Planning a Surprise Proposal at Pismo Beach
Planning a surprise proposal and keeping it a surprise is no easy task. When Gage was referred to me by another local family photographer, Lauren Hargreaves, I was excited to help him plan the evening.
Gage was looking for a Pismo Beach photographer within a tight window for his surprise proposal. The ring had come in early and Hannah was visiting San Luis Obispo area for a work related trip and Gage made a last minute trip to join her. Neither have been to the Central Coast and in-between getting his rental car, he was secretly calling me to get a game plan going. He expressed how Hannah knew it was coming but he really felt this was his last opportunity to surprise her. So after a few questions I got a sense of how to attempt to throw her off and gave some tips along the way. First step was to identify a location that suited them and his goals.
Hidden Beach Near The Cliff's Hotel in Pismo Beach
Hoping for an intimate setting, Gage initially mentioned Pismo Beach for the location. Although I love Pismo Beach and the two were staying at Vespera Hotel, I thought they would have the opportunity to explore the Pismo Beach area the night before. The pier is great at night and told him to take advantage of it, but I recommended a low tide beach not far from Vespera Hotel and told him to tell Hannah, the front desk recommended they check out the tide pools at low tide the following evening.
A coastal access point just along the Cliff's Hotel features a beautiful beach along the bluffs that is home to locals and wildlife. At low tide it becomes a magical place to explore the tide pools and watch the sunset with the outline of local surfers catching the next wave. It's one of my favorite spots and I love to share its beauty. Gage agreed and thought it would be a great spot to stop before their dinner reservations at Novo in San Luis Obispo.
The Perfect Evening in Pismo Beach
With cotton candy skies above, Gage walked Hannah down the steps at Shell Beach to explore the tide pools. On the beach, locals would surfing, exploring, or enjoying a picnic. I would be waiting with cameras hidden in my lap and under a magazine while I watched Gage and Hannah from afar until he gave me the signal. Gage then got down on one knee and proposed to Hannah and she said, "Yes!"
After a few minutes soaking up the moment and admiring her engagement ring, I greeted the two newly engaged, congratulated them both and invited them over to do some engagement photos.
5 Tips for Planning a Surprise Proposal
Try to be careful over suggesting to dress nice, or having their nails done. It's often that they know it's coming so these suggestions tend to be alerting.
Be relaxed on time frame. I know I typically give a time for reference, but I like to buffer proposals 15-20 minutes so you don't alert your partner.
Leave items like sunglasses, purses, phones behind. Or ditch them for your partner. Keeping hands free helps that picture perfect moment
Hold the kneel. Nerves kick in and you might not hold the kneel long enough. I recommend a solid three-count.
Don't rush the moment! Embrace, kiss, scream... I want to see all the emotion and don't feel rushed to acknowledge my presence.
Booking Your Proposal Photographer in Pismo Beach
Proposals are becoming one of my favorite things to capture. Helping plan a romantic evening and the adrenaline of the candid moments are all part of my passion for photography.
All of my proposals include a generous time frame and all of your images. As an added bonus I offer a same-day highlight gallery to my proposal clients so they can share the professional portraits that day with friends and family.
To book your surprise proposal, contact me! I'd be happy to help you plan a romantic proposal of your dreams for the one you love the most!
