Autumn Sunshine & City Streets: Samantha & Matthew’s Relaxed Dublin Engagement
There is something incredibly special about Dublin in the autumn. The light hits the Georgian brickwork differently, turning everything golden, and there’s a crispness in the air that just invites you to wrap up and go for a walk.
As a Dublin Engagement Photographer, I often have the joy of capturing couples in the heart of this vibrant city.
Back in the autumn of 2025, I had the absolute pleasure of capturing that exact atmosphere with Samantha and Matthew. This lovely couple had flown in all the way from America. Having gotten engaged earlier in the year, they were planning a celebratory holiday to Ireland and decided it was the perfect opportunity to have their engagement photographs taken here.
It’s always a massive compliment when international couples find my work online and connect with it enough to reach out. Samantha mentioned they loved my candid, documentary style, and that was music to my ears. They weren’t looking for stiff, formal poses or anything too staged. They wanted something very casual, relaxed, and authentic to them as a couple.
When they said they wanted a city shoot as they were basing themselves in Dublin, I knew exactly the kind of vibe we could create.
A Walk Through Dublin City: Best Engagement Spots
We were blessed with one of those perfect Irish autumn days. The sun was splitting the stones when I met up with them just off the hustle and bustle of Grafton Street.
From the moment we met, I knew this shoot was going to be a breeze. Samantha and Matthew were just brilliant to work with—so incredibly relaxed and comfortable in each other’s company. My job is always 90% easier when a couple spends the time laughing together, almost forgetting I’m there.
We treated the shoot as a casual stroll through some of Dublin’s most iconic, yet textural spots. We started over by Dublin Castle, using the stunning historic backdrop to frame some beautiful moments, before wandering down into Temple Bar. I love shooting in Temple Bar, not just for the famous colourful facades, but for the cobbled side streets and hidden corners that offer so much character without the crowds.
We continued our walk down Dame Lane, catching that unique urban feel, before heading down to the River Liffey. We took some time strolling along the boardwalk, with the autumn sun reflecting off the water, providing a lovely contrast to the busy streets we had just navigated.
Ending with a Guinness: Authentic Irish Photos
Throughout the planning process, Samantha and Matthew had one specific request for the very end of the shoot. They really wanted that quintessential “pint of Guinness in a Dublin pub” photo.
Honestly, after an hour or so walking the city pavements, it was the perfect way to wrap things up. We ducked into a cozy bar, they ordered their pints, and clinked glasses to their engagement and their Irish adventure. It was the ideal, authentic ending to a genuinely lovely afternoon.
Looking for a Dublin Engagement Photographer?
While I am often out in the mountains shooting epic landscapes, I absolutely adore city shoots. Dublin is a fantastic playground for photography, offering a brilliant mix of history, urban grit, and vibrant colour.
If you, like Samantha and Matthew, are looking for an engagement shoot that feels more like a fun date than a photo session, and you prefer a relaxed style over formal posing, then Dublin city might just be the perfect spot for you.
Helpful Resources for Your Irish Engagement Shoot
If you are currently planning your trip to Ireland or thinking about your own engagement photos, I know it can be overwhelming trying to figure out the logistics. I’ve put together loads of resources on my website to help you out.
Be sure to check out my blog section, where I dive deep into topics like:
- Best places for engagement shoots in Ireland: From city streets to mountain peaks. Click here
- What type of clothes to wear: How to look great while staying comfortable and warm. Click here
- A Guide to Engagement Shoots in Dublin & the rest of Ireland for US couples – Click here
If a relaxed, candid city stroll sounds like your kind of thing, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Head over to my contact page, drop me a message, and let’s start planning how to capture your story.
Here is what Samantha and Matthew said following their engagement shoot –
“My fiancé and I got engaged prior to our trip to the Emerald Isle, and were interested in getting some engagement photos done during our trip abroad (from NY). After a little bit of research, I quickly contacted David because of his alluring documentary-style photography. From our first communication to the day of the shoot, David was absolutely wonderful to work with. His style worked really well for us and “following us around” instead of traditional staging of photos allowed us to have a lot of fun with them. We were laughing, flirting, and can even decipher what conversations we were having with each other simply by looking at the photos/our facial expressions. Dave went above and beyond to capture a wide breadth of photos that were in perfect alignment with our vision, even down to incorporating specific buildings I loved in Dublin. Highly recommend booking Dave for your next trip overseas or for any photography needs.”
Source – Google Reviews – https://maps.app.goo.gl/6wpottnbvVmcaZ8z5
