Surprise Proposal at Baltimore Beacon, West Cork | Nic & Jennifer
Baltimore is a place I’ve spent a huge amount of time in, long before I ever photographed proposals there. As a landscape photographer, the Beacon has been part of my life for years. I’ve slept out up there waiting on a sunrise, stayed through countless sunsets, and even brought my son and his friend up to lie on the ground and watch shooting stars over the Atlantic. Standing high above the ocean at night, looking out into the dark, you realise very quickly how special this place is.
So when Nic told me this was where he wanted to get down on one knee and propose to his long-time girlfriend Jennifer, it instantly made sense.
The proposal — captured on video
Planning a Surprise Proposal in Ireland
February is notorious in Ireland. Rain, hail, wind — sometimes all in the same hour. We were right in the tail end of winter, and it honestly felt like it had been raining forever. When Nic first got in touch, I told him straight: if we were doing this at the Beacon, there was no cover. Rain or hail, we go for it. There’s no hiding up there.
Planning anything outdoors in Ireland is never easy. We’ve all heard the saying about four seasons in one day, and it couldn’t be more true. When it comes to a surprise proposal, you’re not even asking for sunshine — you’re just hoping it stays dry.
There’s an old saying here as well: I’ll believe the weather forecast when I’m standing out in it. That one has never let me down.
A Winter Morning at Baltimore Beacon
The morning of the proposal, I was out early walking my dogs, already running the shoot through my head. The sun was trying to push through the cloud cover, not fully committing, but enough to give us hope. As long as it stayed dry, we had a chance.
I drove to Baltimore about an hour early to grab some drone footage and get a feel for the conditions. Pulling into the small parking area at the foot of the Beacon, the sun was absolutely glaring through the car window. It was bright — really bright. There were lower clouds around, but the sun itself was completely uncovered and sitting higher than the Beacon.
Walking up toward the cliff edge, it honestly felt like I could touch it. The light was casting a winter haze across everything, and I knew straight away this was going to be a bit of a challenge — but a good one.
Setting the Scene
We had decided that Nic would propose either side of the Beacon. What I hadn’t fully prepared for was just how directly overhead the sun would be at that exact moment. In my head I was already thinking, right, this will be interesting.
I set up a small GoPro resting in my backpack, pointed toward the Beacon, just to capture a bit of behind-the-scenes video. With about ten minutes to go before they arrived, I sent the drone up, hit record, and took my position.
Nic and Jennifer walked past the GoPro completely unaware they were already being filmed. They stepped toward the right side of the Beacon and I could see Nic getting ready. At the last second, Jennifer moved around the front of the Beacon to the left — so Nic had to follow. I shifted position slightly, lined up from further back, and waited.
Then he went down on one knee.
A Yes, High Above the Atlantic
High above the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by Ireland’s rugged coastline and natural beauty, Nic asked Jennifer to marry him. She didn’t hesitate. She said yes.
I gave them a moment to take it all in before I picked up my bag and made myself known. Jennifer was smiling so much she honestly couldn’t believe what had just happened. The emotion was raw, real, and completely unfiltered — exactly how it should be.
From there, we took our time. No rushing. Just letting the moment settle before moving into portraits, walking the landscape, and soaking up everything Baltimore had to offer that day.
Why Baltimore Beacon Is So Special
The Beacon isn’t just a landmark — it’s a place that feels exposed, honest, and powerful. There’s nowhere to hide up there. The wind, the light, the ocean below — it all becomes part of the story.
That’s why it works so well for proposals. It strips everything back to what matters. Two people, one moment, and a decision that changes everything.
Nic & Jennifer’s Story
Nic is originally from Germany, and Jennifer is from Lebanon. They met while Jennifer was living in Germany, and their story has already taken them across countries and cultures. Right now, Nic is training in Ireland with Ryanair to become a pilot — which somehow makes this moment even more fitting. Soon, he’ll be flying above the very landscape where this next chapter of their lives began.
We want to wish Nic and Jennifer nothing but the best for the future. It was an absolute pleasure to be trusted with such a personal moment, and one they’ll never forget.
Thank You
Thank you to Nic and Jennifer for trusting me with your surprise proposal.
Thank you to Baltimore for once again delivering something special.
And thank you to everyone who gave them space on the cliffs to enjoy their moment.
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