LGBTQ+ engagement photos, a surprise proposal photoshoot at a South London Airbnb.
Surprise proposal photoshoot
Holly got in touch to ask if I’d photograph her proposing to Adannay (I said yes). She knew Adannay had wanted some photographs of the two of them together for a while, and thought a surprise photoshoot would be the perfect way to propose. Her plan was to pretend that I was just there to take some photographs of the two of them at their London Airbnb, then after making pancakes she’d get down on one knee. She’d chosen a beautiful space to celebrate their anniversary weekend at. The Airbnb was minimalist but cosy, with gorgeous blue tones, wood furniture and an open plan kitchen. Holly and I managed to keep the plan a secret and Adannay looked so surprised when I turned up at the door.
If you’re looking for a couple photographer in London for a proposal or pre wedding shoot, I’d love to hear your ideas (do they involve pancakes?)
Laid-back couple photos
We spent an hour capturing some natural-feeling images of Holly and Adannay hanging out as they usually would, listening to downtempo sounds and drinking coffee. It was such a pleasure to spend an afternoon getting to know them and being in their space. They were both really happy to experiment with what we could create using the natural light from the floor to ceiling windows with a reflector for a little extra glow.
Brunch and a proposal
I think this has to be one of the loveliest ways to propose I’ve heard of. Holly, Adannay and I talked about cooking for our partners while they prepared their pancakes. For me personally, cooking for my loved ones is one of my favourite ways to show them I care. Holly and Adannay shared that one of the signs that told them they were right for each other was their shared enjoyment of cooking and good food. Pancake brunches had become a weekend tradition for them, and it was such a compliment to be asked to document such an intimate ritual. They had a flour fight and I watched how warm and comfortable they were with each other. They plated their pancakes and sat down for brunch. Holly said a few beautiful things, and then got down on one knee. Adannay, of course, said yes to a lifetime of love, friendship, support, and pancakes at the weekend.
Planning your engagement or pre-wedding photo shoot
Engagement or pre-wedding photo shoots are an opportunity to create some photographs of the two of you together outside of the parameters (and pressures) of a wedding day. These sessions are usually slower, with more time to focus on just the two of you. I will usually suggest you plan these sessions around an activity you both enjoy, whether that means photographs of you getting tattoos together, walking your dogs, or making pancakes at home. Being involved in an activity results in more natural images. It’s also important to choose an environment you feel comfortable in. Some couples, especially Londoners who are getting married out of town, choose to take their pre-wedding or engagement photographs in an urban setting so as to get the best of both worlds.
If you’re planning your engaygement and looking for a gay wedding photographer to capture it, I’d love to hear from you. I specialise in working with LGBTQ+ and Feminist couples, covering lesbian weddings and LGBTQ+ weddings in London, across the UK and Internationally.
Find out more about booking your pre-wedding, couple or engagement session here