Engagement Shoot: Mr and Mrs Pass

Nicole & Henry

24th October 2020 | Castleton, Peak District

Instagram: @knicolethompson | Photos: Lauren Elliott Weddings

Nicole and Henry had their pre wedding shoot in Castleton, a quaint little village in the Peak District. It was the ideal location, full of beautiful backdrops, including walking through the valleys which made for stunning photographs. They also chose the perfect time of year, as the location was only complimented by the autumnal tones of of the trees. Nicola tells us all about their romantic love story and why, to them, an engagement shoot was an absolute must have.

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

I personally think they’re one of the best ways to announce your engagement if you don’t manage to have the proposal photographed!

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

After finishing his masters degree, Henry spent two years ski instructing around the world while I traveled as a flight attendant. We both just happened to pick the same remote little village at the edge of Khao Sok National Park in Thailand (it took me 9 hours to get there from phuket). I can still see him walking into our shared room in the Coco Hostel Khao Sok, he completely ignored me and started chatting up a guy in our room while I silently resigned myself to figuring out a way to kiss this handsome english boy!! We ended up staying up for three hours chatting over this poor sleeping guy between us before parting ways for separate activities the next day. That evening a large group of us all went to dinner but somehow henry and I kept finding ways to sneak away for our own chats, after everyone was off to bed we stayed on the balcony nearly the entire night talking and a bit of kissing haha. We went our separate ways again the next day and would chat every moment we could until i hoped on a plane and flew from LAX to Queenstown, New Zealand, where i would end up spending a month with him on two different occasions. We have now been together for 20 months…. but as a friend said, 1 month in covid years is like a year in real time lol

Tell us your proposal story...

I walked into the shower while he was in there and he honestly just looked at me and asked. It was completely spontaneous, like word vomit almost lol but so henry and I wouldn’t change it for the world

Why did you choose the shoot location?

Our photographer suggested it and after some google searches we just fell in love with how quaint it all was!!

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

My groom absolutely did!!

Did you feel nervous behind the camera?

No! But I grew up in pageants lol

Would you recommend that other couples have a pre wedding shoot?

Yes.. yes … YES. It is such a great way for your guy to get a good idea of poses he should avoid… my handsome husband realised he needed to stand a bit straighter to improve his look and I think our wedding pictures show that bit of self correction. He seems much happier with them!

Did your photographer give you any tips before the shoot?

Yes!! Lauren was so incredible and accommodating, I can not recommend her more, she was SO detail oriented.

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

Have a few props to play with! It gives you something to do with your hands and can lighten the mood in the beginning so everyone feels extra relaxed and comfy.