A Heartstopper-Inspired LGBTQ+ Proposal at Herne Bay

Love, Laughter, and a Little Bit of Heartstopper Magic

When A (she/her) reached out to plan their proposal, I knew this session would be something truly special. They were visiting London from the US, and wanted to capture their love story in Herne Bay, Kent, the iconic filming location for their partner’s favourite show Heartstopper. Their vision was simple yet profound—a relaxed, joyful, and deeply personal proposal on the beach, surrounded by the coastal charm that inspired the iconic coming-of-age show.

As a photographer who thrives on authenticity and inclusivity, I was honored to help bring their dream to life.

Planning the Proposal

From our first conversation, it was clear that this couple valued authenticity, warmth, and a healthy mix of serious and goofy moments. They described themselves as “queer, down to earth, with calm and happy vibes” which was exactly the vibe we had on the day.

We planned every detail to ensure the day felt true to them, from the location to the pacing. Their comfort and joy were the top priorities, and it showed in every moment.

On the day itself the heavens broke out in the most heavy rainfall so I was a bit worried whether we would still be able to do our Plan A, but we still had a Plan B in place - going to the covered bandstand or the arcade, so no matter what I was prepared. Fortunately just as I drove into Herne Bay, the clouds parted and we had the most perfect overcast setting for the sweetest proposal ever.

The Heartstopper Connection

For fans of Heartstopper, Herne Bay is more than just a beach—it’s a symbol of young love, friendship, and the courage to be yourself. A wanted me to place a Heartstopper blanket to mark the spot where she would propose and it made it all the more special.

The proposal itself was as sweet as it gets. With the iconic pier and beach huts as our backdrop, A got down on one knee, and the A’s (she/her) reaction was pure, unfiltered joy. And then the most wonderful thing happened because A also planned to propose and so she went on one knee and proposed right back! I was secretly hoping for this turn of events, and even was a little suspicious when I came to set up and saw another photographer in the vicinity, but they didn’t have anything to do with it.

So in the end we had the most romantic surprise ever - a double proposal and I had the honour of photographing it!

Afterwards we went through some of the other filming locations nearby - the arcade and the Herne Bay pier (which closed much earlier than advertised, so bear that in mind when planning an engagement session in Herne Bay). We kept the session light and fun, mixing in playful shots and tender moments that spoke to their connection.

I am partial to a great champagne spray moment and often I’ll incorporate it in my engagement or proposal sessions. And pro tip: the non-alcoholic nozecco works sooo much better and it’s so much more tasty, so don’t worry if you don’t drink alcohol!

Capturing the Moment

What made this session so memorable was the couple’s genuine connection. There was so much laughter, so much love, and an undeniable sense of joy.

Their feedback after seeing the photos said it all:

“These are perfect, thank you SO much for everything. We are still beaming with joy! So glad you were able to capture this important moment in our lives.”

Behind-the-Scenes Magic

I love capturing not just the photographs that in my most humble opinion definitely should go up framed on a wall, but also the BTS footage on a phone. That way A & A could remember the day through these behind-the-scenes clips that caught the lead-up to the proposals and all the laughs during our engagement photography session. Let me know if you’re interested in a content add-on to any of your proposal or wedding photography packages!

Queer Joy

This shoot was a reminder of why I do what I do. Each love story is unique and deserves to be captured in all its authentic glory. Whether you’re inspired by a TV show, a favorite book, or just the way your partner laughs, your photos should reflect your story, not anyone else’s. But we have a severe underrepresentation of queer love stories and I, for one, am on a mission to change that.

Expressing and immortalising pure, unadulterated queer joy is the biggest act of revolutionary love. Being visible and in love is truly the most beautiful thing. If you need any more proof of that - how can you explain that right at the end of our beautiful session a rainbow showed up in the sky?

Ready to Write Your Own Love Story?

If you’re dreaming of a proposal, engagement session, or wedding that feels as authentic as you are, let’s chat. I’d love to help you capture your love in a way that’s uniquely yours.

Share your own love story or proposal plans with me! Whether you’re inspired by Heartstopper, a favorite movie, or your own quirky traditions, I’m here to make your vision come to life.

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