Surprise Marriage Proposal at the Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego, California
Some love stories really do belong in a museum, like Sarah and Rami’s.
When Rami first reached out to me, I could tell how thoughtful and sincere he was. He had a vision and I was going to do everything in my power to bring it to life. He said, "I’m designing an exhibit of our relationship and ending it with the ring." Woohoo!
From Hinge to Here
Sarah and Rami met the way a lot of modern love stories begin — by swiping right. Their first date was at Cafe Gratitude and their connection carried them through three years of long distance while Rami wrapped up his PhD. In 2024, he moved back home to San Diego and wrapped up their long-distance chapter for good.
They designed the ring together, but Rami saved the final design as a surprise. The proposal had been in the works since his college days—an idea inspired by a gum commercial and reimagined with their own love story in mind.
The Proposal & The Photos
He rented out a private room at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) in La Jolla and turned it into a curated timeline of their relationship — photos, love notes, little mementos from their time together. I arrived early to capture the setup and it blew me away. The care and detail Rami put into this “exhibit” made it so personal, and so genuinely them.
The lighting in the museum was slightly challenging as some rooms were a bit dark and flash wasn’t allowed. I utilized all the natural light we had and focused on the emotions and capturing what the moment felt like. Sarah walked into the space thinking she was just visiting another art exhibit, but she was the exhibit. By the time she got to the end of the scroll, Rami presented a ring. She said yes, obviously.
After the big moment (and a few deep breaths), we took our time wandering around the museum, letting them settle into their new reality as fiancés. They leaned into the emotion of the day, and we kept the vibe super relaxed and documentary-style — zero pressure, just real moments.
Then came surprise number two: their families were waiting on the balcony to celebrate! Sarah was floored and there was no shortage of hugs and tears.
Why Hire a Photographer?
Proposals are a blink-and-it’s-over kind of moment. It’s a rush. You’re nervous. You black out a little. Having someone there to document it is not about perfection or posing — it’s about remembering. The way your hands shook. The way you looked at each other. The first moments at the beginning of a new chapter.
This shoot is exactly why I love what I do. Not because it’s perfectly lit or styled (though, let’s be real, it was), but because it’s honest. It’s a snapshot of two people deciding to spend their lives together, told in a way that feels authentic to them.
I’m here to help plan the your perfect proposal, to ease the nerves, and document the pure joy on your faces. So if you’re planning on popping the question, let’s chat!
