Some moments are worth slowing down for, and a surprise proposal is certainly one of them.


There’s something so special about getting to photograph a moment that changes everything. The nerves, the anticipation, the big question, and that split second when it all sinks in. And this proposal at Zuma Beach was no exception.

Boho beach picnic setup with a fringed white umbrella, teepee tent, low table, cushions and pink roses on sand by the ocean.
Man kneels to propose to a smiling woman on a beach surrounded by rows of pink roses, scattered petals and a small teepee tent.
Woman in a black dress covers her mouth in surprise as a man kneels near pink roses and a teepee in a beach marriage proposal.

With the Pacific Ocean as their backdrop and the beautiful Malibu coastline stretching out around them, the sweetest surprise was planned. What started as an ordinary beach day quickly turned into a moment they’ll get to look back on for the rest of their lives.

Couple embracing on a beach surrounded by pink roses, scattered petals and a cozy picnic setup, with the ocean in the background.
Two people share a warm embrace on a sandy beach at sunset, one with long gray curly hair, with pink flowers nearby.
Couple standing face to face on a sunny beach as a man in a white shirt places a ring on a woman's finger during a proposal.
Two people hold hands facing each other on a sandy beach beside a white umbrella, teepee tent, and pink roses at a romantic seaside setup.
Hand with black and white manicured nails shows an emerald-cut diamond engagement ring against a softly blurred background.
Smiling couple embracing on a sandy beach at sunset beside a white teepee tent, fringed umbrella, and pink flowers.

After the excitement of the proposal, we took some time to celebrate with a few engagement portraits along the beach. Nothing too complicated, just the two of them, a little sunshine, and plenty of time to soak it all in.


I always love when couples choose to document these moments. Not just the big question itself, but the excitement that follows. The hugs, the happy tears, the can't-stop-smiling kind of feeling.

Couple holding hands as they walk barefoot along a sandy beach toward hazy coastal hills in warm golden light.
A couple holds hands and walks barefoot along a sandy beach at sunset, with calm ocean waves and hazy mountains in the background.
A smiling couple embraces outdoors at sunset, the man in a cream button-up shirt and the woman in black with long curly hair.

Congratulations to these two!

It was such a joy getting to be a small part of the beginning of this next chapter.

A couple shares a romantic kiss while embracing on a sandy beach at sunset, with a clear blue sky behind them.
Couple in dark casual clothing embracing barefoot on a sandy beach at sunset, with calm ocean waves and a clear blue sky behind them.
A smiling couple embraces face to face on a sunny beach, the woman's hand resting on the man's shoulder as the ocean glows behind them.
Romantic couple sharing an intimate moment on a sunny beach picnic with a fringed umbrella, string lights and a wicker basket at sunset.
Black and white photo of a smiling man and a laughing woman with long curly hair sitting close together on a beach.
Smiling couple sits on a blanket scattered with pink petals at a beach picnic setup with a fringed umbrella, cushions, and the ocean behind.

If you're dreaming up a surprise proposal along the Southern California coast, I'd love to help you document it. Whether it's Zuma Beach, somewhere along the Malibu coastline, or a place that's special to the two of you, let's make a little magic.