Pre-wedding shoot of Emma & Jono

Emma and Jono booked me as their wedding photographer about two years prior their big day, which is going to take place in the gorgeous St Pancras Renaissance Hotel this November. We are pretty much neighbours as they live just a few streets away from me and I love that local connection! As part of their wedding photography package they also booked a pre-wedding session, which is a great opportunity to create some imagery for save the date cards or a wedding website if the couple has one, and where we have the opportunity to get to know each other and ‘practice’ for the big day. After a chat about any possible locations, we quickly agreed on the stunning hidden gem of the Hampstead Heath Pergola, and I could not wait for the engagement shoot to take place! 

From the moment Emma started sending me her own ideas for the shoot, and as I was getting to know her better, I began to understand how well-prepared and organised this woman is! It’s something which I can totally relate to, and love about her, I knew it would be a dream shoot. I’m always keen to chat with my couples and ensure that the shoot and images reflect their likes and personalities as well as my own creative signature style as a photographer. One thing Emma was keen to try was smoke bombs; which was a new experience for me! We also discussed their outfits prior to the day, and sure enough when Emma and Jono arrived they both looked the part! It’s always nice to see a couple who makes a real effort in that regard :)

On day of the engagement shoot, it was over 30 degrees, boiling hot, but Emma and Jono were absolutely lovely and did not complained at all; even with me taking them on an endless tour of stunning picture opportunity spots, and asking them to smooch for me again and again.

We decided to start with the smoke bombs. We descended into the woods below the Pergola, seeking the best light and found a spot where soft warm rays of sunshine were beaming through the tall trees, creating a beautifully moody and mysterious atmosphere. I had heard horror stories about burned hands and stained dresses from smoke bombs, but everything went very well and the light was just breathtaking!

It was quite obvious how much these two are perfect for each other, and what great chemistry they have. I honestly can’t wait to shoot their London wedding as the venue is a total dream, and with such a wonderful couple I am sure it is going to be a wedding day to remember!