Today I am thrilled to share an actual Wedding proposal, as it happened in the stunning surroundings of Eilean Donan Castle.

This perfectly captured moment in time was photographed by  John Baikie Photography. 

Eilean Donan Castle is situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and is surrounded by some majestic scenery,  and it is little wonder that the castle is now one of the most visited and important attractions in the Scottish Highlands. 

Although first inhabited around the 6th century, the first fortified castle was built in the mid 13th century and stood guard over the lands of Kintail.

Since then, at least four different versions of the castle have been built and re-built as the feudal history of Scotland unfolded through the centuries. 

Partially destroyed in a Jacobite uprising in 1719, Eilean Donan lay in ruins for the best part of 200 years until Lieutenant Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap bought the island in 1911 and proceeded to restore the castle to its former glory.

After 20 years of toil and labour the castle was re-opened in 1932. 

John Baikie shares his recollections of  photographing these wonderful moments,

“Wow. What a day I have just had.  I was up at Eilean Donan castle to capture a very special moment in two people’s lives.”

“Niall Sinclair contacted me from Houston, USA, a couple of weeks ago to tell me he was planning proposing to his girlfriend, Amber Gifford during a visit to Scotland.”

“After several emails back and forth we got a plan together and today was the day. I had never photographed a proposal before and it was quite nerve-wracking.”

“Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most famous landmarks in Scotland, and a very romantic location. It was somewhere the couple visited last year and Amber loved it, so an ideal choice for the big question to be popped!”

“I arrived up there this morning after a 2 hour drive through constant rain and got set up.”

“I had been sent photos of the couple and knew what car they would be in so was ready. Only issue being that I had to be discreet so as not to give the game away to Amber. It was a real buzz waiting for the car and ready to jump to action!”

“I followed them across the famous bridge into the castle, not knowing when things would happen, but a few minutes later they popped outside and Niall dropped on one knee.”

“It was a very quick yes from Amber, to put us all out of our misery and I have to confess to being moved to tears by the whole thing.”

“It was so lovely being part of something so intimate and personal and I think I managed to stay completely unnoticed throughout.”

“In 15 years of wedding photography this is the first time I have photographed this part and must admit it was a massive privilege and totally blew me away.”

“I’m not sure who was shaking more afterwards, Niall or myself. The adrenaline was pumping as I couldn’t miss a split second, and then the emotions set in.”

“We spent a bit of time taking more photographs around the castle and grounds before the rain finally got the better of us.”

“What a lovely, lovely couple and I am so proud to have had this job. Another ‘I Love My Job’ day!”

Thanks so much to John for allowing me to share such precious images.

One thing I think that the images really show is against the harshest that life can throw at us, under the fiercest of skies (and that is a FIERCE sky), is that love is a bright light and this powerful emotion radiates from the couple.

The excitement, the anticipation of a new chapter, despite the driving rain is palpable.

I wish Amber and Niall all the very best for the future.

To Contact John Balkie Photography

Website: http://www.johnbaikiephotography.com

Email: info@captiv8.uk.com

Phone: 0800 0699169  or  07789 557 586

Blog: http://www.johnbaikiephotography.com/blog/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnBaikiePhotography

Twitter: http://wwww.twitter.com/johnbaikie