This might not be my first Brighton Beach Engagement Shoot but it is the first that involved a skateboard. You see, this groom to be, Garrett is a professional skateboarder over in the US so it seemed like a good idea at the time. He swears that he has yet to break any bones and I’m glad that this wasn’t the first time. Felicia, the bride to be was pretty capable on the board too, with just a little help.
We met at the gorgeous Artist Residence hotel for a glass of wine before heading to the beach. Despite living in LA, neither of them loves a beach but agreed that there was something special about Brighton Beach in the winter. This is my favourite time of year to go there, it’s much quieter and you often get lucky with some pretty warm evening light.
If you are thinking about coming to Brighton for an engagement shoot, feel free to get in touch.
“If I could only take one thing on an island to survive, What I’d take is you because with you I am alive…”
I first met Lucy and Johnny way back in February 2020 at the Rock n Roll Bride Live show in London. I often think back to that event and all of us wedding suppliers with no idea what was about to happen and how much of an impact it would have. They actually won my little contest that I ran there, to win their wedding photography with me.
It was a little while before I could meet them again and we used the time to do a casual little autumn engagement shoot in Stanmer Woods, not far from where I live in Brighton. They have busy lives and so it was sweet to be able to take some time out from work and wedding planning with them.
Afterward, they went for fish and chips on the beach and got attacked by seagulls – which is standard scenes for down here. This weekend is finally their wedding date after a few postponements and I cannot wait to shoot it for them.
“There she goes again, racing through my brain, And I just CAN’T CONTAIN, this feeling that remains…”
There are so many incredible places to do a sunset engagement shoot around Brighton. Of course the beach is the obvious place but I like to take my couples to the spots that are not so well known. These cliffs are a great example and, and they can look incredible if we get a pretty sunset. TCan you believe that they are actually right next to a busy main road? However, if you are careful with framing you can eliminate the cars, and just get a beautiful view of the beach and the cliffs.
This shoot was a collaboration with the wonderful Alexandra at The Bijou Studio. I’m a huge fan of her style, it’s relaxed but sharp, her eye for detail is incredible and working with her is super inspiring. I want her to come and style my entire life. Alas she is too busy with her successful wedding planning business, dang!
Thanks to Poppy Tallulah for doing a sterling job on both hair and makeup and to our couple, Duncan and Rachel.
If you are thinking about where to have your Brighton Engagement Shoot, hit me up, I love doing these. If you are currently searching for a venue for your Brighton wedding or elopement, I have a list packed full of great venues, some of which might not be so obvious without some insider knowledge.
“On the coastline, in the water, your mirage is like a stalker. I could push him off the cliffside, ’cause he’s COLOURING MY INSIDES and everywhere I look, I look at you…”
Let’s meet at St Dunstan in The East, the bombed out church in London for your engagement shoot – this is the plan that Caitlin, Mark and I came up with. I’d shot there before a couple of times and it was always a lovely oasis of calm in the heart of the city. But it seems that the secret’s out and in fact it was an oasis of non stop Instagramers. We even had to queue up to get a turn using some of the backgrounds there. Some people had brought a team and professional lights with them. It was kind of fascinating and terrifying at the same time. We still had fun though and looking at these images, you can’t even tell. Next time, I will just head to Piccadilly Circus!
The ONLY HEAVEN I’ll be sent to, is when I’m alone with you…
Can you believe this engagement shoot was the first time that I had been to The Barbican in London? Charlotte and Simon didn’t know it too well either so we had a lot of fun exploring it together. I loved the architecture and how the natural elements were incorporated, it is such an interesting place. Their bright outfits really stood out against the muted tones of all the concrete. If you are coming up to your own engagement shoot and wondering what to wear, think about the backgrounds of your chosen location and aim to contrast with it. So wearing green in a forest wouldn’t work so well. Also, think about how your outfits look together – like these two did!
I am the blank page before you, I am the fine idea you crave. I LIVE AND BREATHE under the moon and when you cross that bridge I’ll come find you …
No, never, ever, ever will I run out of places to do Engagement Shoots in Brighton. There are infinite quirky cafes, shops and arty spots so I never argue if clients say that they fancy coming down to the beach for their shoot. I met Jeny and Greg at one of my favourite places, Marwoods Cafe. This must be the kookiest coffee shop in town. We then headed down to the beach and the Upside Down House, bumping into an epic bubble blower on the way.
I love you Sunday sun, The week’s not yet begun, And everything is quiet, it’s always YOU AND ME always, and forever …
