Nicole and Kenzo’s couples session at Dunseverick Castle was unlike anything I’ve experienced in my years of being a photographer. Years of ancient history laying beneath our feet as we explored the dreamy costs of Northern Ireland, flocks of birds flying overhead as we listened to the sound of the waves crashing against the shore beneath us. . . truly the most meaningful and breathtaking experience that I will never forget.

Nicole + Kenzo’s Couples Session at Dunseverick Castle

The dreamiest spring day in Northern Ireland

I’ve always wanted to spend time exploring this part of Ireland, and let me tell you—it was everything I dreamed about and more. It was a gorgeous spring day on the Causeway coast with a little bit of every type of weather; bright blue skies, wispy white clouds, rolling green hills, even a pale rainbow framing the stunning coastal cliffs as I explored that morning. Coming from the PNW, I knew that wild coastal areas like this could bring any type of weather at any moment, so Nicole, Kenzo and I had to be ready for anything. Fortunately, we lucked out with a pretty incredible day and were able to bask in the light ocean breeze while running through the hills, and getting moments of sunlight here and there as it spilled through the clouds—truly a scene out of an epic romance film.

An unexpectedly meaningful location

It might shock you that we actually didn’t lock down a location for their Northern Island couples session until the morning of. I spent a few hours scouting along the coast and eventually landed on Dunseverick Castle—with the rugged cliffs, the misty ocean spray, and the ancient ruins. . . it just felt right.

Dunseverick Castle isn’t a grand, sprawling castle on the coast of Ireland; no, what’s left is only the remains of the castle gates that used to stand atop this cliffside. The basalt columns offer such gorgeous views right next to breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, and I could just envision Nicole and Kenzo strolling through these grassy meadows, admiring the natural beauty and dramatic ocean vistas around them.

But what we didn’t know? It was so much more than that.

A few days after I sent Nicole and Kenzo their gallery, they sent me this text:

“Tell me why while I was showing my grandmother the photos we took at Dunseverick she nonchalantly told me that it was my family’s ancestral home/stronghold back in the 1400’s. HUH?!! Dawn you literally picked the site of my family lineage without knowing it.”

Like—WHAT?!

And THEN I found out that How To Train Your Dragon filmed here, and I unknowingly framed their portraits in the exact same spots they used in the movie.

Some locations choose you, and this was absolutely one of them. Still can’t believe how perfectly this turned out, not just with unbelievably enchanting scenery, but scenery that actually held a unique meaning to this couple and their family roots.

Adventurous couples photos on the Causeway coast

Located just down the road from the iconic Giant’s Causeway, the area around Dunseverick Castle gave us the most magical mix of stunning beaches below the cliffs, towering clifftops, and rolling hills boasting vibrant greens that were to die for. I was obsessed with the outfits Nicole and Kenzo chose for their couples shoot, keeping their tones super earthy to blend seamlessly with the coastal landscapes they explored. Nicole wore the most amazing sky blue dress (with her favorite pair of Blundstones), and it was literally PERFECT for the dramatic gusts of wind we experienced by the water. The way her dress and hair blew around in the breeze as they explored. . . pure perfection. Kenzo went with an all-black look that contrasted beautifully against the greens of the hills and the blue of his sweet babe Nicole’s dress—together they looked like absolute stars.

Bridal-inspired portraits at golden hour

Don’t even get me started on the bridal-inspired outfits they changed into, y’all. . . Nicole literally put on the most STUNNING, strapless bridal gown with soft, silky layers of tulle, shoulder-length gloves, and a sheer, floral-patterned cape that draped gently off her shoulders. My jaw was on the floor, watching the way her scarf, gown, and hair blew ever so slightly in the breeze like she was a freaking queen in a fairytale!! And Kenzo in his all-black tux and bowtie? I swear I barely had to do any work to make this shoot look incredible, it was allll them. Nicole even carried around the loveliest bouquet filled with pale pinks, oranges, and dreamy greenery—the perfect example of just how magical an adventure elopement can be even if you keep it so simple. Nothing complicated, no intricate decor; just you, your love, a breathtaking location, and maybe a small bridal bouquet thrown into the mix if you feel like it.

Northern Ireland Couples Photographer

Ireland stole my heart the moment I arrived, y’all. . . the welcoming culture, the jaw-dropping landscapes literally everywhere you look, the sense of peace you feel as you explore the coastal cliffs and vast hills. . . my soul is already craving another trip. Supporting you in planning the Ireland elopement of your dreams would be the biggest honor, whether you want to explore Giant’s Causeway, check out the ruins of Dunseverick Castle, or feel out the location that feels right day-of (just like I did with Nicole and Kenzo).

If you’re ready to create some art together in one of the most magical places on Earth, reach out now and let’s plan your once-in-a-lifetime Ireland adventure elopement!

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