This is a marriage proposal story that’s fit for Hollywood! Craig contacted me a while ago asking about my surprise proposal photography. He explained that he planned to fly from America, to ask his girlfriend to marry him on Llanddwyn Island (Ynys Llanddwyn). The whole thing was a surprise and he wanted me to secretly photograph the moment he asked Megan to marry him. Obviously, I was well up for it.
I know Llanddwyn Island & Newborough Beach pretty well now, as I’ve already photographed one wedding and another proposal there – although the last one was much wetter! I sent a few location suggestions to Craig and we discussed tactics. We agreed to meet in the car park, then go for a wander to choose the perfect spot.
Megan’s parents were in on it too, they were going to be in charge of getting Megan to the right place at the right time. I had assumed that Megan was Welsh and over here visiting her parents, but I was wrong. Craig was flying halfway around the world to surprise his girlfriend with a ring, while she was on holiday, with her parents! This was going to be a holiday to remember.
I’d joked in my initial reply that his proposal was like something out of a movie. But the level of planning and organisation really does make this worthy of the big screen. Especially as Craig was going to be spending the next week travelling around Wales & Ireland with them too.
Once Craig had chosen the perfect spot all we had to do was wait… For almost 2 hours we waited. And it was worth every minute of it.
Megan’s face says it all when she first sees Craig and her reaction after the proposal is priceless. She was still shaking 10 minutes later!
Craig was hoping to have the lighthouse to himself, however, that wasn’t to be. Although I think a few cheers, claps and shouts of congratulations from strangers made it even more special.
Once everyone had calmed down a bit, we wandered back along the opposite side of the island and down the beach. I gave them some space to process everything while I took a few wide shots of Llanddwyn Island for their holiday album.
I’d like to say a massive thank you to Craig for inviting me to photograph his proposal – it’s a real honour to be involved in such a personal and momentous occasion!
Planning on popping the question?
If you’re planning to ask your partner to marry you, take a look at my Secret Proposal Photography before you do!