Gastown Italian Restaurant Engagement Photos at Di Beppe
When Katherine and Seamus first reached out to me on Instagram, I was super excited to shoot their restaurant engagement photos. After all, it would combine a few of my favourite things: hanging out with a great couple, exploring Gastown and eating delicious pizza!
We met at Di Beppe, an Italian restaurant in Gastown known for their cozy vibes, and handmade pizza and pasta. After dinner, we planned to take some more photos that would capture the urban setting in a way that matched S & K’s relaxed and fun personalities. I suggested a nearby rooftop parkade, which made the perfect backdrop.
It was a blast photographing this cute couple and I couldn’t wait to recreate the trendy restaurant photoshoot vibe at their Cafe Medina wedding later that year!
Turn your engagement session into date night
At past Vancouver engagement sessions, I’ve taken a few photos of the couple stopping for a drink at a bar or ordering from an ice cream truck. But before Seamus and Katherine’s shoot, I had never done an engagement session where we planned a whole sit down meal.
And I loved it! It felt like Seamus and Katherine were actually on a real date with all of the genuine smiles, laughter, cozy cuddles and amazing food you’d want from a date night. We made great use of the space at Di Beppe and were able to create intimate images that perfectly captured the mood.
If you’re nervous about your upcoming engagement session or not sure where we should take your photos, take a page out of K & S’s book and plan a date night. In fact, I’ve modeled my couples sessions around this idea and now call them Date Night Sessions! Head out to your favourite restaurant or an activity you love to do together and let me tag along to capture all of the magic.
Why I love shooting in restaurants
While this was my first time capturing a couple’s main engagement photos inside a restaurant, I have lots of experience shooting restaurant wedding photos. From Brix & Mortar to Shaughnessy Restaurant, there are some beautiful restaurant wedding venues in Vancouver.
I love shooting in restaurants because they’re always so beautifully decorated. You don’t have to bring in much, if any, of your own wedding decor. Plus restaurants often have interesting spaces or cool ambient lighting, which is a fun creative challenge for me to incorporate into your photos.
My #1 tip for ensuring you get great restaurant engagement photos
If you’re planning an engagement session at a restaurant, make sure to reach out to the restaurant beforehand to get permission. You want to respect their space and not be disruptive to other diners.
In my experience, restaurants are often quite accommodating of photo shoots. They’re usually happy to show off their space and their food, and are honoured you want to incorporate them into your important photos.
A big shout out to Di Beppe who definitely went above and beyond for Seamus and Katherine’s special night!
Are you inspired to plan your own date night engagement session? Get in touch! I’d love to chat through your ideas and capture your photos.
