St Andrews Engagement Photography - Tony & Leah


This was a really heartwarming surprise engagement. Tony contacted me back in 2021 with plans to propose to his girlfriend, Leah, during a return visit to Tony's alma mater, the University of St Andrews. Tony had it all planned out: we were aiming for the most iconic location of the University, if not the entire town: St Salvator's Quad. Those of you who know the Quad know that it's very carefully rested during the colder months, to preserve the grass and make sure it's ready for the week of twice-daily graduation processions come June. I spotted Tony & Leah walking around the historic pavestones, and Tony stepped over the low string fence that kept the grass out of bounds. This is where it got tense! Leah put the brakes on, worried they were trespassing. I waited at the doors to Lower College Hall with bated breath - my cameras hidden behind the drop in the wall - until finally, with a lot of coaxing from Tony, Leah stepped onto the Quad and Tony led her to the middle of the grass.


A newly engaged couple embrace on St Salvator's Quad, St Andrews.
A newly engaged couple kiss at St Salvator's Quad, St Andrews.
A newly engaged man gives passers-by a thumbs up, indicating She Said Yes!

As you can see, it went well! The slight delay meant that the clock struck 11am, and student rush-hour did begin to spill out into the quad, but this just meant a lot of clapping and cheering for Tony & Leah. I approached, and after well-deserved congratulations, we began our wander around St Andrews for some celebratory photographs. I love when couples take me up on my suggestion of a walk-around after the proposal - it allows everyone to relax into the moment more, and it's always afterwards that the most natural smiles come out, as the partners chat to each other and everything starts to sink in!

A man is on one knee holding a ringbox, proposing to his girlfriend on St Salvator's Quad, St Andrews.
A newly engaged couple walk across St Salvator's Lawns, St Andrews.

We finished our shoot at the famous Northpoint Cafe, where the royals (Wills & Kate) met, and Tony & Leah very kindly bought me a hot chocolate to fend off the chilly overcast weather while we had a debrief and a lovely chat. I alluded to this in my more recent engagement blog - sweet treats are not a requirement in order for me to hand over your photos, but they do help speed up the process ;) And credit to our gorgeous little town for having so many great options for post-shoot photographer bribes.


If you're looking for a photographer to capture your engagement, or a shoot to celebrate a recent proposal, drop me a line and let's talk!

A newly engaged couple walk hand in hand by the Harbour in St Andrews, near East Sands.