A Surprise Proposal in Puerto Rico: Elias & Denise at Aviones Beach

Love stories don’t start at the altar—they start with a single brave question.

     Elias reached out to I Do Proposals, a newly minted marriage proposal company in Puerto Rico that has quickly made a name for itself thanks to its deep roots in high-end event decoration. Their rich history in design and styling incentivized them to take things up a notch—creating immersive, emotionally driven proposal experiences that feel intentional and elevated. Their attention to detail has kept me busy as a wedding photographer in Puerto Rico, documenting once-in-a-lifetime moments that deserve more than a cellphone photo.

From anticipation to “yes,” every second deserves to be remembered.

     Surprise proposals are how I love to stay creatively fulfilled when I’m not shooting weddings. They’re not just the prequel to a wedding day; they’re an opportunity to witness love at its most vulnerable and electric. As a Puerto Rico proposal photographer, I get to learn how couples met, how long they’ve been together, and what makes their connection uniquely theirs. That intimacy builds chemistry, trust, and often becomes the foundation for future endeavors together—yes, including the wedding.

When real emotion meets intentional storytelling, magic happens.

     A young man by the name of Elias reached out to Katherinne, the founder of I Do Proposals, and by association I was elected to document one of the most important questions he would ever ask. While getting to know Elias, he confessed that he met Denise on the ever-so-popular dating app Tinder—proof that modern love stories can still lead to timeless moments. Theirs is absolutely a success story, and one that deserved to be documented with intention and care.

     Elias comes from a beautifully blended background—Egyptian and French—while Denise has Mexican roots. Elias shared that he originally came to Puerto Rico to grow his business, and while it took a little convincing, Denise eventually made the move with him. That leap of faith says everything you need to know about their bond. From that point on, they were inseparable, and Elias knew it was time to secure his emotional future by asking Denise to be his wife.

Documentary-style proposal photography that feels honest, raw, and timeless.

     We broke the ice over a FaceTime call, during which Elias mentioned he wanted the proposal documented not only through photography but with video as well—something my team and I specialize in. As an experienced surprise proposal photographer in Puerto Rico, I walked him through the flow of the day, shared strategic pointers, and helped him visualize how everything would unfold seamlessly. Once the plan was in place, we signed off, confident and excited.

     The proposal location of choice was Aviones Beach, a spot typically reserved for surfers due to its strong waves. What makes this location special—aside from its raw beauty—is its natural privacy. Fewer beachgoers mean a more intimate experience for the couple and a cleaner visual story for me. From a post-processing perspective, it also means fewer distractions and a more editorial, polished final gallery.

A reminder that the best moments are the ones you don’t rehearse.

     I arrived early, as I always do, to photograph the décor and determine where to place the alternate camera on a tripod for video coverage. Preparation is everything when documenting moments that can’t be recreated. I opted for a long 100mm lens to keep my distance while preserving intimacy, paired with a zoom lens on my second camera to capture both sweeping environmental frames and tighter, emotional moments of Elias dropping to one knee. This documentary-style approach allows moments to unfold naturally.

     Elias arrived wearing white and khaki—my go-to recommendation for men proposing. Neutral tones photograph beautifully, help subjects stand out against Puerto Rico’s vibrant landscapes, and create a timeless aesthetic. To my serendipitous delight, Denise arrived wearing a stunning white dress as well. It felt as though the universe had already aligned itself with their story, and from that moment on, everything flowed effortlessly.

Capturing love exactly as it unfolds—no scripts, no pressure, just truth.

     Elias couldn’t have been a better client. He trusted my guidance and followed every talking point we discussed. Soft-spoken and grounded, Elias balanced Denise’s bubbly, camera-loving energy perfectly. Denise owned the moment—and rightfully so. Her ring was a tangible reflection of Elias’s devotion, and her joy was contagious throughout the entire session.

      I usually take a moment to explain my photography style, but with these two, it felt unnecessary. Their affection was unfiltered and genuine, exactly what I aim to capture as a documentary-style wedding photographer in Puerto Rico. When couples are fully present with one another, my job becomes less about directing and more about observing, anticipating, and preserving truth.

Modern love, timeless imagery, unforgettable memories.

     I love photographing people as they are. I only pose when inspiration strikes, preferring prompts that invite natural movement and interaction. Hands find faces, laughter spills over, lips meet instinctively. The result is imagery that feels lived-in, emotional, and real—never stiff or performative. This approach defines my work as both a Puerto Rico engagement photographer and destination wedding photographer.

The beauty of a proposal lies in the emotion, not the perfection.

     I enjoyed their company and story so much that I even drove them home, extending our time together beyond the shoot itself. The images came out beautifully, but more importantly, the experience felt meaningful. I’m honored to have played a role in creating a memory that Denise and Elias will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Where connection leads, the camera quietly follows.