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Proposals

Surprise Marriage Proposal / Engagement @ Seascape Resort, Aptos, CA

Surprise Marriage Proposal / Engagement @ Seascape Resort, Aptos, CA

This was one of those marriage proposals where both sets of parents were “in on it” and literally hiding around the corner, waiting for Beau to pop the question. The weather was NOT GOOD so we originally did it inside the main lobby in front of the big circular fireplace at Seascape Resort. Because Beau and Audrey are total troopers, they were willing to go outside in the pouring rain for a quick session. We were all soaked at the end, but stoked to get some great shots of this momentous occasion.

Pebble Beach Surprise Engagement / Proposal

Pebble Beach Surprise Engagement / Proposal

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 ;)

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!