Viewing entries tagged
down on one knee

Santa Cruz Panther Beach Proposal / Engagement

November 20, 2023

Let’s be honest, Asha has a PRETTY GOOD IDEA her boyfriend was going to propose today – maybe it was seeing her BF’s friend’s car in the parking lot of the beach. Maybe it was the nice dinner reservations. Maybe it was the fact that she knew a photographer (yours truly) was there to take couples’ pics of them. So many maybes… but the clincher was seeing all the framed pictures of them arranged on the beach with candles and a sign that said “Marry Me” that was the real clincher lol. I love proposals that happen in the middle of a planned photo shoot – I don’t have to hide or pretend to take pictures of waves. I just do my thing and at the appropriate time, the proposer does their thing and I’m in the perfect spot to capture it.

Here’s a few of my favorite shots from Satya and Asha’s proposal / engagement at Santa Cruz’s finest hidden gem, Panther Beach (aka Hole in the Wall beach).

If you’re interested in planning your proposal / engagement / wedding with me, start here: http://www.BayAreaWedding.Photography

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A Picture-Perfect Proposal: Daniel and Elizabeth's Sunny Afternoon at Twin Lakes Beach, Santa Cruz, CA

March 18, 2023

In the golden embrace of a sunny afternoon at the picturesque Twin Lakes Beach in Santa Cruz, CA, a moment unfolded that was nothing short of a fairytale. It was here, with the iconic Walton Lighthouse standing majestically in the background, that Daniel chose to embark on a lifelong journey of love and commitment with Elizabeth, a momentous occasion that I had the privilege of capturing through my lens.

Daniel and Elizabeth, accompanied by their adorable black dog adorned with a red handkerchief, brought a delightful touch of familial warmth to the shoot. Their furry companion seemed to sense the love in the air, adding a playful and heartwarming element to the already blissful occasion. Each frame captured not just two people in love but a small, happy family ready to face the world together.

As the gentle waves kissed the shores and the lighthouse stood as a beacon of hope and steadfastness, Daniel knelt, and with a proposal, promised forever to Elizabeth. Her joyous acceptance was met with cheers from bystanders, as seagulls soared above, almost as if celebrating this union with their harmonious cries. It was a tableau of love, pure and heartfelt, framed perfectly by the natural beauty of Santa Cruz.

Amidst smiles, laughter, and the sparkling reflection of the sun on the gentle waves, this session became more than a proposal shoot; it transformed into a joyous celebration of love, a testimony to the beautiful journey that Daniel and Elizabeth are embarking upon, together.

Santa Cruz Surprise Proposal (Engagement Photography) @ Babbling Brook Inn

February 11, 2023

This was a tough proposal to remain inconspicuous – usually I’m at a beach where there’s plenty of space to pretend to be photographing something else – birds, waves, flowers, etc. However, Victor had planned to propose to his girlfriend Colie at Babbling Brook Inn, a quaint boutique hotel near downtown Santa Cruz. on the plus side, there was nobody else milling about. On the minus side, there was nobody else milling about – i.e. as soon as Victor led Colie out of their room and down the rose petal and candle-adorned pathway, I couldn’t really pretend to be anything other than a guy hired to capture this special moment. Thankfully Victor didn’t waste much time trying to explain, as soon as they topped the stairs to the gazebo he got down on his knee and popped the question. We took a few minutes to explore the property together; I think we got some pretty great engagement shots to show off to the family and friends!

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Pebble Beach Surprise Engagement / Proposal

October 22, 2019

We had a rough idea of where my client would propose to his girlfriend, but like wedding photography, I’m always prepared to roll with the fluid circumstances of a proposal. I’d checked off the important stuff: 1) Satellite image with rough location, 2) rough timing of said proposal and 3) received selfie of couple so I don’t stalk the wrong couple LOL.

Luckily both sets of parents were also with me to witness the moment – this isn’t typical, but at least gave me confidence I wasn’t going to end up in the wrong place! Apparently these two are long-time sweethearts, and life found a way to finally, formally, unite this couple after 16 years. A beautiful thing, if you ask me!

Needless to say, everything came together like clockwork. She said yes, he cried. Well, they both did. They all did. I did. Ok not that last part. But I was happy.

Here’s a selection of my faves from the proposal itself and the brief engagement shoot afterwards. Luckily they were dressed for a nice dinner in Pebble Beach . (hint: guys, always tell her there’s a nice dinner waiting so she’s not wearing her comfy sweatpants when I capture this part!). Enjoy ;)

Pebble Beach Surprise Engagement Photography - Photos by Bay Are

West Cliff Dr / Santa Cruz Engagement (She Said Yes!)

September 9, 2019

It seems like shooting surprise marriage proposals are 90% planning and 10% execution. I mean, I don’t want to accidentally stalk the wrong couple, or maybe be hanging out 100’ from where the guy decides to drop to one knee – so it’s important to use past experience to inform a perfectly planned and photographed proposal.

I knew Steve wanted to propose to his girlfriend on West Cliff Drive (a very special place for them), and specifically on one of two benches near a cool tree at the intersection of De La Costa Avenue. The problem? The benches are constantly occupied by pedestrians who (rightly) want to stop and enjoy the view. My solution? I went up to a gentleman who was hanging out on “the bench” and told him what was going down in about 15 minutes. After confirming he planned on hanging out that long, we conspired… I showed him the picture I had of my client, so when they got close he simply got up and walked off, leaving it free for my couple and nobody else.

Small things like this delight me, and of course when Steve transitioned from bench to down-on-one-knee, I was ready and shooting away. Here’s a few of my faves…. enjoy!