We have something a little different today – a completely secret engagement shoot at Blarney Castle, featuring two awesome Americans, one of whom didn’t know she was being photographed! Sounds interesting, doesn’t it – the craziness was captured stunningly by Sligo based Ian Mitchinson Fine Art Photography.
The story of this secret proposal began when Ian received a very interesting email…
As Ian explained to us:
“Sometimes something pops up in your inbox and can surprise you! After a moments thought reading the email from Jaye, I thought, ‘yes, I’m in!’
Jaye is from California, in his email he said he wanted me to come to Blarney in Cork, and take photos of him proposing to his girlfriend. At first I thought he meant to do an engagement shoot, but I soon realised he meant that he wanted me to go undercover and follow them around and be there when he popped the big question! My first thought, was…what if she says no? Well Jaye was pretty sure she wouldn’t…but he was real nervous too.”
After lots of email correspondence and getting the manager of Blarney Castle, Paul on board Ian reached the venue, spied out his subjects and got to work! We love this idea, look how surprised Lindsy (the now bride-to-be) looks!
Ian did an amazing job at capturing the proposal from his hiding place.
Jaye and Lindsy were happy to share their memories of the day with us.
Jaye, how nervous were you?
“Too nervous to explain! I couldn’t wait for it to be over so I could actually relax and enjoy myself. I am extremely happy with how it all played out. Lindsy was so surprised and everything went as smooth as it possibly could have. Ian and I were very sneaky!”
Lindsy, did you have any idea something weird was going on?
“No! None at all! Honestly! Everyone (family and friends) keeps saying “come on, you had to have wondered or even had a feeling” but honestly no, for some reason it was the furthest thing from my mind. But I think that made for a better surprise, and man can you tell I was surprised! Ian did a wonderful job of ‘catching’ the moment. Everyone laughs when they see my face as Jaye gets down on one knee.”
A stop off to kiss the Blarney stone, and then the couple enjoyed a breathtaking photo session with Ian.
Jaye, why did you choose Ian?
“I searched for photographers in Ireland for weeks and kept coming across people who were very plain and old fashioned, and obviously that’s just not me. I finally came across Ian. As soon as I saw some of his work, I knew he was my best bet so I emailed him and told him about my idea. We meshed very well and it totally paid off.”
Lindsy, how are the wedding plans coming along?
“Oh jeez. Big fun, good food, good friends. We haven’t nailed down a date yet, but we know we want to incorporate Ireland and Irish traditions in some way to keep a part of the magic, and we’ve already decided we’re going to talk Ian and his family into coming state side and being our photographer! I’m thinking a big park with lots of trees, white lights and chandeliers. I guess you could call it ‘Mary Antoinette in the park.”
Many thanks to Jaye and Lindsy for sharing their incredible story!
Ian was most definitely the right guy for the job. The Mrs2Be team has worked with Ian previously, and his energy and enthusiasm are so evident. Ian has recently moved to Ireland full time, and has made Sligo his home. Check out more of his work on his gallery.
Thanks again to Ian for sharing these amazing images.
