Dunluce Castle Elopement in Sage and White / Northern Ireland Wedding Photographers

Wedding or elopement photography in Northern Ireland usually falls into one of 2 categories - it’s pouring all over and we need to get family photos done indoors, or it’s cloudy and windy and we just need to roll on with it. The Irish coast definitely sets the mood for any shoot and dictates the overall aesthetic - just look at this engagement photos taken at exact same place 2 months earlier featuring lush greens and sunset! Nonetheless, here in Ireland, we are blessed with amazing castles, cliffs, and Celtic sea and that’s the set up for today's fine art editorial elopement with this gorgeous couple (see blog post for their engagement photos).

Elopements are such a great option for couples traveling to Ireland all year round. You’re guaranteed a breathtaking scenery, no-frills ceremony with only a few close family and friends present — or perhaps no one at all. Elopements have an overall better flexibility, budgeting options and of course, it’s just utterly romantic and special to read your private vows in a faraway land. One choice isn’t inherently better than the other; it’s an intensely personal decision, but I’m always glad couples stay true to themselves and trust me in photographing such a big moment.

Today's fine art wedding shoot at Dunluce Castle, Northern Ireland is an amazingly creative mixture of Charlotte’s vision combined with a set of skilled vendors, perfectly stylish Irish cottage, cliffs of North Coast, centuries-old castle and of course, a little help with planning from the photographer and a stunning couple. Beautifully flawless makeup by my favorite Sinead (Maid by Sinead), whom I trusted so many times and can’t recommend enough (Instagram @maidbysineadbridalmakeup). The dresses come from a local bridal shop in Lisburn (Instagram @ivyandwhitebride) which stocks the most amazing editorial and modern pieces you could ever dream of finding in Ireland. This one was designed by Bo & Luca (Instagram @boandluca), a luxury, an Australian brand. You can see every detail on Charlotte’s hair thanks to KellyAnn (Instagram @hairbykellyannjackson) and her skills in creating textured, relaxed hairstyles, absolutely perfect for a non-traditional and laid-back wedding. Beautiful, locally grown flowers created by Emma from Honeybee Blooms (Instagram @honeybee_blooms), always a pleasure to work with her in creating bespoke posies with attention to every detail. The kimono comes from the brad I had a pleasure to work with before in France, This Modern Love (Instagram @this_modern_love_bridal) which was my recommendation. It’s simply stunning, so delicate, handmade and perfect for the bridal preparation morning. The shoes were Charlotte’s something old, the veil came from Hello Precious Veils (Instagram @hellopreciousveils) and stationery from Ollies Studio (Instagram @olliesstudio). Photography, Paula from @hellosugar_photography

Summer engagement in Lublin's Old Town, Poland / Destination Wedding Photographer in Poland

I always feel so incredibly privileged when friends from all over the world ask me to capture their happy, tearful moments. This engagement shoot was spontaneously arranged for the early morning in Lublin's Old Town during my recent travel to Poland. Engagement shoots are definitely my favorite part of every spring and autumn, as it brings me closer to the couples and gives them a good chance to practice having a camera around. 

Lublin got it's town rights in 1317, so it's a fairly old city with a massive, recently restored castle. The area was severely destructed during World War II, but its picturesque and historic Old Town has been preserved and now serves as a beautiful, cultural capital of the East. We walked around the streets before the first cafes & restaurants opened and before the Sunday church rush hit the old cathedrals around the town. There isn't a better time to take romantic, engagement photos around the beautiful, charming old cities than early morning hours. 

If you'd like to see more engagement shoots please visit the blog or the portfolio page.