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santa cruz wedding photographer

Santa Cruz Panther Beach Proposal / Engagement

Santa Cruz Panther Beach Proposal / Engagement

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

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

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

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.

Under the Whispering Redwoods: Karina and Marcos' Intimate Elopement

Under the Whispering Redwoods: Karina and Marcos' Intimate Elopement

In the heart of the Santa Cruz mountains, amidst the serene whispers of the ancient redwoods, I had the privilege of capturing a celebration of love that was both intimate and profoundly beautiful. Karina and Marcos chose to exchange their vows in an intimate setting that felt almost ethereal, surrounded by the gentle giants of the forest and a few of their closest friends.

As a photographer, every once in a while, you stumble upon a moment where everything seems to align perfectly - the light filtering through the trees, the quiet atmosphere, and two people who are deeply, unequivocally in love. This was exactly the case at Karina and Marcos’ micro-wedding, an event that celebrated love in its purest and most unadulterated form.

The day began with soft rays of sunlight seeping through the dense canopy of redwoods, creating a natural cathedral that bore witness to their union. The couple chose simplicity over extravagance, letting the grandeur of nature play the main role in their wedding decor. A subtle palette of earth tones harmoniously blended with the surrounding environment, creating a sense of unity and tranquillity.

As Karina stepped into the clearing, the forest seemed to hold its breath. Dressed in a gown that mirrored the delicate hues of the forest floor, she was a vision of grace and beauty. Marcos, waiting eagerly, had eyes only for her, his face lighting up with a smile that reached his eyes, reflecting the deep love and admiration he held for her.

The ceremony was heartfelt and genuine, with laughter and tears mingling freely. As I captured these moments, I felt as if I was documenting a secret, sacred exchange between two souls, one that was echoed by the timeless whispers of the trees surrounding them.

After the ceremony, the group ventured deeper into the forest, where I had the chance to capture some truly enchanting moments. The couple, now united as one, seemed to glow with a newfound joy, their happiness resonating with the natural beauty around them.

As the day drew to a close, the forest bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, offering the perfect backdrop for a series of intimate portraits. Karina and Marcos, amidst their closest friends, shared embraces, laughter, and whispers, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

As I packed up my camera, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of joy and fulfilment. This intimate elopement in the Santa Cruz mountains, under the protective canopy of the redwoods, was not just a celebration of love, but a testament to the beauty and sanctity of intimate, personal ceremonies, where love remains the focal point, pure and unscripted.

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

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

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!