Sandbanks Sunrise Engagement Photographs With Rachel & Graham

Apr 4, 2024 | Engagement Photographs

A Familiar Face & A Meaningful Place: Sandbanks Sunrise Engagement Photographs Begin

This is the story of Rachel and Graham’s Sandbanks beach sunrise engagement photographs. We had met before at her sister’s wonderful wedding. So Rachel knew exactly how we work and loved our natural style of wedding photography and knows we do love a good sunrise photo shoot.

Rachel’s parents live in Sandbanks. So, she had chosen the beach as a meaningful place for her engagement photos. She has spent many a wonderful morning walking along the beach and swimming in the sea. So much so that Rachel introduces the particular stretch of sand as ‘her beach’.

Two silhouetted individuals holding hands on a beach at sunrise, capturing their engagement through photographs.

Their first engagement shoot had to be rescheduled. This was due to the forecast of horrific rain and wind. It came in sideways that morning!

So, second time lucky. With better odds from the weather gods, I arrived in Sandbanks early in the morning, pre-sunrise, with the stars still out.

Pre-Sunrise Magic: Setting the Scene for the Sandbanks Engagement Photographs

Rachel and Graham emerged from the family home, full of stories of exciting wedding plans. I did wonder if their jovial mood was down to lack of sleep or a strong early morning coffee. It didn’t take me long to realise that this is exactly how these love birds are together. It was heartwarming to witness during their Sandbanks sunrise engagement photographs.

You can find out more about why you need engagement photographs in our recent blog post.

Our timing was perfect and we arrived on ‘Rachels Beach’ just as the sun started to paint the overhead sky orange. Apart from a chap walking his dog in the background, we were utterly alone. The silence of the early morning punctuated by seagull calls and the sound of breaking waves.

sandbanks sunrise engagement photographs couple walk by sea in silhouette with orange and blue sky

Two people sharing an engagement kiss by the sea at sunrise.

Silhouetted couple embracing at sunrise by the sea, engagement photographs scattered on the sandbanks.

playful laughing couple photographed in silhouette on sandbanks beach

A Sunrise Kiss & A Hilarious Surprise: Capturing Unforgettable Moments During the Sandbanks Engagement Photographs

As the orange orb slowly lifted itself over the sea horizon I noticed that the guys were busy hugging and kissing. Not wanting to miss the moment I turned my focus away from composing the sun and onto them. Without us knowing the chap with his dog were now close in the background. His dog had decided this would be the perfect spot and time to go to the toilet.

engaged couple laughing hand in hand on sandbanks beach in dorset

Two people laughing together on sandbanks beach at sunrise.

Two people observing a dog on a leash pooing on on Sandbanks beach during engagment photo shoot

The Beauty of the Sandbanks Sunrise: Silhouettes, Glowing Light & Perfect Timing

Fortunately, Rachel and Graham thought this was a hilarious addition to their sandbanks sunrise engagement photographs. It certainly added to the frivolity of the experience. The sunrise was nothing short of spectacular. I photographed the couple together in silhouette against the sea along with the orange glow of the morning light.

A Quiet Moment to Enjoy the Sunrise: Capturing Natural Beauty During the Sandbanks Engagement Photographs

I allowed them some time together watching the sunrise from the rock groin so they could truly enjoy the experience without a camera nearby. This also allowed for some truly natural Sandbanks sunrise engagement photographs.

Two people sitting on sandbanks by the sea at sunrise.

Engagement couple sitting on sandbanks by the sea at sunrise.

Natural Poses & Shared Moments: Capturing the Essence of Rachel & Graham During the Sandbanks Engagement Photographs

As you probably know we really don’t pose people, merely suggest some direction. During their sandbanks sunrise engagement photographs Rachel and Graham were an exception as they needed neither. “I think the sand dunes would make a good backdrop” I would suggest and within a couple of seconds they would be hugging and kissing next to the sand dunes. “Perhaps a walk along the bea…” and they would be 50 meters away walking hand in hand towards the sunrise.

The only distraction I had to watch for was Rachel’s obsession with shells, which Graham kindly pointed out were everywhere! I promised to incorporate a sea shell into one of the photographs.

Two people walking hand in hand on sandbanks beach at sunrise with footprints in the sand

laughing couple hug and kiss in the sand dunes on sandbanks beach in dorset

happy couple laughing during sandbanks sunrise engagement photos with early morning orange light on their faces

Two people sharing a joyful moment with laughter outdoors.

Two individuals embracing outdoors with tall grass and sandbanks in the background.

happy engaged couple laughing together during sandbanks beach during sunrise with wooden posts rope

Fun, Laughter & Setting the Stage for the Big Day

We ended up having so much fun creating their sandbanks sunrise engagement photographs that before we knew it the sun was up and daytime was upon us. We left ‘Rachels Beach’ even before the day had begun, knowing they would be heading back to bed before starting the day again!

fishing boat passing by old harry rocks photographed from Sandbanks beach Dorset

Two people holding hands and walking on the rocky shore by the sea at sunrise.

Seashell in focus on sandbanks with two people sitting in the background at sunrise.

couple sat hugging on sandbanks beach in dorset during sunrise

Murray and I can’t wait to shoot Rachel and Graham’s wedding day in Sandbanks and The Miramar In Bournemouth. If it is half as much fun as their engagement photo shoot it will be highly entertaining and produce some stunning images.

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.

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