A Romantic Sunstone Winery Proposal | Drew & Katya

Some proposals feel cinematic from the very beginning — and Drew and Katya’s Sunstone Winery proposal was one of those moments where every detail, emotion, and intention came together seamlessly.

Drew planned his proposal for a quiet January weekend in Santa Ynez, booking Sunstone’s private cave proposal package, which included rose petals arranged in the shape of a heart, a private wine tasting, and a curated cheeseboard. Sunstone’s team thoughtfully guided Katya through a tour of the property, strategically separating the two so Drew could get into place and prepare for the moment she’d soon walk into — completely unaware of what was about to happen.

As Katya stepped into the candlelit cave, it took only a second for realization to set in. This wasn’t just a wine tasting. This was the moment. Drew dropped to one knee, and the emotion that followed was raw, joyful, and deeply meaningful.

A Love Story Rooted in Trust and Intention

Drew and Katya were introduced through mutual friends — something that mattered deeply to Katya. With her family living overseas and limited support here in the U.S., dating had always felt vulnerable. Meeting through trusted connections gave her a sense of safety, and from there, everything clicked.

Knowing how important family approval was to Katya, Drew went above and beyond. Before proposing, he personally called her parents to ask for their blessing. He doesn’t speak Russian, so a friend translated the entire conversation — a moment that perfectly reflects the care and respect he brings into their relationship. Her parents wholeheartedly approved.

Katya hasn’t been able to see her family in nearly ten years, which made having this proposal beautifully documented even more meaningful. These images weren’t just for them — they were for the people she loves most, across the world.

The Ring & the Moment It Was Meant For

Drew had Katya’s ring custom-designed months in advance with the help of a friend who’s a jeweler. Katya had shared just one inspiration image — and from that, the perfect ring came to life: a bubble-cut round diamond, stunning in size, set in a unique and elegant gold setting. Timeless, personal, and completely her.

And yes — one of our favorite confirmations that this proposal was a total surprise? Katya’s nails weren’t done. Proof that she truly had no idea this weekend would change everything.

Exploring Sunstone After the “Yes”

After the proposal, we wandered the Sunstone property together, taking engagement photos among the architecture, archways, and olive trees that make this venue so iconic. While their proposal took place in the private cave, Sunstone offers several beautiful proposal locations — including the tasting room courtyard, archway, and villa spaces — allowing for flexibility depending on your vision and budget.

One of the things I love most about Sunstone Winery proposals is that even semi-private tasting room proposals photograph like intimate, secluded experiences thanks to the European-inspired architecture and thoughtful layout.

Planning Tips for a Sunstone Proposal

For couples considering a proposal at Sunstone, I always recommend:

• Morning or later-afternoon tastings, especially on weekdays

• Avoiding peak weekend hours if intimacy is a priority

• Taking advantage of multiple photo locations on the property to create a full gallery experience

As with all of my proposal clients, Drew and Katya received a same-day highlight gallery, so they could share their engagement with friends and family immediately. That evening, they headed back to Santa Barbara, where they’re staying at the Bacara, soaking in the sunset — newly engaged and still riding the high of the day.

Drew and Katya, it was such an honor to document this moment for you. Your story is one of thoughtfulness, trust, and deep connection — and it was a privilege to capture the beginning of this next chapter.

✨ Planning your own Santa Barbara or Santa Ynez winery proposal? I’d love to help you create something meaningful and unforgettable.

Plan My Proposal!