Countryside Engagement Photographs In The Dorset Sun
This is the story of Morgan and Andy’s Purbeck countryside engagement photographs. When the 'groom-to-be' comes from a local farming family you don’t have to look far for beautiful locations to choose for an engagement shoot. Andy and Morgan are lucky to live and work in some of the most stunning countryside in the UK. Especially on a bright sunny day in Purbeck, Dorset.
I met Morgan and Andy at the local farm in Kingston, Dorset. I could tell, right away, they were a lovely, caring couple. They introduced their dogs to me before themselves! We all jumped, dogs included, into the back of Andy's 4x4 for a quick tour of their favorite places in Purbeck.
A Tour Around The Purbeck Countryside
As we drove through the stunning countryside, we chatted about their wedding plans. We passed a gorgeous, secluded coastal valley where their reception would be in just a few week's time.
As with every engagement shoot couple I work with I asked them how comfortable with the camera they were. This helps gauge how to approach them with a camera and the effect an engagement shoot would have. With a scale; 0 being, “I hate having my photograph taken” to 10 being “I utterly love having my photograph taken". Morgan and Andy both sat between 4 and 6. Therefore, we needed a gentle introduction to the camera so that I could now work my magic.
Horsing About On The Farm
Next, we stopped off in the field next to the family home to visit Morgan’s favourite horse. This gorgeous Purbeck stone farmhouse would host the bridal prep on the wedding morning.
We found Morgan's beautiful horse happily grazing in a field. Yellow buttercups dotted the green grass and contrasted with the cloudy blue sky. The horse was initially a little skittish with the camera, but relaxed with Morgan’s calming touch (it was much the same with Andy!). The dogs, however, had different ideas and were happy to randomly zoom all over the place!
It was not as easy as I thought to photograph the couple alone. I had to avoid a horsey photo bomber and a big nose poking into my camera bag!
Behind the field stood St James’s Church in Kingston, Dorset. The chosen venue for the happy couple’s wedding ceremony. We know St James's well and love shooting weddings in its gothic revival interior. In 1870, they built this stunning 'cathedral of Purbeck'. Locally, people know it for its wonderful acoustics, architecture, and ring of 10 bells.
Engagement Photographs With A Herd Of Cows
Andy being Andy didn’t want to miss out. So we took some couple photographs with his small herd of cows. After over 20 years of shooting weddings, there aren’t many firsts. We have shot engagement couples with horses, cats, dogs, lizards, and even wild pigs. However, cows have never been involved in an engagement shoot before (but not for a wedding shoot!).)
Barley Field Engagement Photographs
Back into Andy’s 4x4. We drove up the road and through private farmland to one of Andy’s fields overlooking the coast. Here, the barley provided its own sea of green for the couple to walk about in. The dogs bounced in and out of the grasses in a humorous manner.
As we joked and laughed in the summer sun, I could tell Morgan and Andy were relaxing in front of the camera. They were even coming up with ideas about the best views and spots in the stunning landscape. They were so happy hugging in the sun together that they even had a little dance!
A tractor blocked our route as we drove back out of the farmland. I worried how long we would be stuck here; however, it turned out to be Andy's dad who had stopped for a friendly chat.
St Aldhelm's Head, Purbeck Engagement Photographs
Next on the agenda for the Purbeck countryside engagement photographs was a stop at St Aldhelm’s Head (one of my favourite places in Purbeck). Typically windswept, it was now calm, warm and bright. The sun brought out all the colours of the surrounding flowers. We were spoilt for choice with views over Chapman’s Pool and the ancient chapel in the background.
Purbeck Countryside Engagement Photographs With Corfe Castle Views
In Kingston, we parked at the farmhouse. We then crossed the road for some photos of the views over Corfe Castle.
I knew I had enough photos of the happy couple. So, I asked again about their 'camera comfort' level. Morgan and Andy declared themselves to be at a 9 or even 10, so I knew I had completed my job. They enjoyed the experience so much that they were happy to take more photos.
Morgan and Andy are a fun-loving, caring couple. I'm certain these traits will shine on their wedding day. We can’t wait – keep your eyes peeled for their sneak peek on our blog.