A Love Story That Began in Leeds | Ibbani & Hemanth’s Pre-Wedding Photoshoot

This Leeds pre-wedding photoshoot was unlike any other because every location held a special meaning. From The Glassworks, where Ibbani and Hemanth first met, to the vibrant streets of Leeds City Centre and The Light, every photograph tells a chapter of their love story. Nearly three years after that first meeting, they returned to the city before their December wedding to celebrate where it all began.

Some cities become part of your story.

For Ibbani and Hemanth, Leeds isn’t simply the city where they studied. It’s where two strangers from the same hometown, speaking the same language, found each other hundreds of miles away from home.

When they told us their story, we immediately knew this wasn’t going to be an ordinary pre-wedding session.

It had to be photographed exactly where everything began.

From strangers to soulmates

September 23rd, 2023.

The Iconinc Leeds – The Glassworks.

Two students had travelled across the world to study in the UK. Both came from the same city back home. They spoke the same language.

Yet somehow, they had never met before.

On her very first day in Leeds, Ibbani heard someone speaking in her mother tongue. Curious, she walked over, introduced herself, and the conversation began.

For Hemanth, it was love at first sight.

For Ibbani, it was the beginning of an incredible friendship.

Living abroad isn’t always easy. You’re away from your family, your traditions and everything familiar. Sometimes all it takes is one person to make a foreign country feel like home.

Little by little, they became exactly that for one another.

When she was ill, he looked after her.

He cooked for her.

He called her parents.

He quietly became part of her family long before anyone realized.

And somewhere along the way, friendship quietly transformed into love.

Today, nearly two years later, they’re preparing to get married this December.

Returning to Leeds for their pre-wedding session wasn’t simply about taking photographs.

It was about revisiting the beginning of their story.

Starting where everything began

Our first stop could only be one place.

The Iconinc – The Glassworks.

 Standing outside the building where they first met brought back countless memories. Every entrance, every corridor and every shared space carried a little piece of their story.

Before heading inside, I photographed the building itself – its striking architecture, the colourful details and the student messages scattered around the beautiful Glassworks. It felt important to capture not just the couple, but the place that had quietly witnessed the beginning of everything.

Once inside, we explored the spaces that held so many memories. Some of our favourite photographs happened in places most people would simply walk past.

The colourful lounge windows.

The shared pantry area.

The cinema room where they enjoyed a quiet moment together.

A playful pillow fight.

Quiet moments overlooking the city from the balcony.

These aren’t just beautiful backdrops.

They’re chapters of their relationship.

Walking through Leeds together

One of the reasons we love photographing couples in Leeds is how much variety the city offers within a short walk. If you’re still deciding where to have your own session, have a look at our guide to the best pre-wedding photoshoot locations in Leeds.

Historic Victorian architecture.

Modern glass buildings.

Tree-lined streets.

Hidden alleyways.

Colourful restaurants.

Urban textures.

Everything sits within minutes of each other, allowing every part of the session to feel different without ever feeling rushed.

As the evening unfolded, we simply wandered through the city, stopping whenever the light, or the moment felt right.

The Light Leeds

Our next stop was The Light, one of Leeds’ best-known entertainment destinations.

Many visitors don’t realise that the complex stands on the site of the historic Leeds Permanent Exhibition, which welcomed visitors as early as the 19th century. Today it blends shopping, restaurants, cafés, cinemas and beautiful open spaces into one of the city’s most vibrant locations.

For photographers, it’s a dream.

Clean architecture.

Interesting reflections.

Soft evening light.

Beautiful indoor lighting after sunset.

Here we captured relaxed portraits, playful walks through the shopping arcade and one of our favourite frames beneath the illuminated “Zizzi” sign.

Cocktails, conversations and colourful reflections during Leeds pre-wedding photoshoot

Rather than rushing between locations, we encouraged Ibbani and Hemanth to slow down.

They ordered colourful cocktails at Zizzi.

 They laughed.

Talked.

Forgot about the cameras.

Those are often the photographs couples treasure most years later.

Not because they’re perfectly posed.

Because they’re real.

Photography isn’t about telling people where to place their hands every thirty seconds.

It’s about creating space for genuine moments to happen.

A celebration in the middle of the street

One of the highlights of the evening came after dark.

Standing outside the Radisson Blu, Hemanth opened a bottle of sparkling wine while Ibbani laughed as it sprayed into the air.

Watching them laugh together in that moment, surrounded by the lights of Leeds, it was impossible not to feel the excitement of two people about to begin a new chapter of their lives.

The illuminated building behind them, the flying droplets catching the flash and their genuine expressions created one of those photographs that instantly feels alive.

Moments like these are the ones couples remember years later.

Leeds pre-wedding photoshoot after sunset

Many couples assume photographs should finish before dark.

We completely disagree.

Once the city lights come on, Leeds transforms.

Reflections appear in the shop windows.

Neon signs add colour.

Historic buildings become beautifully illuminated.

The streets become quieter.

Some of our favourite images from this session happened long after sunset. From colourful reflections inside The Light to cinematic portraits outside Radisson Blu and relaxed moments walking through the city together.

Night photography gives every session a completely different atmosphere.

 You can also explore more of our favourite Leeds engagement photography sessions for inspiration.

Why choose Leeds for your pre-wedding photos?

If you’re planning an engagement or pre-wedding session, Leeds is one of the most underrated cities in Yorkshire.

Within a couple of hours, you can create an album featuring:

• Modern architecture
• Historic Victorian streets
• Luxury hotels
• Beautiful restaurants
• Colourful nightlife
• Urban parks
• Contemporary shopping arcades
• Cinematic evening photography

Whether your story started here or you simply love the city, Leeds offers endless opportunities for photographs that feel personal rather than staged.

Thank you, Ibbani & Hemanth

More than anything, this session reminded us why we love photographing people.

Every couple has a story.

Some begin in childhood.

Some begin through friends.

Others begin because someone happened to hear a familiar language in a student accommodation building on an ordinary September afternoon.

Although their wedding celebrations will take place in India, it was a true privilege to document this special chapter of their journey. Thank you for trusting us to tell a small part of your story. We wish you a magical wedding day and a lifetime of happiness, laughter and adventures together.

Looking for a Leeds pre-wedding photographer?

If you’re planning your engagement or pre-wedding photoshoot in Leeds, we’d love to create something that reflects your story rather than simply taking beautiful pictures.

Whether your favourite place is a city street, a university campus, your first café together or somewhere completely unexpected, we’ll build a session around the places that matter most to you.

Get in touch with Calini Weddings to start planning your own Leeds engagement session.

Browse more real weddings, engagement sessions, Yorkshire wedding venues, and wedding planning tips on the Calini Weddings blog.