Costa Brava Magic: Marimurtra Garden Engagement Photoshoot

Valentina & Riley: An Enchanted Engagement at Marimurtra Garden

Introduction

Autumn in Catalonia brings the perfect mix of sunshine and crisp air. On a bright October midday, I met Valentina and Riley in Barcelona and together we set off on a little adventure. Valentina had contacted me months in advance with a clear vision: she wanted her engagement photos to feel like a fairytale. That vision led us two hours up the coast to the Marimurtra Botanical Garden in Blanes. Perched on a cliff overlooking the turquoise waters of the Costa Brava, this garden is a hidden paradise far from the city bustle. The trip itself added to the experience; as we chatted in the car, Valentina shared stories of how she and Riley met while volunteering at a marine conservation project and how their shared love of nature had drawn them together. When we arrived at the garden, Riley took her hand and whispered, “This place is more beautiful than I imagined.”

The BarcelonaLoversPH Approach

Travelling outside the city for a photoshoot requires planning, but it also creates space for deeper connection. Valentina and Riley were full of excitement and curiosity when we arrived at Marimurtra. To honour the joyful, special vibe of this session, I encouraged them to explore at their own pace. We started by simply taking in the views—looking out across the Mediterranean Sea and breathing in the scent of pine and salt air. I reminded them that they didn’t need to pose for me; instead, I invited them to share memories of their relationship and to imagine the adventures still ahead. Their laughter was infectious. When Valentina adjusted Riley’s hat to shield him from the sun, he pretended to swoon. When Riley said he knew she was “the one” the first time he saw her collecting trash on a beach, she blushed and squeezed his arm. Throughout the afternoon I offered gentle prompts—“Tell her what you love about her kindness,” “Lead him down this path like you’re on a treasure hunt,”—so they remained focused on each other rather than the camera. My goal with barcelonaloverph is always to create a relaxed environment where couples can be themselves, resulting in images that are as natural and authentic as the love they share.

Location Spotlight

Marimurtra Botanical Garden

• A living museum: Marimurtra Garden is considered the most important collection of living plants in Catalonia and one of the most outstanding in Europe. With more than three thousand species from all over the world, it combines Mediterranean vegetation with cacti from southern Africa and Central America. Visitors wander through steep slopes, shady paths and a lake, discovering water sources, the Carl Faust Library House and the elegant Temple of Linnaeus, each with spectacular views over the sea.
• Carl Faust’s dream: The garden was created by German industrialist Carl Faust in 1924. Faust devoted his fortune to turning this cliffside property into a botanical and scientific haven and even established the International Mediterranean Biology Station, the first of its kind in the country. During the Spanish Civil War, Faust managed to keep his project intact and, shortly before his death, he created a foundation to ensure Marimurtra’s preservation. Today the garden continues his mission of conservation, research and education.
• Epicurus staircase and Temple of Linnaeus: The garden is laid out in three sections, moving from subtropical plantings to Mediterranean cliffs. One highlight is the Epicurus staircase, flanked by pink Drossanthemum flowers that bloom in spring. The staircase leads to the Temple of Linnaeus, a classical pavilion dedicated to the Swedish scientist who devised modern taxonomy. From this spot, visitors enjoy the best views of the garden and the Costa Brava, and in summer the temple hosts concerts. Looking out from here you can even glimpse the hidden cove of Sa Forcanera, a small beach only accessible by boat.
• Diverse habitats: Marimurtra is divided into “three acts”: a subtropical zone showcasing desert cacti and palms, a warm zone featuring bamboo forests and living fossils like the Araucaria tree, and a Mediterranean garden clinging to the cliffs. This progression allows visitors to travel across continents within a single walk, fulfilling Faust’s vision of a universal botanical garden.