When Hannah and Rob told us they wanted to do three locations for their Norwich couple shoot, starting at home, swinging by a ridiculously cool cemetery, and finishing up at Cinema City, they looked a bit sheepish, like it might be too much.

But honestly? That was music to our ears.

As wedding photographers (obvs), we’re used to doing couple portraits fast. Like, twenty minutes on a wedding day fast. So when we get a full hour for a couple shoot, it’s a treat. Give us more time and three fun locations? Yes please.

We also love a bit of a challenge, like an unusual location or lighting. On the drive in to the shoot Neil was excited about making photos in the couples home and Lisa was looking forward to some cinema action.

Rob and Hannah kindly answered a few questions for us about their shoot, their relationship, and what it was like being in front of the camera. These two are absolute legends; funny, creative, and totally up for doing something different. Their answers honestly made us smile so much.

How did you meet?

We met through mutual friends, first in the queue to the Banksy exhibition “Dismaland” back in 2015. Hannah immediately captivated me, but she was blind to her love (maybe it was because I was so handsome? lol). We didn’t get together until 4 years later in 2019, when we were visiting Ireland with the same friend. While we were there, it became obvious to both of us that being together was simply inevitable…

Tell us about the proposal! 🙂

We were staying in Hastings (one of our favourite places) for our 5th anniversary and, after a boozy dinner in a gorgeous little place called Ladle, we sat on the beach listening to the sea, singing and chatting – and Rob popped the question!

This couple shoot malarkey, how did that work out for you? Were you nervous before hand?

Hannah: We knew that we really wanted a couple shoot before the wedding as we wanted to get comfortable in front of the camera and with you guys. I was really quite nervous beforehand – my particular flavour of neurodivergence means I can get really anxious if I am not sure how something is going to go. I read the booklet several times, but was really grateful you were willing to have a Zoom chat beforehand and sent me a timeline on the day – it meant I could just stop worrying and enjoy myself. The shoot was so much fun and has actually brought Rob and I even closer, giving us an opportunity to just enjoy ourselves and feel romantic after quite a few months in ‘get stuff done’ mode (considering we have bought a house and planned a wedding in 10 months!)

Rob: The couple shoot was fantastic. Lisa and Neil put us at ease straight away and we had lots of fun around the house and out in the Rosary Cemetery and Cinema City. I wasn’t nervous, I knew Lisa and Neil would produce amazing pictures – though it was a bit stressy getting the house and ourselves ready, but so, so worth it!

So, where is the big day happening?

The Octagon Chapel for the ceremony and ‘curious directive’ on Elm Hill for the reception. Both beautiful venues that we can’t wait to have pictures in.

What are you looking forward to most on the day?

Hannah: I can’t wait for the first time we see each other at the ceremony. I don’t know how we will react, but it will feel like such a huge moment.

Rob: I can’t wait to see Hannah in her dress, hearing the speeches, eating a lovely meal, and dancing with my new wife!

Which photo is your favourite?

Hannah: It is very hard to whittle it down to one photo, but I really love the photo taken from a higher angle in the window seat in Cinema City where Rob is kissing my head and I’m holding his hand with both of mine – its such a distillation of how he makes me feel: safe, beautiful and loved. Also, my dress looks really cool. I also really love one of the ones we took in Rosary Cemetary where I am looking at him and he is looking at the camera – he looks so handsome!

Rob: I don’t know if I can pick a single favourite – I love the one of us sitting in the hallway laughing together. I also love the B&W version of the cover image – us sitting in the front seats of the cinema screen, it’s so cool.

Best wedding planning advice?

Hannah: BOOK LISA AND NEIL – knowing I can rely on you both to take beautiful photographs and also be organised has been a big weight off my mind. I would also recommend getting ‘It’s your wedding: a step by step guide down the aisle’ by Georgie Mitchell from the library – absolutely some of the best advice I have read, even this close to our wedding.

Rob: Once a week, have sit-down meetings together, where you both talk about what needs to be done next and what is stressing you out. It has been essential for us for planning – just to keep track of what is going on and what both of your priorities should be.

And the worst planning advice you’ve had?

Hannah: That, because I run events for work, I don’t need to worry about paying for a planner/coordinator. While having lots of events experience has definitely been extremely helpful in planning everything, if I could go back in time and stretch the budget to do this, I absolutely would. If it will fit within your budget (and your venue doesn’t come with one included), absolutely pay for this service!
Rob: I don’t think we’ve had any “bad’ advice. Some people seem to do things much, much earlier than we did and get a lot more stressed about things – we have mostly gone with what ‘felt’ right. I suppose having an event planner for a fiancée does make things a little easier…

We had such a laugh with Rob and Hannah. Meeting their cats, lurking around graveyards, and sneaking into cinema corridors. Honestly, 10/10 day out.

Couple shoots don’t have to be awkward or overly posed. They can be whatever you want them to be. Weird, wonderful or just a good excuse to hang out somewhere cool while we third-wheel with cameras.

If that sounds like your vibe, get in touch and let’s make some magic (or at least have a giggle trying).