“Those Windermere peaks look like a perfect place to cry”

The Planning

Narvik contacted me around a month before he was planning on popping the question to Katie. They both live together in London for most of the time but for a big chunk of the year, Katie lives away in Texas. They first met at the Dickens Inn in London, and from that very first date, their story began. Since then they have travelled all around Europe together from Paris to Rome and beyond. As a Lake District proposal photographer, these are always some of the most exciting stories to be part of.


Katie is a die-hard Taylor Swift fan and so following the release of Taylor's 'the lakes' single, Narvik always knew in his heart of hearts that the perfect proposal would involve being by the edge of Lake Windermere. In fact, Narvik was so incredibly romantic; he had gone as far as bringing Taylor Swift along in the form of a life-size cutout, along with a selection of some of her favourite nibbles, drinks, flowers and more! For a Taylor Swift fan, it was just perfect - there's no way Katie could say no but just in case, Narvik had bought Katie a t-shirt saying, 'I had a marvellous time ruining everything!'


The Location

Location wise, there was a multitude of options available with Narvik opting to pop the question on the jetty that was by the boathouse at the Langdale Chase Hotel in Windermere. On the day of the proposal, my cover was to be taking photographs on the grounds for the hotel, whose staff were in on it too! In fact, they were instrumental in keeping the big secret and on arrival were incredibly helpful in pointing out areas to photograph the proposal from! In an ideal world, I would have set up on a bench close to the jetty with a long lens but having scoped it out, I would have been fighting the light and so preferred to be positioned at the other side of the jetty. This meant navigating some overgrown plants and possibly looking a bit out of place with a long lens but if I was to get the perfect shot, I knew this was my only option.


The Proposal

So, aware that I looked a little out of place, I set up behind a tree that enabled me to be quite hidden from the view of the jetty. I texted Narvik and let him know that I was in position, and a short time later a couple appeared on the jetty. Now, I wasn't sure what either Narvik or Katie looked like so I started snapping away waiting for the big moment. It was only when the gentleman started setting up a tripod and taking some long exposure photos that it dawned on me that this wasn't Narvik and Katie! Eeek! I was now in the awkward position of having to choose between coming out of hiding and giving my position away or gently shouting over to the couple and explaining. Some time passed and I decided that I would have to walk over to the jetty and have a quiet word....awkward! As I left my hiding place, in my peripheral vision I clocked Narvik and Katie waiting in the wings so to speak but I didn't make eye contact! I approached the couple and quietly explained what was happening, thankfully they were incredibly understanding and promptly left the jetty - if this couple was you, then thank you so much, I can't begin to express how grateful I am!

A distant view of people photographing on a wooden dock with mountains in the background.
Two people standing on a wooden pier overlooking a misty mountain lake landscape.

She Said Yes!

I made my way back to my hiding place behind the tree not taking into account that as I was walking back, Katie and Narvik had already walked onto the jetty and were now out of sight from where I was hiding. Seconds passed and then I heard Katie let out a loud shriek of joy..... I reached around the tree with my camera just in time to spot Narvik down on one knee! Phew! I very nearly missed the big moment but thanks to Katie's reaction, I caught the moment beautifully! Thankfully, Katie said yes and what follows is what happened from there on, in pictures.

A couple sharing a special moment on a wooden dock overlooking a misty mountain lake.
A heartfelt marriage proposal scene on a lakeside dock with mountains in the background.
A joyful moment captured during a surprise proposal on a wooden pier with mountain views.
A romantic proposal scene on a wooden dock against a backdrop of misty mountains and calm water.
A dock proposal moment with scenic mountain views and tranquil lake waters in the background.
A romantic proposal scene unfolds on a wooden dock overlooking a misty mountain lake.
Two people share an intimate moment on a lakeside pier with mountain views in the background.
A couple stands on a wooden dock with scenic mountain lake views behind them.
Two people embrace on a wooden pier with mountains and lake creating a romantic backdrop.
A couple shares a tender moment on a dock overlooking a serene mountain lake.
Two people stand close together on a wooden dock with a peaceful lake in the background.
A couple celebrates on a lakeside dock with a sailboat and mountains in the distance.
Two people stand together on a wooden pier with a sailboat and misty mountains behind them.
A couple embraces on a dock with a white sailboat and mountain landscape in view.
Two people pose together on a wooden dock with mountains and lake creating a scenic backdrop.
A couple stands together on a wooden dock overlooking a serene lake surrounded by mountains on an overcast day.
A couple in winter outfits share a tender moment on a lakeside dock with mountains in the background.
A couple shares a joyful moment together by a lake, wearing winter coats and scarves.
A couple stands on a wooden pier having an intimate conversation with a misty lake backdrop.
A black and white photo captures a couple's emotional moment on a lakeside dock.
A romantic moment unfolds on a dock as a couple in winter attire shares a sweet gesture.
A heartwarming scene shows a couple sharing laughter and affection on a lakeside pier.
A tender moment between a couple on a dock, with one wearing a colorful heart-patterned jacket.
A couple holds hands while standing on a wooden pier with a scenic lake and mountains behind them.
A couple enjoys a casual conversation while standing on a wooden dock by a peaceful lake.
A couple shares a joyful moment together by a lake, wearing winter coats and scarves.
A romantic scene on a lakeside dock with two people holding hands on an overcast day.
A cheerful moment shared between two people near a stone building on a hillside.
Two people having an intimate conversation by the water's edge on a cloudy day.
A heartwarming moment captured between two people outdoors with natural scenery in the background.
Two people walking together on a stone path near a historic building.
A black and white photo of two people sharing a candid moment by a lakeside dock.
A black and white portrait of two people laughing together near a waterfront.
Historic stone mansion with ornate Victorian architecture and balustrades on a hillside.
Elegant Victorian building with bay windows and decorative stonework overlooking a garden.
A couple stands by a scenic lake with mountains in the background on a cloudy day.
A cheerful couple shares a moment together against a backdrop of mountains and a serene lake.
Two people in contrasting outfits share a joyful moment by a peaceful lake.
A romantic couple embraces and laughs together near a tranquil mountain lake.
A couple shares an intimate moment by the water's edge with mountains in the distance.
A romantic moment captured between two people against a misty lake backdrop.
Two people embrace while enjoying a scenic view of a mountain lake on a cloudy day.
Two people share an intimate moment against a misty lake and mountain landscape.
A couple shares a tender moment by a serene lake with mountains in the background.
A couple wearing contrasting outfits poses against a light background.
Couple in winter attire standing by a misty lake with one wearing a colorful patterned coat and another in a camel coat.
Portrait of person in camel coat and blue scarf smiling outdoors with greenery in background.
Black and white portrait of person in camel coat and scarf smiling against blurred background.
Person in camel coat and navy scarf standing by stone wall in autumn garden setting.
Couple sharing intimate moment by stone wall in autumn garden, wearing camel coat and patterned jacket.
Romantic moment captured between couple wearing camel coat and colorful patterned jacket in fall setting.
Couple embracing on path with grand Victorian mansion in background on hilltop.
Intimate portrait of couple by lake, one in colorful heart-patterned coat and other in camel coat.
Couple sharing tender moment wearing contrasting camel coat and colorful heart-patterned jacket.
Sweet moment between couple in camel coat and colorful heart-print jacket against misty backdrop.
A couple shares an intimate moment by a scenic lake with mountains in the background, wearing camel coat and patterned jacket.
Two people share laughter against a backdrop of misty mountains and lake while wearing contrasting outerwear.
A couple smiles warmly while posing outdoors, one in a camel coat and other in a colorful heart-patterned jacket.
Two people share a tender moment against a scenic mountain lake backdrop wearing contrasting winter outerwear.
A couple exchanges glances outdoors, with one wearing a vibrant heart-patterned jacket and the other in a camel coat.
A couple stands on stone steps overlooking a lake, dressed in winter coats on a cloudy day.
Two people chat while standing on outdoor stone steps with a lake view in the background.
A couple shares a tender moment outdoors against mountain backdrop wearing contrasting winter coats.
A romantic kiss shared between two people on a scenic overlook with mountains in the background.
A black and white photo of someone posing in a strapless crop top and mini skirt in front of a bar cabinet.
People smiling and holding up a light blue t-shirt at a bar with wine bottles in the background.
Friends toasting with champagne glasses at a gathering in front of wooden bar cabinets.
People posing together at a bar, person wearing a colorful patterned jacket and white cable knit sweater.
Group photo at a bar with wooden shelving, featuring white sweater and colorful patterned jacket.
People posing together at a bar, one wearing a vibrant patterned jacket.
Group gathering at a bar with wine bottles, person in white sweater and colorful patterned jacket.
Two people sharing a laugh while holding wine glasses at a bar.
Colorful flower arrangement with orange gerbera daisy and yellow chrysanthemums in decorative paper.
Close-up of fresh floral arrangement with gerberas and chrysanthemums in patterned paper wrapping.
Green foliage arrangement with white pussy willows and tropical leaves.
Open letter or card with handwritten text on white pages.
Beautiful orange roses wrapped in brown paper with a decorative flower charm.
Opened greeting card showing handwritten text and a vintage storefront photograph.
Black hardcover book with abstract white design sitting on grey couch.
Hummus chips, alcohol bottle and clear beverage on white tablecloth with plant decor.
Black Ayala champagne bucket with bottle chilling inside.
Close-up of champagne bottle label in black ice bucket.
Snack bags, liquor bottle and tonic water arranged with tropical plants.
Three cookie dough flavored snack boxes lined up on display.
Mixed flower bouquet with green chrysanthemums in brown paper bag with decorative charm.
Fresh yellow and purple flowers in a decorative paper wrapper on a dark surface.
Elegant floral bouquet wrapped in patterned paper with yellow chrysanthemums and decorative greenery.
Elegant bouquet in patterned paper under a crystal chandelier in a dark wood-paneled room.
Black and white close-up of fresh roses with soft, dreamy bokeh effect.
Orange roses wrapped in cream paper against a blurred interior background.
Cute fluffy dog resting on a dark cushion against wooden paneled furniture.
Small cream-colored dog wearing a blue harness standing on hardwood floor.
Small cream-colored dog wearing blue harness looking up at treat from person's hand.
Adorable cream-colored puppy in teal harness sitting attentively on wooden floor.
Small fluffy dog in turquoise harness looking to the side on hardwood flooring.
A stemmed champagne glass filled with bright blue liquid on a white tablecloth.
Scenic mountain landscape with misty hills and a lake in the foreground under cloudy skies.

I hope that you have enjoyed reading about my adventures as a secret engagement proposal photographer here in the Lake District. One thing's for certain, secret proposal photography is very different to being a Lake District Wedding Photographer! If you're planning a proposal in the Lake District and looking for a Lake District proposal photographer, I’d love to hear more about your plans.