Surprise Proposal Photoshoot At Fairhaven
So I’m sitting on the couch one night mindin’ my own business watchin’ mah “American Horror Story” when Katie slides on into my DMs…
“Hey mate! Wondering what the cost would be on getting a surprise proposal photoshoot done at the Pole House in Fairhaven?”
Drop…The… Chippies Mike, and get crackin’ on this enquiry!
This led to an incredible, fun, emotional, and beautiful shoot that I won’t soon forget…
Katie and I had a secret coffee catch-up the weekend before. We wanted to make sure everything would go smoothly when we pulled off this once in a lifetime ruse! Sneaky sneaky! We planned a surprise couples photoshoot on the beach while they were down the coast for a night away.
Not usually one for having professional photos taken, Shannon would need a little coaxing to get relaxed enough to enjoy the shoot. And Katie was hoping it truly is better to ask for forgiveness, not permission for organising the shoot!
After swapping gross medical stories (not normally my thing to break the ice on a shoot, but Shannon is a nurse ?) we hit it off and we captured some beautiful images of the two of them. We were of course hoping for a cracker sunset, but being in Victoria, you can never bet on it! There was some epic cloud action though!
After the mini-session, I gave them a fond farewell and jumped in the car to head home… NOT!
Proposal Photoshoot Time!
I flew up the hill to the Pole House, met the team from My Proposal Co who had been working their magic don’t the room. How amazing is this setup! I loved the design of the room and it had a lovely sleek and modern feel to it.
There was already a devilishly handsome young man waiting in the room to help surprise his Mum, Ollie is such a cool little dude. Very inquisitive and eager to look good for his closeups!
I took my position and waited patiently for the soon to be engaged couple to be to enter the room and it was showtime.
What proceeded to take place was one of the most beautiful, heartfelt and intimate moments I have witnessed in my photographic career to date. Katie gave Ollie some beautiful words and a special gift before turning to Shannon and bending the knee.
After much planning and a few nervous days prior, Shannon said YES and Katie could finally relax and enjoy the moment.
A few more photos later on the catwalk outside the Pole House, and we were calling it a wrap.
I’ve said it a million times on social media, but I’m truly blessed to be able to capture such unforgettable moments in my couples lives.
I know serving them is a privilege.
Not just another job.
If you’d like me to help plan out your special surprise proposal, shoot me a DM like Katie did on Instagram, or reach out by emailing me here.
I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this amazing little family.
Mike x
COPYRIGHT © 2025 Mike Atchison Photography Geelong, VIC
