A London Engagement Shoot at Hill Garden & Pergola

I can’t think of a more perfect way to close the last summer bank holiday of 2025 than by photographing a couple’s surprise proposal at the enchanting Hill Garden and Pergola in Hampstead. Just a short walk from Hampstead tube (Northern Line from King’s Cross), this hidden gem has become an increasingly popular backdrop for love stories.

The day came with its own challenges — a dazzling 28 degrees at midday and the Pergola filled with visitors, musicians, and locals soaking in the last drops of summer. As a wedding photographer, preparation is everything. I arrived more than an hour early to study the light, explore angles, and quietly plan around the crowds. The groom-to-be had shared his vision — a quiet bench for the proposal — but it was constantly occupied. So, moments before they arrived, I gently “reserved” it myself, ensuring it would be ready for that once-in-a-lifetime moment.

When I finally saw them walking towards me, I recognised him instantly from our video call. His fiancée strolled along, completely unaware of what was about to unfold. As he set down his picnic hamper and dropped to one knee, time seemed to slow, though my camera shutter didn’t — capturing every flicker of surprise, joy, and love.

The golden sunlight filtered perfectly through the trees, scattering glimmers across their hair. Despite the midday glare, the photos turned out luminous, rich with warmth and emotion. Later, when I shared their preview images, their smiles told me everything — this was a story they could treasure forever.

As a Cambridge photographer who often travels for love stories across the UK, this London engagement shoot was the most beautiful way to close my summer season. It reminded me why I chose this path: to capture real, fleeting emotions and turn them into timeless memories.