Bride to be and champion of sustainable fashion, Fiona Anderson from Co. Down, tells us more about her proposal and why she would encourage other couples to invest in an engagement photoshoot.
Tell us about your proposal.
‘John and I have known each other since we were teenagers and spent our summer holidays in Dunfanaghy, Co. Donegal. After two years of adventures and laughter, we got engaged last Easter on Marble Hill beach — our special place. For our engagement ring, we worked with designer Ivy Nixon to create a piece that felt both timeless and uniquely ours. We envisioned a vintage-inspired design with an Irish twist, all while remaining true to our commitment to sustainability. The green sapphire, ethically mined in Australia, is paired with lab-grown diamonds, set in a band crafted from recycled gold — a symbol of our love for each other and for the planet.
‘Our wedding will take place in October 2025 at the Beech Hill Estate in Derry, a place that holds deep personal significance for us both. It’s where my mum and John’s grandmother are from, making it a perfect setting for us to begin this next chapter of our lives. We plan to say ‘I do’ beneath a canopy of golden beech leaves in the woods on the estate — weather permitting, of course!
‘Sustainability is at the core of our wedding vision. As someone who works for Oxfam in sustainable fashion, I’ve made it my mission to encourage our guests to dress mindfully. We have kindly requested as our dress code that everyone wear something borrowed, second-hand, or an outfit they already own. To support this, I’ve partnered with Rent And Rotate, offering a discount for guests who choose to rent their attire — because dressing sustainably doesn’t mean compromising on style!
‘For my own wedding dress, I’ll be wearing my mum’s 1980s silk gown, which is being repurposed by Sue Bamford from Tools For Solidarity. My bridesmaids and I will also follow this sustainable approach, sourcing their dresses online through eco-conscious retailers or Vinted. In keeping with our ethos, our wedding décor will all be second-hand or borrowed too, proving that you can have a beautiful, memorable celebration without creating waste that harms the planet.’
What inspired you to have an engagement photoshoot?
‘Shuka, our photographer, was recommended to us by a friend who booked her to capture a maternity shoot to document her pregnancy. I loved the images she captured and was inspired by her creativity. The shoot was kindly gifted to us by my in-laws to be, we had a difficult start to the year as we lost someone very close to us, so wedding planning had taken a backseat. The shoot provided us with the perfect opportunity to reignite our excitement for the wedding. I’m so grateful we booked Shuka, she was incredibly professional and had a way of making both of us feel completely at ease from the moment we met. Her infectious energy truly shines through in the photos, and we had an absolute blast during the session!’
How did you come up with the concept and how did you ensure it captured your style as a couple?
‘I love fashion, so the concept for the shoot was a very simple monochrome look that had an editorial feel. We made a conscious effort to ensure all our outfits were sustainably sourced, either through charity shops or on Vinted, with many pieces coming from our own wardrobes. We wanted the images to not only reflect our personalities but also capture a meaningful moment in time. Working with Shuka was an absolute dream; she brought a wealth of creative ideas to the table. Her talent and vision truly brought our dream of an editorial-style shoot to life, and we couldn’t be happier with the result.’
In what ways do you believe the engagement photoshoot will hold sentimental value for you in the future?
‘Whilst our amazing wedding photographer will capture our images on the day, we felt that having a dedicated engagement photoshoot would help us feel more relaxed. With so many other things to focus on throughout our wedding day, the engagement shoot enabled us to be fully present and have fun with the images we captured. Shuka booked us into the 1G1 Studio on the Crumlin Road in Belfast, it was the perfect neutral backdrop to shoot against.’
Would you recommend an engagement photoshoot to other couples?
‘Definitely! And particularly with Shuka. An engagement shoot is a lovely gift for a newly engaged couple to help them feel excited and build anticipation for their wedding to come. The period of engagement is so short, it’s lovely to have captured this special, once in a lifetime moment.’
What advice would you give to couples planning their own engagement photoshoot to make it a memorable experience?
‘To ensure you make best use of your time, have your outfits and any props clearly thought through. We wanted a neutral backdrop to shoot against, but location is important. Choose somewhere that’s significant to you both to help your photos really shine.
‘The goal is to capture authentic moments of connection between you and your partner, so focus on having fun and not on the posing. Relax, have fun and enjoy each other’s company — your photographer will capture the magic of those genuine moments.
‘Hopefully, like us, your engagement photos will help you feel excited and prepared for your wedding day shoot!’
Fiona Anderson is manager of Ireland’s first Oxfam Superstore in Holywood, Co. Down and shares her sustainable fashion and life choices on her Instagram to help and inspire others.
