Elina and Jag’s engagement session at Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavís Marbella Resort brought together three different looks, pink terraces, cypress-lined gardens and a final round of cocktails. Photographed in Benahavís, near Marbella, the session combines digital photographs and film.

What draws me to these photographs is the way the setting and the smaller gestures sit together: a long staircase, a hand resting on a shoulder, a smile caught between portraits. There is space for the architecture, and space to come closer.

Yellow on the terraces

Elina’s yellow outfit brings a beautiful contrast to the pale stone and pink walls. On the terraces, the balustrades and statues frame the two of them; closer in, the fabric becomes part of the picture, catching the light around their faces.

I like keeping both kinds of photograph in a story. The wider frames remember the place. The closer ones bring us back to the people.


Elina and Jag beside a marble bench against the pink palace wall at Villa Padierna.
Pink terrace, marble balustrade and statue at Anantara Villa Padierna.
Soft-focus portrait of Elina and Jag with the cypress-lined garden behind them.
Elina and Jag beside a marble balustrade, with Elina wearing yellow.
Elina smiling as Jag embraces her on the terrace.
Film detail of Elina and Jag embracing, with yellow fabric and gold bangles.
Film portrait of Elina lifting yellow fabric above her head.
Jag kissing Elina on the forehead beneath yellow fabric, photographed on film.
Elina and Jag walking along the marble staircase between pink walls.
Elina seated in yellow beside Jag near a marble bench and decorative wall relief.

Gardens, colour and photographs on film

A second look in deep purple changes the palette as the photographs move through the gardens and into the interiors. The cypress-lined staircase gives the portraits a strong sense of place, while the window light offers something quieter.

Digital and film appear together throughout this part of the session. The film frames bring their own texture and colour, sitting alongside more detailed digital portraits. One of my favourite pairings is the wide portrait beneath the large painting and the closer photograph of Elina resting her hands on Jag’s shoulder.


Elina in a purple embroidered outfit and Jag leaning against a terrace balustrade.
Film portrait of Elina leaning on the terrace balustrade in a purple outfit.
Elina and Jag climbing the garden staircase between tall cypress trees, photographed on film.
Wide view of Elina and Jag on the staircase above the formal garden and water feature.
Elina embracing Jag from behind as they sit on the garden steps.
Close portrait of Elina resting her hands on Jag’s shoulder beside a window.
Film portrait of Elina and Jag standing beneath a large painting inside the palace.
Close detail of Elina’s hand on Jag’s shoulder and the embroidery of her purple outfit.
Elina and Jag walking together through a palace interior, photographed on film.
Soft-focus film photograph of Elina and Jag walking away through a courtyard with plants.
Elina looking towards the camera through leaves beside a pink wall with decorative plates.
Elina and Jag together against a pink wall decorated with ceramic plates.

A white dress and cocktails to finish

The final chapter has a lighter feel: a white dress by the water, an embrace, and cocktails inside the palace. The details become part of the story too, from Elina’s ring to the glasses in their hands.

For me, these small changes are what make a couple’s session feel complete. A few carefully composed portraits, room to move, and moments that show something of the two people together.

Circular water feature and gardens at Anantara Villa Padierna.
Elina in a short white dress beside Jag near the garden water feature.
Elina laughing as she embraces Jag, with her engagement ring visible.
Close view of Elina’s ring and hands resting on Jag’s shoulder.
Black-and-white portrait of Jag kissing Elina on the head as they sit beneath a painting.
Elina in white and Jag standing together beside the palace bar.
Elina smiling inside the palace in a short white dress.
Close-up of two cocktail glasses held by Elina and Jag, with Elina’s ring visible.
Elina and Jag smiling with cocktails inside the palace.
Elina and Jag kissing beside a stone fireplace while holding cocktail glasses.

Planning an engagement session near Marbella

If you are considering a session on the Costa del Sol, think about how you would like to spend that time together. One location with different spaces can give the photographs variety while keeping the experience simple. Outfit changes can add another chapter, provided there is time for them.

For a hotel session, photography access, available spaces and arrangements for changing should be agreed with the venue in advance.

You can explore more of my wedding photography in Marbella, or tell me about your engagement session or wedding. I would love to hear what you have in mind.

Photography: Serafín Castillo · Digital & film