Engagement Shoot: Future Mr + Mrs Lawson

Fiona + Ali

8.03.2020 │ Old Rayne, Aberdeenshire

Instagram: @becomingmrslawson│ Nicola Stewart Photography

Fiona and Ali were due to marry at Meldrum House, Aberdeenshire, in August 2020 but unfortunately had to postpone until 15th October 2020 due to Covid-19 (with a reception tbc due to covid). Bride to be Fiona tells us their love story and shares their engagement shoot with us.

How did you meet and how long have you been together?

We met at a mutual friend’s wedding at Edinburgh Castle in May 2016, we went on our first date a few weeks later, so have been together just over 4 years now.

Tell us your proposal story...

We were on a snowboarding holiday in Alpe D’Huez in France in February 2019 with a small group of friends.  It was a perfect sunny day and the group went a trip to the glacier to snowboard down the black run, but as I was a learner, Ali went back down the easy route with me.  I had tired legs, so asked to stop at the side. It was a really pretty view, so I got my phone out to take a photo of the view – then I turned around and Ali was down on one knee.  It was so amazing and unexpected!

What has been your favourite part of wedding planning so far?

As I had worked as an Events Manager for 5 years, it has been amazing to plan my own wedding. I really enjoyed our menu tasting. Our venue created a “Taste of Meldrum” experience where we got to sample a selection of the wine and food, we also booked a room at the venue to make a night of it.  We carried on the wedding spirit and bought our rings the next day.

What are you most looking forward to about the wedding date?

I just cannot wait to be Ali’s wife and begin the next chapter of our life together, and to have a celebration with our friends and family again. 

Why did you decide to have a pre-wedding shoot?

We didn’t plan to have the pre-wedding shoot, we had always thought this was quite cringy, but as this was included in the package, we went for it.  We are so glad we did, as it was not awkward or cringy in the slighted and it’s a great way to get some practice in and get to know the photographer. 

How did you choose the shoot location?

This is where our photographer lives - it was very pretty. She knew so many nice spots to stop for photos.

What is your favourite photo from the shoot?

I really like the photos with the black and white filter. 

Did you find the shoot helpful for helping you feel more prepared for the wedding day?

Totally! She made us feel so at ease, even for the kissing photos which generally feel awkward. We left feeling so excited for the wedding, as it was only 7 weeks away at the time… but Covid had other ideas.

Did you feel nervous behind the camera?

We both felt very nervous – we had really cheesy smiles at the start, but we quickly felt relaxed.  I am glad we got the nervous out the way for the pre-shoot to fell more relaxed on the wedding day.

Would you recommend that other couples have an engagement shoot?

100%! It will make the photos on the day even better as you’ve got your awkwardness out the window. 

Did your photographer give you any tips before the shoot?

Our photographer gave tips on how to stand, different kinds of relaxed poses and tips on how we should hold the bouquet etc. She also talked about other weddings at Meldrum House and discussed photos she particularly liked from the venue.

Were there any stand out moments in the shoot?

Not really, I just had a general feeling of excitement after it.

Do you plan to incorporate any of the photos into your wedding?

Originally, we didn’t plan to, but now that we have had to reschedule, we are using the photos on our new wedding website.

What advice would you give to other couples who plan to have a pre-wedding shoot?

Go in with an open mind – forget about those cheesy photos you see online. Wear what you think is comfortable, don’t think too much of it and just talk to the photographer like they are your friend. 

From Brides, With Love xo