From Cambridge University to the Norfolk Coast | Diana & James' Engagement Shoot


Although I'm photographing Diana and James' Cambridge wedding later this year, we headed to the Norfolk coast for their engagement shoot. As a wedding photographer covering Cambridge, Norfolk and the surrounding counties, Wells-next-the-Sea is one of my favourite locations for relaxed engagement photography, thanks to its expansive beaches, sand dunes and beautiful evening light. Whether you're looking for a pre-wedding shoot or simply want to feel more comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day, Wells offers plenty of variety without ever feeling busy.


That's exactly why Diana and James chose it for their engagement shoot. The pair first met while studying at Cambridge University, and later this year I'll be joining them again as their Cambridge wedding photographer when they celebrate with family and friends in one of the university's historic colleges. It's always a privilege to photograph weddings in places that hold genuine meaning for a couple, so getting to document this chapter of their story beforehand made the session even more special.


We met on a warm evening at Wells-next-the-Sea, taking our time exploring both the beach and the grassy areas behind the dunes. One of the reasons I often recommend this stretch of the Norfolk coast for an engagement shoot is the variety it offers. Within a short walk, you can move from open sand and sweeping coastal views to sheltered paths surrounded by long grass, creating a gallery that feels diverse without having to travel between locations. The beach itself gave us plenty of space to slow down, chat and ease into the session. Engagement shoots aren't about constantly posing for the camera—they're about spending time together and letting moments happen naturally. That approach is a big part of my style as a wedding photographer, and it helps create photographs that feel authentic rather than staged.


It didn't take long before Diana and James' competitive sides made an appearance. A casual walk through the dunes quickly turned into a race to the top, followed by plenty of laughter as they tried to outdo one another. Those spontaneous moments are often the ones couples end up loving the most. They say far more about a relationship than any perfectly posed portrait ever could, and they're exactly the sort of images I aim to create through my natural wedding photography.


One of the biggest advantages of an engagement shoot is that it removes any uncertainty before the wedding day. Most couples tell me they're nervous about being photographed, but after an hour or two together, they realise it's much less about standing in front of a camera and much more about enjoying each other's company. By the time their wedding arrives, they'll already know how I work, and they'll be able to focus entirely on celebrating with the people around them. That's one of the reasons I offer a free engagement session to every couple who books me as their wedding photographer.


With their wedding reception taking place at one of Cambridge University's iconic colleges, I already know it's going to be an incredible day. If their Wells-next-the-Sea engagement shoot was anything to go by, there'll be no shortage of laughter, personality and moments that unfold naturally.

Couple holding hands walking through tall green grass field toward forest trees at golden hour sunset.
Black and white photo of a happy couple holding hands while walking through a sunlit grassy field at sunset.
Couple holding hands walking through a sunlit meadow with tall grass and lush green trees in the background.
Couple walking hand in hand through a sunlit meadow with tall grass and trees in the background.
Couple holding hands smiling in golden sunset light among trees and dry grass outdoors.
A smiling couple in a warm embrace, gazing into each other's eyes in a sunlit autumn forest setting.
Couple sharing a romantic moment smiling at each other in warm golden sunset light outdoors.
Couple sharing a romantic moment at golden hour in a field, woman smiling joyfully.
A couple embraces and smiles at each other outdoors at golden hour near a tree.
Couple walking hand in hand on a scenic dirt path at golden hour with trees and tall grass in background.
Couple walking on a sunlit dirt path surrounded by golden trees and shrubs during sunset.
Black and white photo of a couple walking together on a nature path lined with tall grass.
Couple standing face to face in a sunlit meadow during a beautiful golden sunset.
Couple holding hands walking through golden grass field at sunset with trees in background.
Couple holding hands walking through golden field at sunset, smiling at each other in warm backlit light.
Couple walking hand in hand along sandy beach dunes at dusk.
Romantic couple kissing silhouetted against stunning sunset in tall grass dunes.
Couple embracing and smiling at sunset in a grassy field, golden backlight glowing between them.
Couple smiling together in tall grass at golden sunset.
A joyful couple embracing and laughing together in a golden field during a beautiful sunset.
Couple walking hand in hand toward a stunning ocean sunset on a sandy path.
Woman smiling warmly while embracing her partner outdoors during golden hour.
Silhouette of a couple standing in a field of tall grass during a vibrant golden sunset.
Couple laughing and running through sandy beach dunes at sunset.
Couple laughing and running together through sandy dunes at sunset.
Couple running hand-in-hand through sandy dunes at golden sunset, surrounded by tall grass on a scenic beach.
Happy couple running and laughing together on sandy dunes at golden hour sunset.
Smiling couple running along sandy beach dunes at golden sunset.
Smiling couple posing closely together outdoors at dusk, man wearing plaid shirt and glasses.
Couple sitting and laughing together in tall grass field during a beautiful sunset.
Couple sitting together peacefully in tall grass under a cloudy sky.
Couple standing on sandy dunes covered in tall beach grass under a cloudy evening sky.
Couple holding hands walking through sandy beach dunes with tall grass under a cloudy sunset sky.