I’ve written about surprise weddings and pre-wedding photoshoots before, but this is my very first piece on surprise engagement shoots and it’s very well timed! Recently, (10th June 2023), I got one of my favourite photography jobs to date and it all started with an enquiry through my Tik Tok…
Funnily enough, my surprise engagement shoot with Charlotte and Raj all started when I was actually in The Lakes myself, clambering down Skiddaw when an enquiry came through my TikTok account from Raj. He was planning on popping the question to Charlotte on their three year anniversary weekend in The Lake District, just a hop, skip and jump away from where I was currently trying to keep my balance on the way back down Skiddaw to my camper-van; Patricia the Peugeot.
Now credit where credit’s due, Raj did a pretty great job of planning the surprise proposal, so if you’re thinking of doing the same thing, pay attention, there’s some top tips in here... First of all, Raj had booked Charlotte in for a little bit of pampering to get her hair and nails done and he’d even treated her to a brand new dress ahead of the big moment. Meanwhile, Raj and I worked out the perfect place for him to propose, swapping photos with stick men pointing the way, so I could seek out the ideal hiding place. We also agreed on a signal so the big moment couldn’t be missed. The destination was Bassenthwaite Lakeside near the Armathwaite Hotel and Spa (a stone’s throw from Skiddaw), where I’d arrived in good time to get myself secreted away in the shrubbery without being spotted, wondering all the while why you instantly need a wee as soon as you start hiding?!
Just as I was getting settled, a panicked bathroom text message came through from Raj when he realised the ring box wouldn’t fit in his pocket without giving the game away. Thankfully, this isn’t my first rodeo and I suggested going box-less and the crisis was averted. I got ready behind my camera and waited for Charlotte and Raj to wander down to the lakeside ready for the big moment. Now you’ll remember I mentioned agreeing on a signal with Raj so I knew when the big question was about to be asked. That signal was Raj putting his phone down to take a selfie of them. So there I am, in position with my camera lined up ready for perfect shot, my phone’s attached to my camera to film the surprise proposal at the same time and I am waiting… and waiting… and there’s no signal… and then I see a text on my phone from Raj asking “can you see us” sent three minutes ago!! I replied quickly saying “YES” and finally the signal came and it was all systems go.
The first photos of Raj’s surprise proposal to Charlotte were taken from my hiding place and then, when the moment was right I emerged from the bushes (which is a sentence I never thought I’d write) and continued taking pictures, including this beauty, which is the moment Charlotte realised I was there; her second surprise of the day.
Her reaction was priceless and honestly, it was a really moving moment for me and a lovely honour to be part of such a special moment in their lives, in other words yes, I did almost cry.
With the initial surprise firmly captured, I gave the newly engaged couple a few private moments before continuing with our lakeside engagement shoot. After that we strolled over the bridge and through the amazing surroundings to the Armathwaite Hotel and Spa, where we were met by a lovely gazebo (or possibly a pagoda, I’ll be honest garden structures are not my area of expertise), festooned with candles and rose petals and three glasses of champagne, that’s right, Raj even arranged a celebratory glass for me too, remember I said you could learn a thing or two from Raj 😉.
After taking a few more photos and enjoying my glass of champagne while sitting on a swing and taking in the stunning lakeside view, I said my thank yous, my congratulations and my goodbyes and headed off to let the newly engaged Charlotte and Raj enjoy the rest of their amazing three year anniversary and now, engagement weekend. It was truly lovely.
If that doesn’t inspire you gents to consider a surprise engagement and photo shoot then I don’t know what will, and if you are inspired then here are the top three surprise proposal photoshoot tips from Raj and I…
Take the time to make your partner look and feel their best, after all, you know they’ll be getting photographed, but they don’t! A well planned pamper is a leaf I definitely recommend you take out of Raj’s book
Be very clear with your photographer about where the surprise proposal is taking place. Share postcodes, what3words, landmarks and like Raj photographs. This is super helpful and ensures there’s no confusion over where you need your photographer to be on the day.
Send your photographer a photo of the two of you before the surprise engagement shoot so you can easily be spotted in case the proposal place isn’t empty, after all, you don’t want photos of strangers!
