Joyful pre-wedding photos in the heart of London

Sharing this LGBTQ engagement photoshoot fills me with joy. There are so many reasons why: this adorable couple, Sara and Karen, deeply in love, wonderfully photogenic, are an absolute delight to work with. As an inclusive wedding photographer based in London, documenting stories like this means a great deal to me.

Two women holding hands and smiling warmly over coffee in a quirky London café during their LGBTQ+ engagement session.

Our paths first crossed on a very stormy Sunday, 27 October 2013, when I was exhibiting at The Gay Wedding Show in Brighton. While the winds howled outside the Grand Hotel, Sara and Karen stopped at my stand. I remember how warm their connection was despite the dramatic weather.
Nearly a year later, we reunited in London for their engagement photoshoot.

Close-up of two women embracing, one gently kissing the other’s head, showing tenderness and love.

The day began at their home, with the help of the talented Cristina Pala on hand for make-up. The atmosphere was relaxed and filled with love, exactly how I like to approach my photography.
Sara and Karen were glowing. They were soon to celebrate their destination wedding in Italy at the beautiful Frassanelle Estate, near Venice. Naturally, we decided to bring a little Italian flair to their London photoshoot, which led us to end our session at the charming Italian Scooter Café, just a short walk from Waterloo Station.

In Sara and Karen’s words

You’re engaged! How does it feel?

Karen & Sara: Amazing! We feel even more connected, it has brought a new depth to our relationship. We’re enjoying this moment and didn’t want to rush straight into the wedding; this is such a special time to simply be in love.

Joyful summer moment of two women in London, one kissing the other’s hand, wearing bright and colourful outfits.

Tell us about the proposal

Sara: I wasn’t going to be the one to propose, in fact, it was a running joke among our friends! But I realised how much it would mean to Karen if I did. So I secretly planned a trip to Venice (disguised as a Scottish getaway!) and packed her summer clothes in my suitcase.
We explored beautiful Venice together, and during a sunset gondola ride on the Grand Canal, I proposed with a Bellini in hand under the glow of the Rialto Bridge. It may sound cheesy but for us, it was perfect!

Intimate portrait of two women sharing a quiet moment and coffee together inside an eclectic London café.

Was it a surprise?

Karen: Completely! I even packed woolly socks, thinking we were off to Scotland! I had been planning to propose to Sara myself and had already chosen a ring but she beat me to it!

Candid moment of two women, one whispering playfully to the other, in a vibrant urban café in London.

Tell us about your rings

Karen: Mine is a platinum band with a central princess-cut diamond and two pear-shaped diamonds. I love the sparkle!
Sara: After Venice, Karen surprised me too, my ring features three emerald-cut diamonds on a platinum band, with a beautiful Art Deco look. I still get compliments from strangers on my commute!

Two women sitting outside a quirky London coffee shop, sharing a tender moment with a kiss on the hand.

How did you celebrate your engagement?

We toasted with Bellinis at Harry’s Bar in Venice, followed by a beautiful dinner and of course limoncello. Back home, we celebrated with a big meal and a night of dancing in Soho and Covent Garden, surrounded by friends from across the UK.

Tell us about your wedding plans

Our wedding will take place on June 13, 2015, at the Frassanelle Estate, near Venice in Italy, with a small legal ceremony beforehand in the UK. We’ve planned an intimate, rustic outdoor ceremony, followed by plenty of incredible Italian food and wine. The bridesmaids will wear blush Vera Wang dresses, and Sara’s niece Holly will be our flower girl. Our dresses remain a secret for now!

Artistic black and white photograph of two women smiling closely together behind a creative café window in London.

What are you most looking forward to?

Karen: Celebrating a magical day in Italy surrounded by loved ones and marrying the love of my life.
Sara: I can’t wait to see Karen on our wedding day and to enjoy the celebrations with our closest family and friends. And yes, the Italian food too!

Has being engaged changed your relationship?

We didn’t expect it to but it has. We feel even more in love and more connected than we thought possible.

Detail image of two women holding hands, seated close together in a relaxed and intimate setting inside a London café.

Reflections on their engagement photoshoot

Who photographed your engagement photos?
Both: The wonderfully talented Paola De Paola, she made the experience so relaxed and enjoyable. Paola really captured the love between us, and her photographs are full of soul.
Karen: I’m usually camera shy, but Paola’s warmth and patience made it feel effortless.
Sara: We chose Paola because her work feels genuine and full of life. She has a gift for making couples feel entirely at ease.

Two women sitting happily together outside an Italian café near Waterloo Station in London, sharing joyful connection.

The look and feel of the shoot

We didn’t want staged photographs, we preferred a more natural, candid approach. The session began at our home and in our small London garden, a place filled with happy memories. We then visited a quirky local coffee shop that we love and finished the session at the Italian Scooter Café, perfect for adding a touch of Italian charm.

Two women gazing lovingly at each other inside an artistic café near Waterloo, celebrating their LGBTQ+ engagement.

Why choose an LGBTQ-friendly wedding photographer in London

As an LGBTQ-friendly wedding photographer in London, I believe that everyone deserves to feel celebrated, respected and fully themselves in front of the camera. It is a true privilege to document love stories of all kinds and I always approach each photoshoot with care, creativity and kindness.
If you’re looking for authentic engagement photography or an inclusive wedding photographer in London, I would love to hear from you.

Let’s create something beautiful together

Are you planning your engagement photoshoot or wedding in London? I would love to tell your story. Please get in touch, I can’t wait to hear more about your plans.