Engagement sessions are always a joy to photograph, but Connie and Sam’s was extra special. Not only did we have the beautiful backdrop of Iscoyd Park, the venue where they’ll soon be tying the knot, but their rescue dog Betty came along for the fun, and Connie was glowing with pregnancy. It made the whole shoot a celebration of love, family, and the exciting new chapter ahead.
A Relaxed Afternoon at Iscoyd Park
One of the things I love most about doing engagement sessions at wedding venues is that there’s no time pressure. On a wedding day, the schedule is usually packed and couple portraits are squeezed in between everything else. For Connie and Sam, we were able to wander around the grounds of Iscoyd at a slower pace, enjoying the gardens, the long drive, and the house itself without any rush.
Iscoyd Park is such a special place, elegant, timeless, and full of character, and it was the perfect setting for these two to get comfortable in front of the camera.
Betty Steals the Show
Of course, we couldn’t forget about Betty! She trotted happily alongside us, joining in for cuddles and a few cheeky poses. Pets bring such a lovely, natural energy to shoots, and Betty was no exception. Watching Connie and Sam interact with her gave such a real glimpse into their everyday life as a family.
A Session with Double Meaning
What made this shoot even more meaningful was that it doubled as a maternity session. Connie looked radiant, and the love between her and Sam was so beautiful to capture. Engagement shoots are about celebrating a couple’s connection before their wedding, but this one also celebrated the little one they’re soon to welcome, and the start of their journey into parenthood.
Why Engagement Shoots Matter
For me, engagement sessions are about so much more than “practice” for the wedding photos. They’re a chance to slow down, to capture your relationship in a more relaxed way, and to create photographs that hold a completely different energy to the wedding day. For Connie and Sam, being able to photograph them at their actual wedding venue, with Betty by their side and a baby on the way, felt like the perfect way to mark this moment in time.
Connie & Sam, thank you for letting me document such a beautiful stage in your story!
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