A Sunlit Marriage Proposal at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve, Puerto Rico
The white heart-shaped arch adorned with sunflowers and yellow petals, ready for a magical proposal moment.
When Myron first reached out to me about a month ago, he had a clear vision in mind: to propose to his girlfriend, Devon, in a way that was deeply personal and visually unforgettable. Just a month earlier, the two had welcomed a baby boy into their lives, so this proposal was about more than just romance—it symbolized the start of a new chapter as a family. He wanted to make the moment count, and he chose one of the most breathtaking venues for it: the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Río Grande, Puerto Rico.
Why the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Was the Perfect Choice
Hidden behind the greenery, I waited for the perfect moment to capture Devon’s surprise.
The Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve is not just another resort—it’s a destination known for its elegance, tropical scenery, and unparalleled service. Located along the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico, this luxury venue is surrounded by lush greenery, palm trees, and panoramic ocean views that make it ideal for engagements, elopements, and destination weddings. Its sprawling grounds, beachside gazebos, and refined architecture make it a dream setting for any proposal photographer in Puerto Rico. It’s no wonder couples from all over the world fly in to make their moments here truly unforgettable.
For Myron and Devon, the choice made perfect sense. It offered the privacy and beauty of a secluded destination while showcasing everything Puerto Rico is known for—warm weather, breathtaking sunsets, and a romantic energy that never fades.
The Virtual Meeting and the Perfect Alibi
It’s the little things…
Before the big day, Myron and I broke the ice during a virtual meeting. Devon happened to be shopping at a mall at the time, which gave Myron the perfect excuse to say he had a “client meeting.” In truth, I was that client. During our conversation, I got to learn more about their story—they’re from Cleveland, Ohio, and wanted to escape the freezing temperatures for something warmer and brighter. Puerto Rico, with its endless summer and natural beauty, was exactly what they needed.
The Planning and Design
Champagne in midair, laughter all around—a symbol of celebration and pure joy
As the proposal date approached, Myron decided to elevate the experience by adding a decorative element to the setup. I recommended a few local planners and decorators I often collaborate with, and he chose to work with Katherinne Moreira, founder of I Do Proposals, an emerging proposal planning company in Puerto Rico. Katherinne’s design vision for the moment was stunning: a white arch in the shape of a heart, soft yellow petals scattered on the ground, and bright sunflowers interwoven throughout the structure. The result was a scene that felt intimate, elegant, and full of joy—just like Myron and Devon’s story.
Arriving Early and Setting the Scene
Their baby’s stroller in the background, a subtle reminder of the love that started it all.
On the day of the proposal, I arrived early to capture photographs of the decoration and to finalize positioning. I sent Myron an edited image of the setup with two guiding lines: blue for him and pink for Devon. This small but crucial step helps me ensure everything aligns perfectly when the moment happens, taking into account wind direction, sunlight, and reflections—details that can make or break a proposal photo.
The chosen spot was one I had discovered weeks earlier during a previous engagement shoot. Hidden, romantic, and perfectly lit, it was ideal for a surprise. As I waited behind a large bush, camera ready, I saw the couple approach—Myron pushing a baby stroller, Devon blissfully unaware of what was about to happen. Including the stroller in some of the photos felt important to me; it symbolized the family they had already begun building together.
The Champagne Moment and the Yes
A close-up of their hands and rings—two hearts joined forever
When Myron finally reached the designated spot, he took a moment to gather himself before kneeling down. The proposal unfolded beautifully—pure emotion, no need for direction. There was a small hiccup when it came time to pop the champagne bottle, but with a quick tutorial on how to shake it just right, we got the cork to fly, filling the air with bubbles and laughter. Those shots—champagne midair, sparkling sunlight glinting off each drop—are among my favorites.
Chasing the Sunset
The Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve bathed in golden light as the couple embraces
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, I checked my watch: 6:00 p.m.—right on schedule. I had already arranged for a golf cart to pick us up and take us to another part of the Hyatt for golden hour portraits. The sunset, however, seemed to move faster than usual that evening, so we decided to linger a bit longer around the lobby area to take advantage of the last remaining light.
The Final Location and Creative Lighting
Dangling lights overhead created natural leading lines that drew the eye to the couple’s connection.
We stumbled upon an outdoor patio adorned with dangling lights that created beautiful leading lines overhead—a photographer’s dream. Behind it stood a majestic three-story fountain, cascading water illuminated by the soft ambient glow of the lights. To balance the lighting, I placed a flash behind the fountain and used a CTO gel to match the warm tones of the environment. The result was cinematic and magical—a perfect blend of technical precision and heartfelt storytelling.
Reflections on a Perfect Day
The weather held up beautifully, the clients were an absolute delight, and the entire session unfolded effortlessly. What made this proposal truly special wasn’t just the setting or the decor—it was the authenticity of the moment. Myron and Devon’s connection was raw and real, their baby boy added an emotional layer of meaning, and the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve provided a setting that elevated it all.
Every engagement I photograph in Puerto Rico reinforces my love for storytelling through images. It’s not just about taking pictures—it’s about preserving fleeting emotions, crafting timeless visuals, and honoring the unique journey of every couple who trusts me to capture one of the most important moments of their lives.
To Myron and Devon—thank you for allowing me to document your story. May your journey together, with your beautiful little boy, be filled with laughter, light, and everlasting love.
