On the most beautiful evening in late August, I had the great privilege of capturing Jess and Elliott’s engagement photo session near York. We met just outside Kirkham Abbey and caught up on their wedding plans and wonderful baby news whilst making the most of those long, hazy summer evenings we were blessed with this year. The light was incredible as Jess and Elliott practised their first dance and their contagious smiles were a total joy to capture.

Jess and Elliott are due to marry in summer next year at Sandburn Hall which is located around 10 miles from York. The venue opened Sandburn Hall Hotel in 2020 which has proved to be an incredible addition to the venue for brides. The spacious bridal suite bedrooms have amazing natural light which is ideal for bridal make-up, hair and pre-ceremony photographs. Sandburn Hall grounds also boast a secluded rose garden which is exclusively reserved for the wedding guests and is a beautiful backdrop for bridal portraits and group shots too.

Engagement sessions can be booked within your wedding photography investment, and I highly recommend them for getting used to being photographed as well as getting to know me a little better. We can practise poses, catch up on all your wedding plans and of course have lots of fun whilst creating a beautiful collection of photographs to treasure.

There are so many secluded engagement photo session locations I can recommend in and around York. We opted for Kirkham Abbey as it’s only a 10-minutes drive from Sandburn Hall and has since become a new favourite place for Jess and Elliott to visit. I also love to capture engagement sessions at Dalby Forest, Fraisthorpe Beach near Bridlington and the woodlands near Howsham Hall.