Katie and Callum
12th July 2020 | Wood Dalling
Instagram: @katieeclarkyy | Photos: Nathan Pilkington
Katie and Callum had their engagement shoot in Wood Dalling, on their family farm. They are in the process of planning their rustic pastels wedding, and their wedding reception will be held on the family farm too, so it was a great opportunity to find their favourite photo locations and backdrops. The couple were engaged back in 2018, and it was a super romantic Christmas proposal with the whole family there to witness the moment; how special!
Why did you decide to have a pre-wedding shoot?
We decided to go ahead with a pre-wedding shoot mainly because I wanted an excuse for cute couple photos but also to give us all a chance to get to know each other and give us a feel of what it’s like to be photographed and ease some of the awkwardness as we have never had “official” photos together before (Callum hates photos being taken of him!).
How did you meet and how long have you been together?
Callum and I met back in 2013 through athletics. Callum was and is still a Hammer Thrower and I was a 400m Hurdler, so we met through training and competitions. We started seeing each other back in 2013 on and off but have been together officially since June 2015 so it will have been 6 years by our wedding day.
Tell us all about the proposal...
Callum proposed to me on Christmas day back in 2018. We spent Christmas round my parents house, which is actually where we are having our wedding reception in June which is so exciting! The whole family was round; Grandparents, God parents, Aunts and Uncles you name it! We had just finished tidying up from present opening in the afternoon when Callum brought through another present for me that he had “forgotten”. So everyone sat around watching me open the present. As I opened it a poem fell out which I was instructed to read (I had no idea what was going on, I just thought he was being soppy and of course was crying my eyes out). I couldn’t read the poem as I was crying so much so it was passed to my sister who then burst out crying too so eventually my god mother read it out. I then began to open the present still blissfully unaware of what was going on! I opened the box and it was a Disney Traditions ornament of Mickey proposing to Minnie, I looked up to say thank you and Callum was on one knee holding out a ring!!!!! The rest of the moment is a blur but after the initial shock I did say yes obviously!
Why did you choose the shoot location?
We had the shoot around Wood Dalling on the farm, to give us an idea of different photo locations for the wedding day.
Did you find the shoot helpful for helping you feel more prepared for the wedding day?
Yes, Callum and I definitely feel more prepared for the wedding day. Firstly, meeting Nathan and having photos allowed us all to get to know each other in this knew environment/situation and allowed us to get comfortable being photographed. Having the shoot also allowed us to find photo location ideas for the wedding day, and for Nathan to get to know the area and what sorts of photos we can take on the day. We were also able to see the sorts of photos Nathan takes and get a feel of his editing which reassured us that we had made the right decision by choosing him!
Did you feel nervous behind the camera?
Callum HATES being behind the camera and I think this lead me to feel awkward for him as I was very aware how he must have been feeling. However, I really enjoyed every minute of it and I know after the first few locations Callum began to feel so much more comfortable too.
Would you recommend that other couples have an engagement shoot?
I think that it is not necessary although if it is offered I would definitely recommend taking it up as it gives you a chance to get comfortable with the photographer as well as get a feel for the types of photos they take and most importantly gives you some cute couple photos and who doesn’t love cute couple photos!
Did your photographer give you any tips before the shoot?
Just to relax and be ourselves and try and forget that he is there.
What advice would you give to other couples who do plan to have a pre-wedding shoot?
Just go in relaxed and be open for anything.
What is your favourite photo from the shoot?
OMG they are all so amazing, but probably the ones in my Grandparents water garden and the fields.
Were there any stand out moments in the shoot?
I loved shooting the photos in the fields.
Tell us all about your wedding plans...
We are getting married in our village church and then the reception is in my parents converted barn on the family farm. We are having a rustic/DIY themed affair, with pastel colours (lots of blush pink). The wedding itself is 50ish close family and friends followed by a BIG reception (PARTY) and lots of dancing!!!
Do you plan to incorporate any of the photos into your wedding?
YES! We are going to have a memory wall in the reception area filled with photos of us over the years and obviously pride of place will be our engagement shoot photos.
What are you most looking forward to about the wedding date?
I cannot wait to walk down the aisle and see Callum’s face when he sees me in my dress for the first time!
What has been your favourite part of wedding planning so far?
I have enjoyed planning so much!! I would say Wedding Fairs were my favourite part (when COVID wasn’t a thing) and I found them so helpful for finding suppliers and getting ideas for the day. I also have really enjoyed recently seeing everything coming together and the visions we had come to life.
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