Over the Summer, with few real weddings taking place, I organised a number of styled shoots and one that I was really excited to take part in would involve Tom & Doug. I’ve known Tom for a number of years, and he’s a wonderful photographer – you can see his wizardry @thomasoscarmiles – and he’s assisted me at weddings. When working on styled shoots, it’s important to use real couples, especially same sex couples. If styled shoots are going to represent weddings, then they need to be as authentic as possible. Plus, with the whole covid thing, it’s not as if you can ask total strangers to get up close and personal with each other!

Anyway, back to the shoot. The stunning location of Pimhill Barn would be our venue for the day; this gorgeous rambling barn set within the sprawling Shropshire countryside with outstanding gardens, on this late Summer’s day, was perfect. Up until the week of the shoot, it was planned to be a wedding portrait session with two grooms, then Doug got in touch.

A plan is hatched

He explained that he’d been planning to propose to Tom for a while and wondered if I’d mind if he could pop the question during the shoot!!! Erm, HELL YES YOU CAN YOU WONDERFUL HUMAN! I am great at keeping secrets but my word this tested me as I was just so excited and full of joy for two such amazing people; Tom and Doug are incredible, they’re so kind, creative and generous and I feel very fortunate that they allowed me to capture these moments together.

I’ll hand over to Doug and Tom to say a few words:

Doug: “I was so nervous, more than ever before! I knew the shoot was coming to an end and I knew I needed to get down on that one knee, fortunately Tom opened the window for me as he felt the box in my jacket pocket! Perfect timing! Proposing to Tom was one of the most nerve-wracking things I’ve ever done, but i knew it would be the best thing I’d ever do. Once I was down on one knee all the nerves disappeared and I was overcome with joy and love. Nothing has ever felt more right in my life, than being with you and knowing I have truly found my soulmate. Thank you Nicola for helping me make an unforgettable day so magical!”

Tom: “Nicola made the shoot so comfortable and enjoyable, when you are around Nicola, you get a feel of confidence in yourself and magic in the air! The whole shoot was so relaxed and we got so many incredible photos to share with our loved ones. I was truly surprised when the proposal happened (at first I thought it was a prop and setup for the photos!!) But of course I said yes and it’s amazing that we have the photos and video the look back on. All the suppliers and team were so sweet and it was truly such a beautiful day!”

A huge, massive thank you to Tom and Doug for trusting me to capture this shoot for them #loveislove

Venue: Pimhill Barn https://www.pimhillbarn.co.uk/

Flowers: by Colours Much Wenlock https://www.coloursflorists.co.uk/

If you are planning a proposal and want it photographed, get in touch and I’d love to help. You can drop me a message on here or just call 07847186848