Capturing a Magical Easter Engagement at Ampleforth Abbey
Spring has always been a season of new beginnings, and this year's Easter Sunday was no exception. On this beautiful sunny day, I had the pleasure of photographing a truly enchanting engagement shoot at Ampleforth Abbey. The vibrant blooms and lush greenery of the abbey’s gardens provided a stunning backdrop for what was to become a memorable moment in the lives of a lovely couple.
The Setup: A "Fake Photoshoot"
Our plan was simple—a "fake photoshoot." The fiancée to be, eager to capture some beautiful springtime photos, agreed to take a couple of photos given the Easter occasion at hand. They stood back to back, sharing laughter and a few candid "Mr and Mrs Smith" moments as I started setting up and taking some images, capturing their natural chemistry. Little did she know, this was just the prelude to something much grander.
The Moment
As they stood there, enjoying the moment and unaware of the upcoming surprise, I signalled for them to take a few steps apart, still facing away from each other. With perfect timing, he turned around and went down on one knee materialising the ring in the same motion, with her being none the wiser.
The anticipation was palpable.
Then, she turned around. Her hands flew to her face in shock and excitement. The world seemed to stand still as he asked her the question that would change their lives forever. The look on her face was priceless—pure, unfiltered joy and surprise. Tears of happiness streamed down her cheeks as she nodded a resounding “Yes!” while I continued to capture every precious moment. The serene gardens of Ampleforth Abbey echoed with their joy, making it a truly magical scene.
The Aftermath
After the proposal, the couple took a moment to soak in their happiness. We continued the shoot, capturing their newly engaged bliss. They held hands, exchanged glances full of love, and embraced frequently, their happiness shining through in every photo.
Photographing this engagement at Ampleforth Abbey on Easter Sunday was an absolute delight. The combination of a stunning location, the element of surprise, and the genuine love between the couple made for an unforgettable experience. It was a reminder of why I love what I do—capturing the moments that define our lives and the emotions that make us human.
To the happy couple, thank you for letting me be a part of your special day. May your journey together be filled with endless love and happiness.
If you're planning a special moment and would like it captured in a memorable way, feel free to reach out. Let's create magic together!
