Aaron reached out to me months before our session, determined to plan the perfect engagement for his future wife, Mayra. From the very beginning, I could tell this moment meant everything to him.


Aaron and Mayra’s love story feels like something out of a movie. They first met as student assistants — she worked in the mail room, and he worked a few floors up. But that didn’t stop him from making his way downstairs just to talk to her. Little did they know those quick conversations would lead them to this unforgettable day at Asilomar Beach in Monterey, California.


What made this proposal so special is that Aaron actually proposed twice. His plan was to surprise Mayra with his grandmother’s ring first — a family heirloom that his grandfather wanted his new fiancée to have. When he got down on one knee and opened the box, Mayra was completely shocked. She hadn’t expected to get engaged at all on this trip, let alone with a ring that carried such deep family history and meaning.


Then, just as she was taking it all in, Aaron pulled out the second ring — the one he had designed himself for her. He had taken notes on everything she loved, from her style to the details that mattered most. It was thoughtful, personal, and so perfectly them. Tears of joy and laughter filled the air — and honestly, it was one of those moments that remind me exactly why I love what I do.

A series of black and white close-up photos showing a diamond engagement ring on a hand from different angles.
A romantic proposal moment on a rocky beach at sunset with crashing waves and coastal rocks in the background.
Close-up view of hands exchanging a small object in natural lighting with denim clothing visible.

There’s truly something special about getting engaged at Asilomar Beach. Nestled along the rugged coastline of Pacific Grove, it’s one of those rare places that feels peaceful, intimate, and cinematic all at once. The soft sand, dramatic rock formations, and endless ocean views make it a dream backdrop for proposals and engagement sessions alike. No matter the weather — golden sunlight, moody clouds, or a touch of coastal fog — Asilomar always photographs beautifully. It offers that perfect blend of natural beauty and quiet romance, making it one of my favorite spots for couples to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime moment.


After the proposal, we wandered along the rocky coastline of Asilomar State Beach, capturing their first photos as an engaged couple. The conditions were magical — a soft sea mist rolled across the ocean, the sky turned golden, and the waves crashed dramatically against the rocks. The beach was glowing, and so were they.


As we walked, beachgoers cheered for them and shared in their happiness. To wrap up the evening, Aaron and Mayra popped a bottle of champagne and took in the breathtaking Pacific Grove views, with Carmel Beach peeking through in the distance. It was everything Aaron had envisioned — romantic, emotional, and full of joy.


The photos from this day truly capture the love, excitement, and connection between these two. Sessions like this are why I feel so lucky to do what I do. I get to witness love stories unfold in real time and document moments that couples will cherish for the rest of their lives.


If you’re dreaming of your own Monterey engagement session, Asilomar Beach is one of the most beautiful places to make it happen — from its golden sunsets to its dramatic coastal views, it’s the perfect backdrop for a proposal or engagement shoot.

A proposal moment captured on a rocky beach with one person kneeling and another reacting with joy.
A romantic beach proposal with crashing waves and rocky coastline in the background.
Couple in matching denim jackets walking playfully along a rocky beach at sunset.
Romantic silhouettes sharing intimate moments against a golden sunset backdrop.
Couple lying on beach sand during golden hour sunset in romantic pose.
Person in denim jacket shown from behind in a series of closeup shots at sunset.
Close up artistic portraits with soft focus and dreamy lighting.
A couple runs playfully along a rocky beach at sunset with matching denim jackets and casual attire.
Couple in denim sitting together on rocky coastal outcrop at sunset.
Intimate couple moments captured against coastal sunset backdrop.
A couple sharing an intimate moment while sitting on coastal rocks during golden hour.
A group of raised hands silhouetted against a white background reaching upward in unison.
Two people lying on sandy beach sharing tender moments during golden hour.
A couple sits together on a sandy beach at sunset wearing casual clothing and white sneakers.
A couple holding hands and walking along a scenic rocky beach at sunset.
Tender embrace between couple on grassy hillside during golden hour.
Couple sharing romantic moment while sitting in coastal grass at sunset.
Couple enjoying intimate moments on rocky beach during sunset.
A candid black and white photo of a couple embracing and laughing outdoors.
Couple embracing on rocky coastal terrain during golden sunset.
A playful moment captured on a rocky coastal cliff with ocean waves splashing in the background.
Two people toasting with champagne glasses against a coastal backdrop.
Black and white images showing intimate moments of people resting or sleeping.
Couple in blue denim sharing joyful moments on rocky coastal cliffs at dusk.
A serene coastal scene with wildflowers in foreground and figure sitting on grassy hillside overlooking ocean.
Panoramic coastal landscape with white church and buildings visible on distant hillside.
Couple sharing playful moments on scenic coastal overlook.