead of Dina & Victor’s wedding, so we could visit the venue, look around for some photo opportunities and get used to the extreme 40’C temperatures around the French Riviera. Dina, Victor, their Video Team and I met at La Forge restaurant in Ramatuelle at about 7 pm and went on an adventure around town ahead of their wedding the next day.

For the past 3 years, I have been pretty committed to exploring Northern Ireland and it's raw coastline, forests and hidden gems, but I somehow managed to miss Islandmagee. It just never occurred to me it exists. It was a total blind spot until I heard about Rob's Heart & Soul workshop from my friends Sheena & Christin. They were raving about the workshop itself, the energy and fuel it gives, about the couples they were photographing and the location. 

Fast forward to late May when I attend it, not only learned a thing or two about having a wedding photography business in Northern Ireland (and destination in my case!:)) but most of all met some amazing people. The couple that we were photographing on the island, Charlotte and Michael, are getting married in July and I'm more than sure they will make a wonderful bride and groom. I'm a huge fan of natural, sweet and candid photography focusing on the couple and their loved ones, and I always express how important it is to have your pre-wedding shoot. Not only because it's a great chance to bond a bit with your photographer, but also because on your wedding day you can focus on the moment, on being present and not on the fact that you are being photographed. 

Islandmagee will be definitely joining my list of places to elope in Northern Ireland and I'm just delighted I was able to attend the workshop and make some new friends. Keep your eyes peeled for more of Charlotte and Michael, as they have agreed to help me with the secret project I'm planning for August. 

I recently came across my old website notes, the ones I made when creating the pricing, about me, and so on sections. One of them clearly said, amongst many locations one of the places I'd like to shoot was Provence. As always in my case, a ton of work plus piles of motivation lead us to the day Im finally able to show you my very recent engagement shoot in Provence. So far 2018 only prooves there is no dreams too small - first year as a self employed photographer and a big Love My Dress feature, shooting in Provance at the Chateau, fully booked for 2018 (the last date sold yesterday! :D), Florence, business grant and many, many more. If you follow me from the begining you know that I'm not a local - I don't have an army of aunts ready to share anything I post, don't have a hudge following. But the one I have is the strongest. A few brides will deffinitelly be awarded ''NUMBER ONE FAN'', that's how much love they are sharing. And for that I'm thankful.