A Cinematic Pre-Wedding Photoshoot in London

When Kaya & Gabriel booked me for their wedding next year at the stunning Carlton Towers, I knew we’d need to make the most of any opportunity to meet up beforehand. Living in Los Angeles, they’re not often in the UK, so while they were here on holiday, we planned a pre-wedding shoot in London to capture some unforgettable moments and get to know each other better.

Pre-wedding shoots are such a great way to connect before the big day, and this one didn’t disappoint. We chose some of the most iconic spots in London and aimed for a cinematic vibe with a retro edge, keeping everything natural and relaxed.

Starting Underground: Capturing a Bucket List Shot

We kicked things off on the London Underground, where I finally ticked off a long-time bucket list photo. Using a slow shutter speed, I captured a shot of Kaya & Gabriel sharing a kiss while a train sped past in the background. The movement, the lighting, and their connection all came together perfectly to create something truly special.

The underground has such a unique energy, and I wanted to reflect that in the photos. It’s gritty yet romantic, which suited Kaya & Gabriel’s style down to the ground. A Cinematic Pre-Wedding Photoshoot in London

Exploring the South Bank: Iconic London Views

After the underground, we headed across the bridge at Embankment to the South Bank of the Thames. This area is packed with some of London’s most famous landmarks, so it was the perfect backdrop for our shoot.

One shot I’d envisioned for a while was them sitting on a wall with Big Ben in the background, framed by one of those classic South Bank lampposts. I’ve been here so many times when it’s teeming with tourists, but this time, everything felt calm and unhurried. Whether it was luck or just being caught up in the moment, it gave us the perfect setting to create something timeless.

Why Have a Pre-Wedding Shoot?

If you’re on the fence about a pre-wedding shoot, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s not just about the photos (though they’re a big bonus); it’s about getting comfortable in front of the camera and building a connection with your photographer. By the time your wedding day arrives, you’ll feel relaxed and confident, which makes such a difference to your photos.

For Kaya & Gabriel, it was also a chance to bring a bit of their LA cool to the streets of London, blending their style with the city’s iconic landmarks. I love how the shoot turned out—cinematic, personal, and unmistakably London.

Looking Ahead to Their Big Day

With their wedding at Carlton Towers on the horizon, I’m already excited to capture their big day next year. If this pre-wedding shoot is anything to go by, it’s going to be an incredible celebration filled with style, emotion, and some unforgettable moments.

Thinking of a pre-wedding shoot for yourself? Let’s chat about how we can make it uniquely yours. Whether it’s iconic cityscapes like London or a location close to your heart, I’d love to help tell your story.

Vote for My Images in the Wedissimo Wedding Photography Competition!

Hello everyone!

I’m thrilled to share that some of my images have been entered into this year’s Wedissimo Wedding Photography Competition, a prestigious platform showcasing incredible wedding photography talent from around the world. This is my first full year as a full-time wedding photographer, and having my work recognized like this feels like such an honor!

I’ve been so lucky to capture unforgettable moments at incredible locations, from the historic Winchester Cathedral’s stunning nave to the peaceful beauty of Sheffield's botanical gardens and intimate ceremonies at Nottingham’s Arnot Hill Park. Each wedding has been a unique experience, and I pour my heart into every shot to capture the love and emotion that make each couple’s day truly special. Now, I’d love your support to help these moments get the recognition they deserve!

How to Vote

Voting is open to the public, and every vote truly makes a difference. Here’s how you can help:

1. Visit the Wedissimo Website: Head over to the Wedissimo competition page HERE

2. Click the links below to vote on these images. : You’ll find my photos in various categories, each capturing moments I hope make you feel as if you were right there with the couples.

3. Cast Your Vote: You can vote for each image by following the prompts on the site. Every vote counts!

4. Judging by Millie Pickerton: Renowned wedding photographer Millie Pickerton will also be reviewing the images, so each vote helps boost my work’s visibility to an industry icon.

Thank you so much for being a part of my journey this year, from supporting me as I went full-time to cheering on these images. Every bit of encouragement from you means the world as I work towards capturing even more beautiful stories next year.

Let’s see how far we can go—thank you for your vote and all your support!

Warmly,

Dan x

Emily & Matt's Scale Studio Fabric Studios Wedding Photography - Liverpool: A Perfect Summer Celebration

When I saw a message from my old friend Matt pop up, asking if I was available to photograph his wedding at Scale Studio Fabric Studios. I was instantly excited! Matt and I first met years ago in Sheffield when he moved there for university. Our shared love for skateboarding made us fast friends, so the chance to capture his wedding day was something special.

I arrived in Liverpool around midday at Emily and Matt’s home, where the bridal party was already in full celebration mode. The energy was infectious, and despite only having met Emily through a few pre-wedding calls, I was made to feel incredibly welcome from the get-go.

The ceremony was held at Fabric Studios, located in the heart of Liverpool. As we walked towards the venue, I knew it was going to be a photographer’s dream. The surrounding urban landscape was packed with potential for striking backdrops. Upon arrival, I was greeted by Matt’s dad, who gave me a quick tour of the venue and made me feel right at home.

Of all the weddings I’ve photographed this year, Fabric Studios has to be one of the most unique venues I’ve encountered. It’s set in an old warehouse, with a big, bright, blank canvas that was perfect for photography. The white backdrop, paired with Emily’s vision for flowers and signage, looked stunning—exactly as she’d described. Full credit to Emily and her wedding planners for pulling it all together!

After the ceremony, I took Emily and Matt out into the streets for some couple portraits, and the urban vibe didn’t disappoint. One standout feature was a vibrant mural by Shane O’Malley, which added a pop of color and energy to the shots. It’s always exciting to incorporate local art into wedding photos, and this was no exception!

Fabric Studios also has a sister venue upstairs—Scale Studio. Designed by Sonny McCartney, a fellow photographer, it features exposed brick and moody lighting, creating an intimate atmosphere that worked beautifully for the speeches. I could already picture how epic the dance floor shots were going to be later on.

As golden hour approached, I noticed some incredible light streaming through the windows of Scale Studio. Without hesitation, I grabbed Emily and Matt and took them back into the streets for another round of portraits. The warm glow of the setting sun against the industrial backdrop made for some of my favorite golden hour photos to date.

As the evening continued and the sun finally dipped behind the city skyline, it was time for the cake cutting. The last of the daylight was still casting a soft glow on the cake, creating a stunning moment. Then it was time for the first dance, and knowing Matt, I had a feeling the dance floor would be legendary—and it didn’t disappoint!

Huge thanks to Emily & Matt for trusting me to capture such an incredible day. From the urban vibes to the golden hour magic, it was truly one for the books!

If you’re planning a wedding and looking for a venue that offers a mix of urban edge and creative flair, I highly recommend checking out Fabric and Scale Studios in Liverpool. The combination of the industrial setting and blank canvas layout is a dream for wedding photography!

Dan x

Scale Studio Fabric Studios Wedding Photography

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Supplier shoutout

Venue - Fabric Studios / Scale Studio

Wedding Planner - Sparkalice Events

Cake - Cakes that Mel makes

Food - Fig and the wild

Flowers - Dustymoon floral

Lighting - I do hire

Hair - Eden Rose

Dress - FB Bridal studios

Brows - Kelly Ager