Some couples just fit together perfectly, and from the moment we met Tara and Ryan at the The Belfast Wedding Festival in St George’s Square, we knew these two were something special. Warm, funny, completely down-to-earth, and absolutely mad about the outdoors, we instantly clicked with them and couldn’t wait to get them in front of our cameras.

And honestly? After hearing their story, we became even more excited for their upcoming wedding at the Ulster Museum.

A Belfast Love Story That Started on Duke Street

Their story begins in one of Belfast’s most iconic little corners.

Ryan was sitting on a bench on Duke Street, enjoying a pint outside the The Duke of York, while Tara had just finished an interview for a new job at Hadskis.

Neither of them could have known that this chance encounter would change everything. As fate would have it, the very next week they both found themselves working together at Hadskis. Spending long shifts together, getting to know one another, sharing laughs, stories, and plenty of restaurant chaos, it didn’t take long before something special started to grow.

Then came January 2020.

Yep… just before Covid hit! 😂

Talk about timing. But sometimes life has a funny way of bringing the right people together at exactly the right moment. Through lockdowns, uncertainty, and all the craziness that followed, Tara and Ryan fell completely in love. They built a life together, moved in together, and welcomed the most important little man in their lives…

Their “son”, Brock.

Or, as we lovingly call him, their bundle of madness.

Meet Brock, the Real Star of the Show

Brock isn’t just a dog; he’s family. Full of energy, personality, and endless excitement, he perfectly sums up Tara and Ryan’s life together. Adventurous, fun, and never boring for a second.

There was absolutely no way he wasn’t going to be part of their engagement shoot. In fact, we think he may have stolen the spotlight a few times… and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

A Proposal High in the Mournes

If you know Tara and Ryan, then you’ll know that sitting still isn’t really their thing. These two live for adventure. Hiking, climbing, exploring—if it involves being outside, they’re there.

So it only made sense that Ryan’s proposal would happen somewhere incredible.

He proposed on the side of Slieve Bearnagh in the beautiful Mourne Mountains while the pair were out rock climbing. How amazing is that? And because Ryan is an absolute legend, he even filmed the proposal. Bless him.

The engagement ring had been carefully tied with a piece of string for safekeeping because dangling thousands of pounds worth of jewellery off the side of a mountain is absolutely nerve-wracking!

It’s such a perfect reflection of who they are as a couple: adventurous, thoughtful, fun-loving, and completely devoted to each other.

Their Engagement Shoot at Woodburn Reservoir

Choosing a location for an engagement shoot can say so much about a couple, and there was never any question where these two should go. Woodburn Reservoir was the perfect choice.

Surrounded by forests, water, mountain views, and endless natural beauty, it couldn’t have suited Tara and Ryan better.

The whole afternoon felt relaxed and effortless. We wandered the trails, laughed at Brock’s antics, and captured the little moments that make these two so special, the glances, the smiles, the way they naturally gravitate towards each other.

There is something incredibly sincere about photographing couples who genuinely love spending time together outdoors. No big posing. No fuss. Just the two of them (and Brock!) enjoying being in nature.

As a Northern Ireland engagement photographer, these are the sessions we absolutely adore. Natural, adventurous, and full of personality.

Counting Down to Their Ulster Museum Wedding

Ever since meeting Tara and Ryan at The Belfast Wedding Festival, we’ve been counting down the days until their wedding at the Ulster Museum.

It’s going to be a day full of love, laughter, adventure, and probably a few happy tears too. And if their engagement shoot is anything to go by, it’s going to be incredibly special.

Tara and Ryan, thank you for trusting us to capture this chapter of your story. Spending the afternoon with you both (and your gorgeous, slightly chaotic son Brock!) was an absolute joy. We genuinely cannot wait to celebrate alongside you both.

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Looking for a Northern Ireland Engagement & Wedding Photographer?

If you’re searching for a Northern Ireland photographer who loves natural, relaxed, outdoor engagement shoots and genuine storytelling, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re planning an adventurous proposal in the Mourne Mountains, an engagement session at Woodburn Reservoir, or a wedding anywhere across Belfast and Northern Ireland, our passion is capturing real moments and the stories that make your relationship uniquely yours.

Because sometimes the very best love stories begin with a pint on Duke Street, a job interview, and a little bit of fate. ❤️