Recently I received a request from a client wanting to surprise his girlfriend with a proposal in Laguna Beach. As a Laguna Beach proposal photographer, I’ve been doing these for years, and they make me happy every time. It’s such a warm rush of emotions for everyone involved, and it never gets old.
Planning the surprise
After sending him examples from past galleries at various Laguna Beach locations, we landed on Shaws Cove for its iconic palm tree cliff backdrop. He needed to make sure they’d still make the dinner reservation his girlfriend had booked, so timing mattered. We knew that shifting to a later golden hour slot would risk tipping her off, so we planned around an earlier window instead. They were in town for the Fourth of July weekend, so everything had to feel like a normal holiday outing to keep her from suspecting a thing.
Keeping it a secret
Before they arrived, I texted my client a photo of where to position themselves, then waited for his signal to sneak in and start shooting. It was a funny moment, maneuvering around the family members who were there to witness it, all while staying out of sight. She had no idea I was the photographer he’d hired to capture it all.
A quick, unforgettable session
I’m so happy we were able to keep it a surprise for this happy couple. After a quick 30-minute session, they were off to celebrate the night with their family.
Why hire an experienced proposal photographer
Even though my work is focused on families, I always make room for a surprise proposal throughout the year. For a moment this important, it’s worth hiring an experienced photographer who knows how to work with all kinds of lighting situations, and can move quickly and quietly, so you get the photos you were envisioning.
Thinking about surprising your partner in Laguna Beach? Reach out here to start planning your surprise proposal session.
