If you are looking for a photographer in Northern Ireland and would like to explore the Causeway Coast with them while taking stunning photos, you're in the right place.

Today's couple, Kate & Gus, travelled from the USA to Ireland and wanted to visit iconic Northern Irish locations and take their engagement photos. We visited the Dark Hedges, Giant's Causeway, Dunseveric Castle and White Rocks beach. The photoshoot took approximately 4 hours with sightseeing, photos, and driving there and back from Belfast.

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.

Sunset engagement pre-wedding photoshoot at Dunluce Castle, Northern Ireland.

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. 

Straight from the sunny Provence and the love story of Lucy & Hayden, coming to you today with this utterly beautiful and adventurous engagement shoot in Northern Ireland. I previously mentioned how I love Causeway Coast and wrote a special blog post talking about all the places to elope in N Ireland. I was beyond excited to hear Melissa & Stephen, who live in Armoy - right next to the Dark Hedges, wanted to have their engagement photos at the beach. The obvious choice was Whiterocks near Portrush! Not only because I photographed another engagement there a year ago and I know all the places for the best light, but also because of the sunny weather forecast. Last time we had a completely different weather, and I wanted to make the most of our adventure day in the sun. I thrive in the sunshine and love bright and airy photos.

Melissa & Stephen brought their tiny dog, which is always a good idea when comes to couples photoshoots. The attention was divided and they could just relax and take a good walk - or run, straight into the cold water! 

When I first arrived in Northern Ireland in 2014 to study Politics & Journalism I signed up for a Photo Society at Queens University. I had a big passion for photography and wanted to learn and improve my style. For the next couple of months, I travelled the coast of Northern Ireland nearly every weekend with friends I met at the society. Then with friends who visited me here. Then with my boyfriend Neil, whom I also met at the photo society. Little did I know, four years later my love for Northern Ireland will continue to grow and my love for photography.. well, it will reach the next level. It will become my lifestyle, my daily bread, my ups and downs (mostly ups tho!) and I'll be able to share with you my puppy love photos and videos of Northern Ireland I took nearly 4 years ago. 

If you're planning an engagement shoot or an elopement in Northern Ireland - or simply want to walk down memory lane with me, here are some of my absolute favourite locations. 
~Paula