Pre-wed shoot | Hill Garden & Pergola in Hampstead

Pre-wed shoots are a chance to relax and have fun, get to know the photographer and get some awesome shots. Matthew & Divya got all three and more on their portrait session at the Hill Garden & Pergola in Hampstead, London.

Starting pre-wed shoots early has been a bit of a theme for me of late, which is the key to getting uninterupted access to the best spots. In our case it was a 7am start and lucky for us, the weather was mild but most importantly, dry and sunny with a beautiful golden light.

It was great to finally meet Matthew & Divya after they booked me for their upcoming wedding a while back. From the outset you could see what a super chilled couple they are which made it easier for me when capturing the more natural shots.

We started the portraits exploring the woodlands near the Hill Garden & Pergola. Except for one or two keen joggers, we were on our own and took advantage of the natural environment. For me it was a dream location as there were lovely pockets of light leaking through the trees, so it was a chance for me to experiment with some creative portraits.

The experiments kept on presenting themselves when Divya expressed an interest to get some portraits up a tree! Initially I thought she was joking but soon realised she was all for it. So cue Matthew & Divya climbing a tree and getting in position. It was certainly a unique shot and a first for me – capturing portraits of my couple up a tree!

After they brushed off the leaves, we made our way to the Hill Gardens and Pergola. I have been a few times to this location and each time it feels like the first. It is a stunning hidden part of London and it always brings back that creative excitement for portrait ideas.

Still being so early in the day, there was hardly any people about so we had free reign in the location. Matthew & Divya were equally amazed at the stunning surroundings so it was a case of getting some natural and easy portraits with the lovely light filtering through the walkways.

I had such a good time with them both during their pre-wed shoot at the Hill Garden & Pergola in Hampstead. They are an amazing couple and can’t wait to be their Indian Wedding Photographer this summer. Here are a few highlights from their day: