Darley Abbey Engagement Photos - Giorgia & Dom

Giorgia & Dom made the trip over to my neck of the woods, choosing a spot just a stone’s throw from their wedding venue for their engagement photos. They wanted something relaxed and true to who they are — no fuss, no posing for the sake of it — just the two of them, exactly as they’ll be on their wedding day.

Their West Mill wedding was planned for August, so I suggested we capture their engagement session at a cooler, quieter time of year. That way, their two sets of portraits would each have their own distinct atmosphere — one full of soft winter light and earthy tones, the other bursting with the warmth and greenery of summer.

So, we found ourselves in the heart of Darley Abbey. The trees in the park stood bare against the pale sky. The cobbled streets and weathered brick buildings of the old village gave everything a timeless feel — textured, calm, and full of character. I guided them gently through it all, letting moments unfold naturally as they explored. They lingered close, laughing softly between shots, pausing to take in the views and to imagine what the place would look like in eight months’ time when it would become their place — the spot where they’d say their vows.

We finished up in a dimly lit wine bar tucked away in the village, where the first hints of Christmas decorations were starting to appear. The golden glow of fairy lights reflected in their glasses, casting that perfect, cozy light over the end of our session — a quiet moment to slow down, warm up, and take in everything that was still to come.