Capturing Love Amidst History: Adela & James’ Corfe Castle Engagement Journey
This is the story of Adela and James’s Corfe Castle engagement photographs. We first met Adela and James in spring last year and from the off it was clear that they were both made for each other and both had a discerning eye for quality wedding photographs. They mentioned they were particularly looking for a wedding photographer in Dorset who wouldn’t subject them to any posing and they could feel relaxed around on their big day.
A Visit To Corfe Castle: Embracing the Atmosphere
Fast forward 11 months and I am stood in a crowded Corfe Castle car park, watching the tourists come and go and ominous dark clouds sweeping over the horizon. Like the sun peaking from behind said clouds Adela and James arrived with beaming smiles of what I thought was excitement for their engagement shoot.
Typically, at engagement photo shoots, we spend the first 15-20 minutes gently coaxing our ‘grooms to be’ to relax in front of the camera. It is often the first time they have had professional photographs of any type taken of themselves. So, I tread carefully.
You can read more about how we work to relax couples during our engagement shoots in our Wedding Wisdom article “Why You Need Engagement Photos”.
An Engagement Shoot Walk Around Corfe Castle Walls
We soon realised a walk around the upper muddy footpath might not have been the best idea for Adela’s bright white footwear. Despite this we were all in high spirits, and chatted merrily. We discussed their exciting plans for their forthcoming wedding day at Chewton Glen. Like many previously married couples, they kept their plans simple, beautiful, and highly effective. They were also very open to any expert suggestions for their wedding photography. I could tell that it will be a love- and fun-packed event.
I knew from previous visits that the footpath around the castle would be pretty empty. Half of it was closed, so perfect for some Corfe Castle engagement photographs. Adela and James were happy to be away from the Sunday throngs. They walked hand in hand alongside the rain-swollen river and patches of the first snowdrops of the year.
We joined the ridgeline footpath over the country lane. And climbed a little to achieve views back on Corfe Castle. Only from outside the castle can one incorporate the iconic shape of Corfe Castle.
Relaxing Into Engagement Photos In The Dorset Countryside
Adela was happy to listen to me waffle behind the camera as I captured her Corfe Castle engagement photographs. She found herself distracted from the lens. And in James’s warm arms, she noticeably relaxed over time.
Dealing With Adverse Weather During Corfe Castle Engagement Photographs
Noting that only darker and darker skies were coming in, I wanted to search for a horizon. Then, I could incorporate the last of the fluffy white clouds and take a couple of silhouette shots. Clearly hitting our collective step’s goal halfway up the hill we found a horizon. Adela and James found a moment’s peace in each other’s arms.
Getting back down the somewhat slippery path caused much more hilarity. Back at the castle gates, the heavens decided to put a stop to the Corfe Castle engagement photographs. Fortunately, I knew the area well. I suggested we take shelter from the rain in the Fox Inn. Being in Corfe the warm and cosy grade 11 listed, traditional pub is about a mere 456 years old!
We warmed our hearts while talking more about the happy couple’s relationship. We discussed how they see their wedding photography working for them, and the ups and downs of planning a wedding around life with four boys!
Back outside, the heavy grey clouds persisted. I could tell from Adela’s body language that she wasn’t keen on any photos out in the grey or wet. But the story wasn’t over yet. The moment we stepped foot into the NT car park the sun beamed out from a cloud. A happy look of hope appeared on Adela’s face. I pointed out that there was a viewpoint over the Castle right next to their car. This meant that they could leave their Corfe Castle engagement photo shoot on a happy sunny note.
Murray and I can’t wait to create stunning documentary wedding photographs during their big day at Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa.
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.
