This proposal was booked the very same day it was shot.


This isn’t normally something that I do—it was a Saturday, after all, and usually I’m pretty booked up on weekends. It’s rare for me to have a sunset session open on a weekend. I got a DM from another photographer whose work I really admire. She mentioned she had a surprise proposal scheduled for that evening, but she was ill and wouldn’t be able to shoot it. She asked if I could step in… and I said yes.


Naturally, right after agreeing to do it, the anxiety hit me full throttle. Capturing a proposal is stressful enough on its own, but doing one with only a few hours’ notice? That was a first. I learned what I could about the couple and what they were envisioning, then headed to the cliffside location to get ready.


I met up with the couple’s friends, who were setting up the most beautiful spot: blankets, pillows, red roses, champagne, and flower petals leading to the edge of the cliffs. I mean really—romantic proposal setup goals. What more could a girl ask for?


Thankfully, this wasn’t my first time photographing a proposal. I reminded myself that even if everything wasn’t perfect, it would still be real—and that matters more. The moment I saw the clouds settle over the ocean and the sunset start to glow, I knew we were in for something truly cinematic. That’s always when my anxiety lifts—when I’m looking through the viewfinder, finally present.


And this session was no exception. From the second the couple walked up, I started shooting… and the magic unfolded right in front of me. I am really in love with everything about how this session.

A couple shares an intimate proposal moment on a scenic coastal cliff during sunset with a romantic picnic setup.
A couple shares wine and conversation during a golden hour picnic overlooking a scenic vista.
Silhouettes of people watching a golden sunset over the ocean with wildflowers in the foreground.
A romantic picnic setup at sunset with wine glasses and a white blanket spread on the ground.
Scenic ocean waves crash against rocks during golden sunset along a rugged coastline.
Silhouetted figures enjoy a scenic sunset picnic under a large tree overlooking a golden water view.
A couple shares a romantic moment against a golden sunset sky on a coastal overlook.
A couple enjoys a romantic sunset picnic on a grassy coastal hill framed by pine branches.
People enjoying a scenic coastal view with pine trees during golden sunset at an oceanside cliff.
People sit on a coastal cliff overlooking the ocean during a golden sunset while pine trees frame the scene.
People sharing drinks and enjoying conversation at an outdoor table during golden hour sunset.
People toasting with wine glasses during golden hour sunset at an outdoor gathering.
Two figures enjoy a romantic sunset picnic on a clifftop under a silhouetted tree.
A scenic oceanfront wedding ceremony silhouette against a dramatic orange and gold sunset sky.
Silhouettes of people against a glowing sunset sky with curly hair illuminated by warm light.
Silhouette of a couple taking in sunset views from coastal cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
People sit on blankets having a sunset picnic on a hilltop with red flowers in the foreground.
Stunning golden sunset over coastal cliffs with silhouettes of people against the dramatic orange and yellow sky.