Surprise Proposal at The Valley Gardens | Harrogate Wedding Photographer

The planning

When Adam contacted me and told me that he was planning to propose to his girlfriend, Katie, in The Valley Gardens in Harrogate and wanted to book me to be the photographer, I was SO excited.

Adam told me that him and Katie were coming to Harrogate from Mansfield for a night away and that he’d secretly arranged a Violinist (Nadia Violin) to play some of Katie’s favourite love songs as they walked through the walkway of The Valley Gardens on Saturday evening. It sounded like a DREAM and I couldn’t wait to photograph it! I’ve got to say though, I was a little nervous for the first time in long time. After photographing hundreds of weddings, families, newborns and engagements, I’ve never had the honour to capture a proposal and there’s a lot riding on it. What if I gave it away or ruined the surprise? Or even worse, what if she said no? (OK, so after speaking to Adam on the phone the day before, I knew the last one wouldn’t happen as I could just tell in his voice how in love they were and how lovely he was - and *spoiler alert * she said ‘yes’)

The moment it happened

I arrived early and spoke to the lovely violinist, Nadia. Nadia suggested that we make it look as though I’m shooting promotional material for her. So as I saw Adam and Katie approaching from a distance, I gave her the nod and she started to play. As Adam and Katie strolled towards us, as planned, Katie assumed that I was photographing Nadia and tried to rush Adam through to be out of our way but Adam pulled her back in to the middle of us. He instantly got down on one knee and pulled a ring box out of his back pocket and Katie’s face was in complete shock (I mean, the happiest shock you have EVER seen!)

He wasn’t even able to stand back up again before she had leapt on to him in excitement!

It was so beautiful. The sun beamed through the trees and there wasn’t a soul in sight.

She said ‘Yes'

I just kept photographing away. Snap, snap, snap. I didn’t want to miss a single facial expression or precious moment that would soon become their memories through beautiful photos. I had told Adam ahead of time that once the proposal had happened, not to acknowledge me, but to carry on enjoying the moment with Katie and they did exactly that.

They hugged, they laughed, they cried, they kissed, they danced.

It was perfect and so romantic! I was buzzing. I love capturing love stories!

Eventually, as you’d expect on a summer’s evening in a beautiful location, there were some people walking by and Katie couldn’t wait to share the news with them. She showed them her beautiful engagement ring and sharing her joy with them.

So if you’re planning on getting engaged soon and want to make it extra special then I would highly recommend getting a photographer to capture the moment! I just know how much Adam and Katie will treasure these photos of their proposal forever and I’m so excited for them to be able to start their wedding planning and I already know it’s going to be full of so much love!

Photography by Yorkshire wedding photographer, Rachael Fawcett Photography

Music - Nadia Violin