Real engagement shoot at Ocean Kave!

Now this was a real first for me. I've done lots of engagement shoots for my wedding couples, but this one was certainly different. Although they are called engagement shoots, they really have very little to do with an actual engagement. However, this was a real engagement! Luke actually proposed to Emily during our photo shoot!

Let me explain. Luke contacted me as he wanted a photographer to capture his marriage proposal to Emily, but wasn't sure how we could do it without Emily suspecting something fishy going on. I suggested he told Emily he had booked me for a lifestyle portrait session which I have available on my website. As they were staying at the nearby Westward Living Cottages, Luke had decided he wanted to propose at The Ocean Kave wedding venue, inside the Kave itself.

Ocean Kave engagement shoot Ocean Kave engagement shoot When I arrived, the Kave had been dressed and beautifully decorated with rose petals on the floor. There were flowers, champagne and of course the engagement ring all laid out on the altar, perfect. The idea Luke and I had thought up was to start the photo shoot and after about 10 minutes I would make my excuses and go back to my car to retrieve some equipment, leaving Luke and Emily to 'wander' over to the Kave where Luke would propose. Luke decided he'd rather do that part alone without any photography and I don't blame him, its a private moment for sure!

Ocean Kave engagement shoot Ocean Kave engagement shoot Ocean Kave engagement shoot After 5 minutes of photos, I made my excuses and went back to my car as planned. Luke and Emily then slowly walked toward the Kave. Being sneaky, I quickly fired off a shot of them wandering over hand in hand! I did feel for Luke who must have been quite nervous at this point!

Ocean Kave engagement shoot After giving them a few minutes to themselves, Kathy, the Kave owner and I nervously ventured into the Kave to see the happy couple. Of course, Emily had said yes and they were both grinning from ear to ear!! Kathy then opened the bottle of champagne to toast the newly engaged couple.

Ocean Kave engagement shoot Ocean Kave engagement shoot Ocean Kave engagement shoot Ocean Kave engagement shoot We then continued proceedings as a 'proper engagement shoot' and were also lucky enough to have a gorgeous sunset to finish off a very romantic evening. I felt truly honoured to be a small part of their engagement evening. Luke and Emily are a lovely sweet couple and I wish them all the very best when they eventually set a date for their wedding (hopefully at the Kave of course!). 

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