Autumnal Engagement Photos
This is the story of Tommy & Eden’s autumnal engagement photos. We first met them in the Spring of this year when they were searching for their perfect Dorset wedding photographer. You could immediately tell they were a loving and fun couple, brimming with fun ideas for their unique wedding by the water’s edge in the summer of 2024.
You can see their Cleavel Point wedding photographs in Purbeck, Dorset here.
I thought they were brave to organise an autumnal engagement photo shoot. Especially given the recent weather and torrential downpours. Talking through the options for timings and locations I realised they had their heart set on one thing. They love autumn feels, low sun, and orange trees. So, we decided to meet at a place they both loved – Crichel House Archway in the Dorset countryside. We found a time that the weather forecast gave us the best chance of a dry sky, and hopefully a decent sunset.
Crichel House Archway Engagement Photographs
I arrived at Crichel House Archway for autumnal engagement photos a little before golden hour to give myself some time to ‘scope out’ the venue. Camera in hand, I was immediately transfixed. The gateway and lodge appear on the country lane like something from a children’s adventure book. The parapet, arches, and turrets glowing in the golden sun evoked thoughts of a grand bygone era. The ornamental gates added geometric detailing to the scene. Exploring beyond I could see why they chose this location. The footpath was flanked by a line of huge trees, their mass of leaves a shock of bright autumnal yellow and oranges. Disappearing into the woodland in the distance the path led the eye into more golden colours.
The happy couple were in good spirits. Neither of them are great fans of having their photographs taken, especially when it came to public displays of affection. Fortunately, the circular footpath they had chosen around the woods was very quiet.
Working Into A Relaxed Engagement Photo Shoot
Talking through their wedding plans I introduced a couple of games for them to play whilst I shot from a distance. Creating and then shrinking this gap between photographer and couple allows a ‘gentler’ introduction to the shoot. These games seem to break the tension at engagement shoots. As we walked and talked I was assessing the lighting, locations, and backgrounds. As well as the couple’s mood.
I find that talking about the potential for photographs helps build up a couple’s trust in my abilities. Once I describe my vision for an image and they get to see it on the back of the camera there is a significant change in how relaxed they are.
Despite not being great fans of ‘public displays of affection’ they were quickly having fun and showing their love for each other during their autumnal engagement photos.
For more information on the benefits of engagement photography please see our article “Why Do You Need An Engagement Photos“
Autumnal Lighting For Couple Photos
Once in the darker woods, we found a lovely location for autumnal engagement photos. Here the shafting sun perfectly hit Eden’s amazing hair. And Tommy enjoying his new ‘holy’ status with haloing from the low sun.
Purbeck Wedding Plans
The more we walked between the autumnal engagement photos the better we got to know each other and their amazing wedding plans. I found myself jealous of their guests, a summer wedding in Purbeck at Cleavel Point will be amazing. For those of you who aren’t familiar with it Cleavel Point is nestled on the edge of Arne Nature Reserve. It has stunning woodlands and a beach overlooking Poole Harbour. Murray and I both love this spot and are often to be found taking a break from a bike ride on the nearby shore. Both Eden and Tommy have an affinity for the countryside, woodland, and especially the sea. This is reflected perfectly in their choice of wedding location.
Dorset Woodland Engagement Photos
As the sunlight dipped we walked over moss-covered bridges. We explored the autumnal woodlands, all the time looking out for the light and colour for their autumnal engagement photos. We talked about their story together. From the day they first met, and how their relationship has evolved so far.
By now the birds were coming into roost and the low sunlight picked out the shapes of the overhead clouds. Rain was again on its way, threatening the autumnal engagement photos. We left the cover of the woods and found water everywhere. From puddles on the path to flooded fields, bulging brooks and the raging river Allen.
It was then in the last of the dying light that I suggested some photographs with their beloved Landrover. Which of course, they loved the idea of. For about twenty seconds as a final farewell, the sun painted the edge of the clouds a deep red hue and swiftly vanished into the night. The perfect finale to these lovely autumnal engagement photos.
For more engagement photo shoot inspiration and advise please check out our wedding wisdom blog post “Top Tips For Engagement Photos“.
Want to see more? Check out our other engagement photo shoots:
Purbeck Countryside Engagement Photographs With Morgan & Andy
The story of Morgan and Andy’s engagement shoot, a couple living in the stunning Purbeck countryside. Given Andy’s farming background, we had plenty of picturesque locations to choose from. The shoot began at the local farm in Kingston, Dorset, where they introduced their dogs and we discussed their wedding plans.
Morgan and Andy relaxed into and enjoyed the experience, becoming more comfortable with the camera. We visited various locations, including a secluded coastal valley, a field with Morgan’s horse, St James’s Church, and St Aldhelm’s Head. The couple’s love for each other and their genuine personalities were evident throughout the fun packed shoot.
Capturing the Magic Of Spring – Bluebell Engagement Photographs in Dorset
Fancy an engagement session in stunning English woodlands carpeted in bluebells? Who wouldn’t?
This is the story of Luke and Liv’s bluebell engagement photographs in Dorset. Featuring a fun filled couple romping about in the Dorset countryside, a carpet of stunning blubells, bright green fieldsyellow flowers all under the bright spring sun.
New Forest Engagement Photos With Alice & Giles
In between spring showers bright sunlight lit the trees for Alice and Giles’s New Forest engagement photos.
We adventured ‘far from the maddening crowds’ capturing the happiness and love between this happy, wonderful couple in some truly unique and stunning locations in the New Forest.
