somerset house engagement session

somerset house engagement Romantic couple shot nose to nose and eyes closed, bride wearing white lace mr self portrait mini dress and white gold simple necklace; groom wearing a light blue shirt and dark blue trouser; light and airy photography - Central London Pre-wedding and Engagement photo shoot by Cristina Ilao

somerset house engagement Asian American couple holding hands while walking in the neoclassical Somerset House quadrangle, female wearing a white lace Mr Self Portrait mini dress and strappy heels, Male wearing a light powder blue dress shirt, brown shoes and belt, navy blue trousers - Central London Pre-wedding and Engagement photo shoot by Cristina Ilao

somerset house engagement Asian couple: romantic natural posing, modern fashionable style; fresh and natural hair and make-up look Asian couple sitting on the steps of UCL quadrangle main campus facing the medical school. Bride wearing a white short sleeve lace mini mr self portrait cocktail dress; groom wearing a smart shirt longsleeve with dark blue trousers and brown leather accessories - Central London Light and Airy Pre-wedding and Engagement photo shoot by Cristina Ilao

Asian bride from Hong Kong wearing natural make-up and sporting a fresh effortless look, relaxed hairstyle while smiling and facing the camera; groom kissing the bride's forehead and wearing a blue ensemble, navy blue trousers and powder baby blue dress shirt longsleeve - Central London Pre-wedding and Engagement photo shoot by Cristina Ilao

somerset house engagement Asian multicultural couple at the steps of the UCL London iconic quadrangle near Euston Square station and the British Library; Outfit: white lace short sleeves Mr Self Portrait mini dress, powder light blue dress long sleeve shirt, brown belt and navy blue trousers, relaxed hairstyle and natural effortless fresh make-up; - Central London Pre-wedding and Engagement photo shoot by Cristina Ilao

Light and airy pre wedding post wedding and engagement session photography at the UCL main campus quadrangle - Central London Pre-wedding and Engagement photo shoot by Cristina Ilao

somerset house engagement Asian groom fashion and classic style, fresh light blue long sleeve dress shirt and navy blue trousers, simple clean haircut and clear skin; at the steps of UCL old refectory near the main quad and facing the main building on Gower street - Central London Pre-wedding and Engagement photo shoot by Cristina Ilao

somerset house engagement Asian couple laughing and sitting on the steps of UCL quadrangle main campus facing the medical school. Bride wearing a white short sleeve lace mini mr self portrait cocktail dress; groom wearing a smart shirt longsleeve with dark blue trousers and brown leather accessories - Central London Light and Airy Pre-wedding and Engagement photo shoot by Cristina Ilao

Asian woman with short black hair and wearing a while lace mr self portrait mini dress and strappy silver jimmy choo sandals; standing near the big pillars just outside University College of London Old refectory in the main quad at the main campus - Central London Pre-wedding and Engagement photo shoot by Cristina Ilao

Asian American couple in front of the UCL iconic quadrangle near Euston Square station and the British Library - Central London Pre-wedding and Engagement photo shoot by Cristina Ilao

hands holding showing a brilliant three stone vintage engagement ring with a platinum band - Central London Pre-wedding and Engagement photo shoot by Cristina Ilao- Central London Pre-wedding and Engagement photo shoot by Cristina Ilao

Asian groom standing at the old refectory of UCL University College of London main quad near the main building on Gower Street near Euston Square station - Central London Pre-wedding and Engagement photo shoot by Cristina Ilao

Asian couple natural posing, smiling and holding hands while smiling to the camera on the steps of the old refectory UCl University College of London main quad near the main building and facing Gower Street near Euston Square station Asian couple sitting on the steps of UCL quadrangle main campus facing the medical school. Bride wearing a white short sleeve lace mini mr self portrait cocktail dress; groom wearing a smart shirt longsleeve with dark blue trousers and brown leather accessories - Central London Light and Airy Pre-wedding and Engagement photo shoot by Cristina Ilao

somerset house engagement Asian Couple in black winter coats outside the steps of the Stamp Office Powder Blue Doorway at Somerset House in the south side of Strand Central London - Engagement photo shoot by Cristina Ilao

Asian bride with natural hairstyle and relaxed look, fresh effortless make-up and wearing a white lace simple mr self portrait mini cocktail dress; standing at the old refectory of UCL University college of London main quad near the main building - Central London Pre-wedding and Engagement photo shoot by Cristina Ilao

somerset house engagement Asian couple sitting outside Somerset House with Watch House Cafe cups of hot coffee, wearing black winter coats and facing the quadrangle - Central London Pre-wedding and Engagement photo shoot by Cristina Ilao

somerset house engagement South East Asian couple wearing black wool winter coats and toasting hot coffee in crystal clear cups, simple Asian make-up and natural hairstyle - Central London Pre-wedding and Engagement photo shoot by Cristina Ilao

somerset house engagement Asian American couple standing and holding hands in the front of the Somerset House quadrangle statue near the Strand in London - Central London Pre-wedding and Engagement photo shoot by Cristina Ilao

somerset house engagement Natural Asian hairstyle and make-up; relaxed Asian couple look; couple sitting on the steps of the UCL quadrangle - Central London Pre-wedding and Engagement photo shoot by Cristina Ilao

somerset house engagement Asian American couple at the UCL London iconic quadrangle facing the medical school near EUston station - - Central London Pre-wedding and Engagement photo shoot by Cristina Ilao- Central London Pre-wedding and Engagement photo shoot by Cristina Ilao

somerset house engagement Asian couple smiling and sitting on the steps of UCL quadrangle main campus facing the medical school. Bride wearing a white short sleeve lace mini mr self portrait cocktail dress; groom wearing a smart shirt longsleeve with dark blue trousers and brown leather accessories - Central London Light and Airy Pre-wedding and Engagement photo shoot by Cristina Ilao

somerset house engagement Multicultural South East Asian couple standing at the front of the Somerset House quadrangle on a clear warm summer day, Outfit: lace white mini dress by Mr Self Portrait, powder light blue dress shirt and navy blue trousers, brown leather accessories, shoes and belt; silver strappy sandals. - Central London Pre-wedding and Engagement photo shoot by Cristina Ilao

Alex and Clara had their first date at Somerset House, so it was the obvious choice for their London engagement session. However, our session started at the iconic UCL quadrangle where they used to hang out with their friends and colleagues from UCL. Early in the morning, it was quiet. We had a wonderful trip down memory lane and also had some conversations about their current life in the US before we headed to Somerset House.

While they lived in the UK during their university days at the UCL Medical School, both are now based in the US. Alex and Clara already got married in the US before their Somerset House engagement session so this photoshoot is more for symbolic purposes. However, their UK trip wasn’t just a celebration of another milestone as a couple. It was also a great way for them to look back on how much things have changed since they left med school many years ago and ventured into the world.

Upon reaching Somerset House, we stopped for a quick coffee break to warm up before proceeding with their engagement session. The Watch House is conveniently located in Somerset House and proved a great backdrop for some of the photos. I wanted to show their story a bit more in the photos so we took the chance to have some photos of them enjoying a cup or two together. Alex mentioned it was like being back in the old days when they would come over and hang out there.

Head to this link to read more about Alex and Clara’s Somerset House engagement session.

Other Links:
The Ultimate Guide to Pre-wedding Shoots
Luxury Date Night Ideas in London
A London Wedding Photographer’s Top Tips

Somerset House Engagement Session:
Photography: Cristina Ilao | Dress: Self Portrait Studio | Location: UCL Medical School 74 Huntley St, London WC1E 6DE and Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA London

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