Rain and Romance: A Cozy Anniversary Shoot at Ladies Bay

Not every couple chooses a drizzly day to celebrate their anniversary, but this wasn’t just any couple. When they first reached out about a photoshoot, the vision was clear: cozy, intimate, and full of personal moments. It was all about celebrating one year together—not with elaborate poses or anything overly staged, but with the kind of genuine affection that comes from truly knowing someone. From the sweet, shy forehead kisses to the quirky “puzzle” pose where their heads fit perfectly together, this session was destined to capture the realness of their relationship.

Then, of course, Guernsey’s weather had its say.

On the day of the shoot, the forecast wasn’t exactly promising. Rain was rolling in, and I suggested rescheduling for a sunnier day—one with that iconic golden hour glow. But then, they hit me with a detail that made everything click: their very first date had been in the rain. Torrential rain, to be exact. So, rather than let the weather spoil things, they embraced it, opting to brave the elements with an umbrella and “nice coat” in tow. The rain wasn’t a problem; in fact, it felt fitting—a nod to the beginning of their story.

We met at Ladies Bay, their chosen spot from the start. It was the perfect location for a more intimate shoot, with fewer people around and enough quiet space for them to feel comfortable and be themselves. They mentioned early on that they preferred somewhere they could relax without feeling watched, so an empty beach on a rainy day? It was the ideal setting.

As we kicked off the session, raincoats zipped up and umbrellas at the ready, the weather created a mood that you just can’t plan for—overcast skies, puddles on the sand, and a softness in the light that gave everything a dreamlike quality. There’s something magical about rain in a photoshoot—it’s unpredictable, a little wild, but it adds such depth and atmosphere. And in this case, it made the photos feel even more personal, a reminder of where it all began for them.

The best part? The moments they’d envisioned came to life in the most organic way. They had a few specific ideas they wanted to include—forehead kisses, their signature “puzzle” pose where their heads fit together like pieces of a puzzle, and a sweet kiss on a freckle that clearly meant something special to them. There was no need for overly orchestrated poses or stiff formality. The photos came naturally, capturing the little things that made their relationship unique.

And while the rain could have easily dampened the mood, it only seemed to bring out more laughter and playfulness. They were clearly having fun with it, embracing the weather instead of worrying about it. There were a few moments of awkward umbrella maneuvering (because, let’s be honest, umbrellas have a mind of their own in the wind), but those turned into some of the most genuine, candid shots of the day. They leaned into the experience, and that made all the difference.

By the end of the shoot, we’d created something that felt raw and real—photos that were a true reflection of who they are together. No forced smiles, no faked poses, just two people enjoying each other’s company in the middle of a rainy beach. The rain wasn’t a backdrop to be tolerated; it became a part of their story.

Afterwards, they sent a message that made my day: “Thank you so much—we had so much fun! Can’t wait to see the photos.” And when they did? They were thrilled. “So, so delighted with them,” they said, which was exactly what I hoped for. It’s one thing to create beautiful images, but it’s another to capture something that truly resonates with the people in them.

This anniversary shoot wasn’t about perfect weather or flawless conditions. It was about capturing the quiet, personal moments that define a relationship—whether that’s laughing in the rain, sharing a freckle kiss, or just being completely at ease with each other. And in the end, that’s what makes a photoshoot memorable.

So here’s to rainy days, shared umbrellas, and love stories that embrace the unpredictable. It was an honor to capture this special moment for them, and I couldn’t be happier with how the day unfolded. Because sometimes, the best shoots aren’t the ones that go according to plan—they’re the ones that embrace the unexpected, rain and all.