Elopements in Northern Ireland are increasingly popular in opposite to traditional big weddings, especially among couples travelling to Ireland, but also for local ones, who really want to have an intimate, different wedding. You’re guaranteed vows in the breathtaking scenery and fabulous memories of a lifetime adventure.
Read MoreSunset engagement pre-wedding photoshoot at Dunluce Castle, Northern Ireland.
Read MoreFor the past 3 years, I have been pretty committed to exploring Northern Ireland and it's raw coastline, forests and hidden gems, but I somehow managed to miss Islandmagee. It just never occurred to me it exists. It was a total blind spot until I heard about Rob's Heart & Soul workshop from my friends Sheena & Christin. They were raving about the workshop itself, the energy and fuel it gives, about the couples they were photographing and the location.
Fast forward to late May when I attend it, not only learned a thing or two about having a wedding photography business in Northern Ireland (and destination in my case!:)) but most of all met some amazing people. The couple that we were photographing on the island, Charlotte and Michael, are getting married in July and I'm more than sure they will make a wonderful bride and groom. I'm a huge fan of natural, sweet and candid photography focusing on the couple and their loved ones, and I always express how important it is to have your pre-wedding shoot. Not only because it's a great chance to bond a bit with your photographer, but also because on your wedding day you can focus on the moment, on being present and not on the fact that you are being photographed.
Islandmagee will be definitely joining my list of places to elope in Northern Ireland and I'm just delighted I was able to attend the workshop and make some new friends. Keep your eyes peeled for more of Charlotte and Michael, as they have agreed to help me with the secret project I'm planning for August.
Read MoreStraight from the sunny Provence and the love story of Lucy & Hayden, coming to you today with this utterly beautiful and adventurous engagement shoot in Northern Ireland. I previously mentioned how I love Causeway Coast and wrote a special blog post talking about all the places to elope in N Ireland. I was beyond excited to hear Melissa & Stephen, who live in Armoy - right next to the Dark Hedges, wanted to have their engagement photos at the beach. The obvious choice was Whiterocks near Portrush! Not only because I photographed another engagement there a year ago and I know all the places for the best light, but also because of the sunny weather forecast. Last time we had a completely different weather, and I wanted to make the most of our adventure day in the sun. I thrive in the sunshine and love bright and airy photos.
Melissa & Stephen brought their tiny dog, which is always a good idea when comes to couples photoshoots. The attention was divided and they could just relax and take a good walk - or run, straight into the cold water!
Read MoreThere have been a few funny stories between the Weir family and me, but possibly the funniest one dates back to 2016, of how we met. I have never photographed a wedding at that stage, but I had 2 booked for late summer and autumn and I knew I want to pursue it. Tasha dropped me an email because she was pregnant and she liked the look of my baby photography. I wasn't overly professional at that stage, so I read her email exactly a month after she sent it. Boy, was I mad at myself. But if you ever talked to Tasha you know, that these small things are not a problem for her. She is a pure walking kindness.
Read MoreWhen I first arrived in Northern Ireland in 2014 to study Politics & Journalism I signed up for a Photo Society at Queens University. I had a big passion for photography and wanted to learn and improve my style. For the next couple of months, I travelled the coast of Northern Ireland nearly every weekend with friends I met at the society. Then with friends who visited me here. Then with my boyfriend Neil, whom I also met at the photo society. Little did I know, four years later my love for Northern Ireland will continue to grow and my love for photography.. well, it will reach the next level. It will become my lifestyle, my daily bread, my ups and downs (mostly ups tho!) and I'll be able to share with you my puppy love photos and videos of Northern Ireland I took nearly 4 years ago.
If you're planning an engagement shoot or an elopement in Northern Ireland - or simply want to walk down memory lane with me, here are some of my absolute favourite locations.
~Paula
Katja & Rian wanted their engagement photos to look bright, airy & editorial like, which I was more than happy to make possible for them. We started brainstorming over a possible location a few weeks before the shoot and we both agreed that The Palm House in Botanic will be our best bet. It was mostly due to Northern Irish weather - February wasn't a particularly bright month and the only place with the abundance of fresh flowers and light would be the Palm House. We also exchanged many photos with outfit options - I have never been so close to planning an engagement outfit with a bride! Hands down most curated & stylish engagement shoot to date.
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