A couple of weeks before departing the USA, Brendan contacted me about photographing his surprise proposal at Howth Summit Dublin. I checked the dates – all was good so we made our plans to capture the moment when he asked Lea to marry him.

Surprise proposal at Howth Summit Dublin

I have to say that out of weddings, engagement shoots and surprise proposals, it is the latter that I love the shooting most. There is a certain thrill to it and of course the elation afterwards when the question has been popped and answered..!

As with all secret proposals, Brendan and I have a conversation via FaceTime to go through the details and logistics. This can seem difficult to many guys as there is an absolute need to keep everything secret and hidden from the other half. However, more often than not, it’s actually easier than many think. The location chosen can also facilitate so it is important to choose somewhere that works. I’ve done loads of these so I can help out where needed. It’s generally pretty straightforward.

Brendan’s Surprise proposal at Howth Summit Dublin

I agreed with Brendan that I would be waiting at the car park at the start of the cliff walk in a place that he could easily see me as he approached. I would then follow discretely behind until he got into position and gave me the signal that he was about to pop the question. This ensures that I was ready and wouldn’t miss the moment.

Even though you always expect everything to go just fine, it’s always a relief when there’s a positive reaction to the question..!

So after the “I do’s” were said and done, it was time to go over introduce myself to Lea and congratulate her.

Then it was time to go for a walk and grab some photos of the newly engaged couple. The light was constantly changing but it was fantastic. When you have great light in a beautiful Irish landscape and a great couple, it’s always a brilliant photo session. We walked and shot as we went setting up depending on the light. Finally, we did lose the light as the sun went down but it marked the end of a great surprise proposal at Howth Summit  and the start of a new journey for Lea and Brendan.

Here are just some of the photos from their shoot.

Here’s what Brendan and Lea had to say after they received their photos:

“Good morning Dave! (Morning for us sadly back on this side of the Atlantic)

First of all, Lea and I are overwhelmed by how fantastic these pictures are. They are an extremely special reminder of such a special day and we love them. And to get them turned around for us to look through within a couple days?! Truly remarkable. I got your email that all of the pictures were ready just as we landed at Newark and it was a cool bookend to our special trip. We had a great time with you and having never done any sort of photoshoot, it was very easy and comfortable to work with you!

Our friends and family loved the first few that you sent us, and after having the opportunity to look through the entire gallery yesterday, they are going to love these too.

Thank you again for everything. You were awesome for me as I planned this day and everything about it was special.

All the best”

Brendan and Lea