1940s Inspired London Engagement Shoot…

I'm excited about sharing this gorgeous 1940's inspired photoshoot with you today, photographed by one of my favourite people working in the wedding industry, London and Kent Wedding Photographer, Eliza Claire.

I love the warmth that exudes from these photographs.  Eliza is so talented behind the camera and appears to have very effortlessly captured the chemistry between couple Claire and Terry so beautifully – the photographs evoke images of an old movie, a war-time romance, sweethearts celebrating their engagement, with a dose of fun thrown in for good measure.  And most people know I'm a complete sucker for bright red lipstick and nails and little white gloves, and so I just love Claire's whole look in these photographs.

I spoke to Beckie Gregory, of London Wedding Planers, Temple Gregory who worked with the couple on styling this delightful engagement shoot…

"Claire loves all things vintage, so it was almost a given that her pre-wedding shoot would be in this style that she loves.  Terry was a great sport in going along with the shoots vintage concept and agreeing to also dress up. I think its fair to say that not all grooms would agree to this – so well done Terry – he looked great!

For the shoot location, we looked at lots of venues in London – bars, pubs, cafes and even a palace – but in the end thought it would be great and even more personal to do the shoot at Claire and Terrys (gorgeous) flat and outside around Maida Vale. Maida Vale is a very pretty area and the streets and big London townhouses went perfectly with the theme – the area has a real natural vintage feel to it…"

Love My Dress Wedding Blog – Photography Copyright (c) 2011, Eliza Claire

"The couple also happen to live just around the corner from Gordon Ramsay’s pub, The Warrington,  which is just fab inside. It also has a colourful history, which makes it even more appealing – as it used to be owned by the Church of England and was at that time a brothel! A few shots were taken in around this pub, which is even nicer as its their 'local'!…"

Claire's beautiful outfit (perfect for the Spring sun now appearing!) consisted of an original vintage 1950's dress (handmade), hat, gloves,earrings and bag, all hired from vintage clothing hire specialists, St. Cyr Vintage in Stables market, Camden.

Terrys suit was also hired from Camden Market….

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Photographer – Eliza Claire
Stylist – Beckie Gregory, of Temple Gregory, London Wedding Planners/Stylists
Makeup – Self-styled
Hair Stylist – Nina's Vintage Hair Parlour
Venue – In and around the couple's flat, London
Claire's wardrobe – St. Cyr Vintage in Stables market, Camden
Terry's wardrobe – St. Cyr Vintage in Stables market, Camden

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Congratulations Claire and Terry on your engagement and upcoming nuptials {that is one wedding I'll be fighting over for a feature!!}.  You both look incredible, and so completely in love, in this shoot 🙂

I missed out on the opportunity of an engagement shoot when I was planning my March 2009 wedding – maybe the concept was still a fairly new one back then, or maybe I just didn't think at the time. It's a shame, because I'd love to be able to look back now on a set of pre-wedding photographs, and what an excellent way to practice feeling comfortable in front of the camera {you wouldn't believe it looking at these photo's, but it's not something I'm incredibly comfortable with}.

Have you had an engagement shoot? What was it like? And what do you think to the idea of having fun and dressing up a bit for an engagement shoot?   Share your thoughts and ideas :)…

You can see more from the super lovely Eliza Claire Photography on Love My Dress here. Also check out the 1940's and Engagement shoot categories for more inspiration.

Much love all,

Annabel xXx

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