We're totally smitten with this engagement shoot. It's romantic and intimate, even against the epic old-world garden setting. Photographer Claudia Magas of Ladies & Lord actually loves the pre-wedding sessions most because, believing they are "....even more exciting than the wedding day itself. It is all about just the two of them. It marks the beginning of their new journey together. It is wildly romantic and there are no distractions around." We have to admit, however, that we are slightly distracted by the Belvedere Gardens-seriosuly how grand and gorgeous?! You're going to be totally inspired!

What were your expectations regarding an engagement shoot?

To be honest my fiancé and I never really thought about an engagement shoot before we met our wedding photographer. We didn't realize such a thing existed. We were grateful for this new experience Claudia from Ladies & Lord gave us.

Would you recommend a pre-wedding shoot to other couples?

I can only recommend such a pre-wedding session to everyone getting married. Let's face it, the planning period can be a hectic one, you kind of lose control at times and are overwhelmed with what's happening. So getting a time‐out for a few hours with just you and your fiancé can feel like the breather you just needed. It felt like this for us. Claudia whisked us away on a typical April day to one of our favorite places in Vienna; the fabulous Belvedere Gardens. We didn't mind the fickle weather at all. In fact it was part of the fun. First it was sunny, then it started raining, then we got some snow and in the end glaring sunshine again. Four seasons in two hours. Claudia insisted it looked all very photogenic and we trust her completely.

Vienna is a magical place. Filled with many hidden gems Austria's capital has a certain majestic feel to it. For this impromptu pre-wedding session the fabulously landscaped Belvedere Gardens were the perfect backdrop. Regal and elegant yet a place to relax and enjoy the first rays of sunshine. It was a lovely stroll through the park and they even managed to dance one waltz on the lawn before it started raining.

From the photographer:

I love engagement shoots, pre-wedding sessions, whatever you want to call them. They are about 2 people in love. For me they are the most exciting part - even more exciting than the wedding day itself. It is all about just the two of them. It marks the beginning of their new journey together. It is wildly romantic and there are no distractions around. For every couple there is a unique story. I love telling those stories through my eyes. Most of the time my brides and grooms give me a slight idea where we want to go style-wise and then they just let the reins out of their hands and let me do the fun stuff. I love it. It must be the most rewarding job in the world.

Photographer: Ladies & Lord, Claudia Magas // Gown: Solaine Piccoli // Headpiece & Gown Salon: Niely Hoetsch // Makeup & Hairstyling: Sophie Chudzikowski