Emily & Michael’s Surprise Proposal at Kit’s Beach in La Jolla, California
There’s something really special about a proposal happening in a place that already feels like home. For Emily and Michael, that place is Kit’s Beach in La Jolla. They come here often with their dog, so choosing it for their proposal felt effortless and meaningful in the best way. I set up a picnic with pink roses (her favorite), tucked the setup into a quiet corner of the beach, and waited for their arrival.
Michael’s plan was simple: a calm beach walk, a quiet moment, a proposal that felt personal and intentional. Emily was so surprised and Michael was clearly over the moon and a wave of relief rushed over his face. Soon enough, their pup came bounding over for photos, like he was running late to his own parents’ engagement shoot.
Choosing the Location
Listen, I love a dramatic cliffside moment as much as anyone, but there’s something really refreshing about choosing a place that is apart of your day-to-day life with your partner. Kit’s Beach isn’t the spot most people immediately think of which made it especially intimate.
Here’s why it worked beautifully for them:
It’s a hidden gem — quiet, understated, and not swarming with people
The rocks and tide pools add texture and dimension to photos
The sunset light is soft and flattering.
The best location for you is one where your partner feels comfortable, grounded, and completely themselves.
How I Make Your Proposal Stress-Free
Proposals come with enough nerves on their own — you don’t also need to be worrying about logistics, lighting, or whether the surprise will be blown. Here’s where I come in:
Choosing a location that actually fits your relationship
Every couple is different — some want quiet, some want scenic, some want a little chaos. I help you dive deeper and figure out what vibe makes sense based on your story.
Planning the details and timeline
Where you’ll walk in, where I’ll hide, what time the light hits right — every part is thought through so you can focus on, you know, asking the biggest question of your life!
Setting up any decor or florals
Like the picnic and pink roses for Emily. If you want something simple or something more elaborate, I’ll help coordinate it so all you have to do is show up and enjoy.
Keeping the surprise an actual surprise
I’ve pretended to birdwatch, wandered aimlessly, answered faux phone calls, hid in bushes — whatever it takes!
Guiding you through a post-proposal engagement session
Once the adrenaline settles and your partner has a moment to realize what the heck just happened, I guide you through a relaxed engagement session so you walk away with images that tell the whole story! I jumpstart your session with ring shots so you can warm up to the camera, your partner can get to know me, and because the ring deserves its moment of course! From there, we’ll start moving around, you’ll flirt and smooch each other, and we’ll create lasting memories.
Proposal Photography: What to Expect Proposal Photographer
You deserve someone who knows how to read the moment. Someone who can be invisible when needed and supportive when it’s time to celebrate.
When we work together, you get:
A photographer who genuinely cares about your story
Guidance without pressure
Photos that feel natural, warm, and true to who you are
A mix of candid and editorial shots that you’ll obsess over for many years to come
Whether you're planning something beachy, cliffside, quirky, urban, or cozy and private, I’m here to help you bring it to life (and document it in a way that feels authentic to you and your relationship).
If you’re ready to start planning and want someone on your team who can both help execute the details and capture the moment beautifully, I’d love to be part of it. Let’s chat!
