Capturing the Magic: Sunrise Marriage Proposal Photos at Old Harry Rocks, Dorset

Sep 25, 2023 | Marriage Proposal Photographs

Planning Sunrise Marriage Proposal Photos

Recently a lovely chap named Dean reached out to us with his heartwarming plan for a surprise marriage proposal. It was clear that something extraordinary was in the works. He wanted the moment to unfold against the backdrop of a glorious sunrise or a mesmerizing sunset on the Purbeck coast. However, the winter months favored sunsets, so we eagerly embraced the idea of early morning sunrise marriage proposal photos.

Amidst our initial concerns about the ungodly hour that awaited us, we embarked on crafting a plan that would turn this day into an unforgettable experience. Our research led us to the revelation that the sun would grace the horizon over the Isle of Wight. The iconic Old Harry Rocks would offer the perfect vantage point. This breathtaking location is just a quick uphill trail away from our office. This seemed like fate aligning in our favour.

proposal photo shoot sunrise dorset coast old harry rocks

Collaborating closely with Dean, we fine-tuned every detail of the sunrise marriage proposal photos. From map positioning to secret codes and logistical arrangements. It was essential to ensure that our presence wouldn’t give away the surprise. To blend seamlessly into the environment, I enlisted the help of a dear friend who happened to be a talented local landscape and event photographer. Our strategy was to pose as ‘landscape photographers’. A disguise that soon proved to be incredibly effective.

A Recce At Old Harry Rocks For Sunrise

We arranged for a ‘trial run’ to perfect our planning the day before the big event. As we stood in the pre-dawn darkness, gazing out at the twinkling lights of Poole and Bournemouth. Eagerly awaiting the first rays of sunlight, we found ourselves in the company of a dozen other photographers. Everyone was armed with tripods and a mass of drones. We blended in perfectly, making us even more excited about the next morning.

sunrise over dorset sea seagull

From our vantage point, we calculated where Dean and Belén would be perfectly aligned with the unfolding panorama. With hardly a cloud in the sky, the sun rose rapidly. Its warm glow was accompanied by a delightful surprise. A pod of dolphins gracefully swam around the headland. All we had to do was book them in for the next day’s sunrise marriage proposal photos!

sunrise over the sea of old harry rocks in dorset photograph with kayakers
dorset seaside sunrise photo coastal plants
chalk stacks old harry rocks sunrise swanage bay background kayaker

The Day Of The Sunrise Marriage Proposal Photos

The day of the sunrise marriage proposal photos arrived. Despite a dismal weather forecast, we made our way back to Old Harry Rocks, surprised by the warmth and dryness that embraced us in the early hours.

Nestled among an Italian photographer’s tour group, wild campers, and landscape photographers, we felt perfectly at ease.

We had already established what the happy couple look like and what they were wearing that morning. So when they arrived we were easily able to keep an eye on them. We discreetly communicated with Dean, ensuring he was in the perfect spot for the pivotal moment.

engagement ring box retrieved coastal wedding proposal

Planned Misdirection For A Marriage Proposal

Following the plan, Dean expertly distracted Belén by pointing out the possibility of dolphins in the distance. With the ring box in hand, he took a few steps back. Yet, in a heart-stopping twist he accidentally dropped the ring perilously close to the cliff’s edge. Our hearts raced as we watched, but Belen remained oblivious. In a swift and graceful motion, Dean recovered the ring. With trembling hands, dropped to one knee, presenting it to his beloved.

old harry rocks dorset sunrise marriage proposal photos

Emotions ran high against the backdrop of a sky ablaze with colors. With greater cloud cover, the rising sun seemed to set the heavens on fire. In this enchanting moment, Belén gave a heartfelt “yes”.

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enagaged couple kissing after wedding proposal
newly engaged couple hugging after clifftop proposal
engagement ring held out examined after proposal

A Coastal Sunrise Couple Shoot

Allowing the couple a few precious moments to savor the breathtaking view, we introduced ourselves. Dean and Belen radiated happiness and contentment, and they were more than willing to indulge in some couple photographs. Who could resist, being surrounded by such natural beauty? Belén, with boundless excitement, proudly displayed her new engagement ring, while Dean appeared to be the happiest man on the planet.

newly engaged couple kissing spectacular sunrise photo
They needed no encouragement to have some heartwarming photographs. We took them on a short stroll around the area, capturing different angles and backgrounds in the ever-changing light. It also helped us evade the growing crowd of landscape photographers that had gathered around us.
couple silhouetted orange sunrise coastal sky
happy man sunrise proposal photoshoot portrait
happy hugging couple watch sunrise over dorset sea
engaged couple watch sunrise old harry rocks hugging
newly engaged couple kissing in yellow sunrise light
excited newly engaged fiancé shows of diamond engagement ring yellow sunlight
newly engaged couple laughing dorset coast photos
happy laughing newly engaged couple old harry rocks

Sunrise Marriage Proposal Photos with Dolphins, and Rainbows!

As Dean and Belén walked back towards the rising sun, they suddenly turned and pointed excitedly at me. I have experienced dogs jumping on me, Murray pulling all sorts of stunts behind me and even a naked wedding guest jumping over my head whilst I have been lying on the ground taking photos. I was prepared for the worst. But, in a sequence of events reminiscent of dolphins, sunrises, and coastal wonders, a magnificent double rainbow had appeared behind me. It was almost surreal.

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newly engaged couple watch the epic sunrise over old harry rocks dorset
couple pointing orange sunrise over sea backdrop
newly engaged couple hugging under rainbow dorset coastal countryside
newly engaged couple watches sunrise at old harry rocks dorset
couple kissing sunrise chalk stacks dorset coast

Organising Marriage Proposal Photos?

As you can see from these images, this was a truly enchanting moment for an extraordinary couple. If you’re intrigued by the idea of a ‘secret’ proposal photo shoot or sunrise marriage proposal photos, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. With our wealth of experience and knowledge, we can help you plan and execute a relaxed and beautiful wedding proposal that you’ll cherish forever.

We Are one thousand words

one thousand words Photographers Dorset wedding photographers

Tom Wishart & Murray Lambert

Documentary Wedding Photographers In Dorset & Hampshire

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