Some love stories quietly sneak up on you.

This one absolutely did not.


D reached out wanting help planning the perfect proposal for her now fiancée — location, timing, the whole thing — and from our very first conversation, I knew this session was going to be special. When we first met, D casually mentioned there was a very real possibility they might propose to each other at the same time. Which, honestly? Elite energy. No notes.


Big Sur, of course, understood the assignment.


Why Big Sur Is One of the Best Places to Elope (and Propose)


The day of the proposal arrived with zero clouds, glowing sunshine, and that unreal aqua-blue ocean that makes Big Sur feel like a movie set you accidentally wandered into. It was one of those days where everything just works — the light, the weather, the mood. Nature was fully on their side.


When they arrived, D told her partner that she had planned a proposal and that I’d be there to capture it. No pressure or anything — just a casual life-altering moment framed by cliffs and crashing waves.


We made our way to the proposal spot, and D dropped down on one knee first… and then K followed immediately after. A double proposal. In Big Sur. On their first visit. If that’s not fate showing off, I don’t know what is.


They took a moment to breathe it all in — the cliffs, the ocean, the realization that this place would now be part of their story forever.

A scenic coastal landscape with rocky cliffs and crashing waves against the California shoreline during golden hour.
A scenic coastal engagement photoshoot at sunset overlooking the rugged California coastline and crashing waves.
Two people sit at the edge of a coastal cliff overlooking the vast blue ocean on a sunny afternoon.
From Proposal to Adventure Session Along the Coast


Once the happy shock settled in, we leaned fully into the session. We started at Garrapata Cliffs, one of my favorite locations for Big Sur elopements and engagement photography, thanks to the dramatic coastline, endless views, and sense of wild openness. From there, we made our way down to Garrapata Beach, exploring along the way.


There was laughter, wandering, wind-blown hair, quiet moments, and the kind of joy that happens when you’re fully present with someone you love. No stiff posing. No timelines. Just two people celebrating the fact that they chose each other — twice.


This is exactly why Big Sur is such a powerful place for intimate elopements and engagement sessions. It invites you to slow down, explore, and let the experience unfold naturally.


Big Sur Sunsets (a.k.a. Nature’s Wild Card)


As the sun began to set, the sky shifted through every color imaginable — pinks, purples, oranges, reds — all layered together like Big Sur was showing off one last time for the day. One of the most magical (and humbling) things about this coastline is that no sunset is ever the same, and no weather app has ever successfully predicted what Big Sur is going to do.


Fog, sun, wind, glow — it’s all part of the experience. And somehow, it’s always beautiful in its own way.


A Session I’ll Never Forget


This session is one I’ll carry with me for a long time. Their love for each other was effortless, warm, and deeply grounding — the kind that reminds me exactly why I love photographing elopements,  engagements, and intimate love stories along the Big Sur coast.


It wasn’t just a proposal. It was an adventure. A beginning. A moment that now lives on forever.


And honestly? If every elopement started with two people proposing to each other in Big Sur, I wouldn’t be mad about it.

Two silhouettes stand together on a scenic coastal cliff overlooking the vast ocean at sunset.
Silhouetted figures stand along a scenic coastal cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean at sunset.
Two people holding smartphones while sitting outdoors near a body of water on a sunny day.
Couple embracing while enjoying scenic ocean views from a coastal cliff during golden hour.
Rugged rocky coastline with crashing waves against dramatic cliffs under a bright blue sky.
Scenic coastal landscape with rocky cliffs and crashing waves along the shoreline during golden hour.
Couple embraces on rocky coastal cliffs with crashing ocean waves in the background at sunset.
Dramatic oceanfront vista with rugged coastline and sunlit waves breaking against rocky outcrops.
Black and white candid photos showing playful laughter and joy at the beach.
Scenic coastal landscape with two figures silhouetted against golden ocean sunset.
Couple sits close together on coastal cliff edge overlooking the blue ocean waters.
Couple walking together along rocky coastal cliffs at sunset.
Two people silhouetted against sunset sky on rocky coastal outcrop with ocean in background.
A dramatic black and white mountain landscape with jagged peaks and dark clouds in the background.
Two people walking together on coastal trail during golden hour casting long shadows.
Rocky coastline with waves crashing against cliffs during sunset with figures in distance.
Couple sharing an intimate moment on coastal rocks with ocean waves in background.
Intimate moment shared among calla lily flowers during golden hour.
Two people sit together on a hillside surrounded by lush greenery at sunset.
People point and gesture excitedly while sitting among foliage on a coastal hillside.
Close-up of white calla lily flowers in soft natural lighting.
Series of dynamic black and white photos showing playful movement and poses.
Two people playfully dance together on a scenic hillside path with green plants in the foreground.
Candid moments of laughter and smiles captured on a sunny beach day.
A romantic couple shares an intimate moment at sunset on a coastal beach with ocean waves in the background.
Two people enjoying a romantic sunset walk along a scenic beach with cliffs.
A wooden stairway winds up a steep hillside covered in dry grass and brush during golden hour lighting.
Couple running and playing together on an empty beach at golden hour.
Two people lying on beach at sunset with soft golden light.
Playful couple pretending to push each other on sandy beach with cliffs in background.
Three people pointing and enjoying view of rolling hills against blue sky at sunset.
Friends posing together against mountainous backdrop during sunset.
Close-up view of hands holding martini glasses with cocktails during a social gathering outdoors.
Friends sharing drinks and laughs together on a coastal overlook at dusk.
Couple stands together on coastal path with ocean and mountains in background at dusk.
A couple walks together on a coastal trail during golden hour with mountains and ocean views.
Romantic sunset moment shared between couple with mountains in background.
A couple holds hands in front of a car with headlights on at night against a mountain backdrop.
A couple poses together against their white Jeep at night with mountains silhouetted in the background.