Fancy an engagement session in stunning English woodlands carpeted in bluebells? Who wouldn’t? You can read all about why you need engagement photographs here.
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.
We first met at Luke’s sister’s wedding at Kingston Country Courtyard back in 2022. Liv was one of the beautiful bridesmaids. Since Luke proposed we have been talking about their exciting plans for their wedding at the Miramar in Bournemouth.
As the sesons shifted the weather improved. So the conversation turned to their engagement shoot and their love of bluebell woodlands. A plan was hatched to create some bluebell engagement photographs
Finding the Perfect Spot for Bluebell Engagement Photographs
Subsequently, I found myself driving past Dorchester to an unmarked dirt layby next to a small woodland.
Arriving early in the bright morning sun I decided to scope out the location. There didn’t appear to be a bluebell in sight. After a couple of minutes admiring the view over the local Dorset countryside I discovered a path into the woodland. The path was surrounded by wild garlic, warming in the dappled sunlight. It filled the air with its distinctive smell. The trees thinned and a carpet of green and blue stretched as far as the eye could see. The bluebells were out in force. Liv and Luke had chosen the perfect location for their bluebell engagement photographs.
As I followed the path back a dog walker had picked up the surprise on my face and asked how the bluebells were. “Bloody amazing” is all I could manage as I tried to articulate my thoughts.
Love Blooms Amongst the Bluebells
As Liv and Luke had previously worked with Murray and I they were pretty relaxed and full of energy for their bluebell engagement photographs. For the first 15 minutes we meandered about, catching up and looking for locations amongst the bluebells. To start with I photographed them from afar after giving them some humorous tasks to perform together.
Together we moved through the bluebell woods. Occasionally finding a spot of lighting that allowed me to take photographs of the happy couple in amongst the trees. Luke and Liv told me the story of how they stumbled across this spot. How it now has more meaning to them with their regular visits. They were keen to head through the bluebells and down to a field where stood a lonely patch of trees.
I often ask how couples are with PDA (public displays of affection), but I had no need. Live and Luke were clearly head over heels in love and were all over each other. Quite often I found myself having to wait for them to finish kissing before we could move on!
En routh Luke found a familiar tyre swing in a tree. He was now so enthused in front of the camera he nearly climbed the moss and lichen covered beach.
We chatted about their wedding plans. They envisioned a joyful celebration and photography in the summer sun next to Bournemouth beach.
From Bluebells to Bold Colors: Diverse Engagement Photographs
Eventually we emerged from the blubell woods into a vast farmer’s field. In the middle of which stood a small clump of trees. The full sun painted such intense colours. The white fluffy clouds in the sky over the fields were reminiscent of a computer screen saver. I was able to isolate Liv and Lukes’ silhouettes as they made their way up the hill to and from the trees.
Now warmed by the sun we returned to the woods, resting on a hill of bluebells. I photographed the guys through some young ferns. They both seemed completely taken not only by the bluebells but by the mass of flowering wild garlic.
A Touch of Gold: The Beauty of Oilseed Rape
Earlier that morning, I had noticed two possible locations for an engagement shoot. This was in case the bluebells were not out. Our cars were parked where the field's edge gave way to views of the local countryside. Further down the road, a smaller layby sat next to a bright yellow field of oilseed rape. Both Liv and Luke were enjoying the experience so much they were keen to visit both.
A Promise of Summer Sun
I’m glad we did. The sun was now almost overhead. The bright countryside colors and the yellow flowers contrasted with the deep blue sky. Hopefully this is a precursor to the same yellow/ blue contrast there will be between sea, sky and sand the next time we see this couple of love birds.
Liv and Luke are bursting with fun, energy and love for each other. After these bluebell engagement photographs we can’t wait to photograph their wedding day by the sea at the Miramar in Bournemouth.