If these people aren’t living the dream, then I don’t know who is. Seriously, it doesn’t get any cooler than this moody, film noir engagement session by the oh-so-talented Kat Hill. I’m loving how we really get a feel for this romantic city and all its cozy corners and cafes. Trust me, you’re gonna wanna click here for the rest of this super gorg tour of the City of Lights!

Click here for the FULL engagement session!

From Kat Hill… Martina and Leslie are getting married later this year on the south coast of England. They’re such a gorgeous couple inside and out, and I wanted to do something special for their engagement shoot. I’m not sure how the idea of Paris came about — I think I watch too many old films! — but not only is it the City of Love, but also the City of Light. Where could be more perfect? We wanted to capture something a bit moodier than engagement shoots usually are. Something a little bit film noir, a little bit retro. That’s their aesthetic, and I think it works so well with the bleak winter backdrop of Paris in February. In fact, it was -9 degrees celsius the day of the shoot, and we had to keep running into cafes to warm ourselves up again! We ran all over Paris in one day, from the Eiffel Tower to the Sacre Coeur — I really wanted to get a sense of a couple in love, spending a day in one of the most romantic cities in the world. We didn’t really need too many props or accessories, a just couple in Paris — that in itself tells a story.

I did, however, ask Kate of Kate Ruth Romey to design a set of “tickets” for the shoot. She designs incredible bespoke wedding stationery, and I knew she’d come up with something super-special. I’ve never met anyone who has such a capacity to translate my rambling ideas into a tangible vision! The two hair pieces Martina wears were designed by the massively talented Kelly Spence. The black veil is made from fine vintage lace and was handcrafted by Kelly herself. The headpieces added a touch of glamour and sophistication and really gave the shoot some polish.

Photography: Kat Hill / Location: Paris, France / Hairpieces: Kelly Spence Bridal Accessory Design / Stationery: Kate Ruth Romey