Some proposals take a little more planning than others.


This surprise proposal at Sherburn Aero Club involved a helicopter, banners set up around the airfield, and one person who had no idea what was waiting for them.


I was there to photograph everything from the build up and helicopter arriving through to the proposal itself and the reaction afterwards. With something like this, there is only one chance to capture the moment, so knowing what was planned and being in the right place at the right time was important.


Once the question had been asked and the surprise was over, we spent some time around the airfield taking relaxed photographs together. There was plenty of laughing, a bottle of champagne and a chance for the two of them to enjoy being newly engaged.


Here is how it all happened:

Panoramic view of an airfield with small aircraft parked in front of the Sherburn Aero Club building.
A series of outdoor banners displayed along a wooden fence in a rural setting with green trees in the background.
A series of blue banners with text and photos displayed outdoors in a grassy area creating a romantic display.
A red and white Robinson R44 helicopter lands in a grassy field on a cloudy day.
A romantic proposal takes place in front of a small aircraft on a grassy airfield on a cloudy day.
A romantic helicopter proposal scene unfolds on a grassy field with a black helicopter in the background.
A series of romantic moments captured at a helicopter landing site on a grassy airfield.
A joyful couple poses playfully on a grassy field next to a small aircraft on a sunny day.
A couple shares a romantic moment next to a parked black helicopter on a grassy field.
Romantic couple embraces and kisses near small private aircraft on grassy airfield.
A couple laughs and embraces while standing in a lush green field on a cloudy day.
A couple shares a joyful moment together on a sunny day in a grassy field with wooden fencing in the background.
A couple laughs joyfully together while posing on a green grassy field during an outdoor photoshoot.
A romantic couple shares tender kisses while leaning against a blue banner at an outdoor venue.
A joyful couple embraces and laughs together during an outdoor photoshoot near white fences on a sunny day.
A series of black and white close-up photos showing joyful smiles and tender moments between a couple.
Wine glasses and champagne bottles arranged on a dark serving tray at an elegant event setting.
A diamond engagement ring displayed on a rustic cork bottle stopper against a dark background.
Black and white photographs of an engagement ring being placed on a woman’s finger after a surprise proposal
A couple shares joyful embraces and laughter in a backyard setting with wooden fence and greenery.
A couple shares a joyful embrace while standing in a backyard garden with a vine-covered fence behind them.
A couple embraces in front of a rustic wooden wall covered with climbing ivy and greenery.
A panoramic view of a rustic wooden deck with picnic tables overlooking a scenic waterfront landscape.

PLANNING YOUR OWN SURPRISE PROPOSAL?


Proposal photography is a little different from booking a normal photoshoot. Part of the job happens before I even pick up the camera.


We can plan where you are going to propose, where I need to be, how I can photograph it without spoiling the surprise and what happens afterwards.


Then, when the moment arrives, you only have one job: ask the question. I will take care of the photographs.


If you have something planned in Yorkshire or the surrounding areas, whether it involves a helicopter or something a little closer to the ground, I would love to hear about it.