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A Sunlit Marriage Proposal at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve, Puerto Rico
A heartfelt proposal at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Puerto Rico captures Myron and Devon’s love story. With sunflowers, champagne, and golden-hour magic, this destination engagement beautifully blends romance, storytelling, and stunning photography in one unforgettable tropical setting.
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.
A Surprise Marriage Proposal at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Puerto Rico
Josiah and Rosie’s surprise proposal at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Puerto Rico was filled with love, laughter, and golden hour magic. From careful planning to emotional moments, discover how their story unfolded—and why Puerto Rico is the perfect place for unforgettable proposals.
The perfect setting: Josiah chose the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Puerto Rico, one of the island’s most beautiful venues, for his surprise proposal to Rosie.
Every proposal has a story worth telling, and Josiah and Rosie’s is one for the books. When Josiah reached out to me via my website about a month before his big day, I knew immediately that his vision was heartfelt. After selecting a virtual meeting through my contact form—a service I offer to make planning stress-free—we broke the ice online.
During our chat, Josiah shared that he met Rosie not on Tinder, as I mistakenly thought at first, but on Twitter. Their connection grew steadily, especially during the pandemic, when they leaned on each other through the uncertainties of Covid and quarantine. After five years together, Josiah was ready to take the next step: a destination proposal in Puerto Rico.
Choosing the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Río Grande
A love five years in the making: Josiah and Rosie met on Twitter and grew stronger together during the pandemic before saying “yes” in Puerto Rico.
Josiah selected the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Río Grande as the venue for the big moment. While the resort is also one of Puerto Rico’s most sought-after wedding venues, I’ve had the honor of capturing numerous proposals there. The tropical setting, lush greenery, and beachside sunset views make it an unforgettable backdrop for engagements.
Preparing for the Big Moment
She said yes: Rosie’s emotional reaction captured the surprise, joy, and love of the moment.
I never approach a proposal without preparation. For Josiah, we did a quick phone rundown where I emphasized two important things: staying calm and not rushing the moment. Too many times, clients have knelt down almost instantly after walking onto the scene, leaving little room to capture the buildup. I reminded Josiah that soaking in the moment—the handholding, the teary eyes, the anticipation—would make the proposal itself even more powerful.
Josiah was all in. Confident, steady, and sure about his decision. Since he also wanted video coverage, I arrived early on proposal day to scout locations. With input from my associate Carola and Hyatt’s on-site guide, Jacob, I discovered the perfect grassy area near Building 9. Framed by two large boulders, it felt private and symbolic—ideal for capturing a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
Behind the Lens: Planning the Shot
The moment is too good to not soak it in at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve
I met Josiah briefly to rig him with a microphone, though his choice of a white linen shirt posed a challenge. Pro tip: a tank top under light fabrics makes it easier to conceal audio gear. Once he was ready, I set up my Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 for video and my go-to Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 for photography, ensuring I could capture intimate moments without intruding.
As Josiah and Rosie strolled the sandy beach, I crouched behind a bush (a detail we laughed about later) and documented the buildup. Josiah spent nearly ten minutes speaking from the heart before finally pulling out the ring and dropping to one knee. Rosie’s reaction was pure joy—tears, hugs, and the sweetest yes.
Golden Hour Portraits
Golden Hour portraits: We headed to the west-facing beach to capture the newly engaged couple against Puerto Rico’s breathtaking sunset.
After the excitement settled, I shifted into portrait mode. The newly engaged couple was still glowing from the proposal, which always makes for authentic, emotional images. Because daylight was fading, we arranged for a trolley to take us to a west-facing beach spot for golden hour portraits.
The logistics weren’t seamless—the trolley was late, and I accidentally loaded into the wrong cart—but we eventually made it to the right place. There, I positioned Josiah and Rosie strategically to block background distractions, ensuring clean, distraction-free photos.
With my Godox AD200 Pro II flash, I balanced the colors of the sky against the couple’s embrace, using both wide and tight shots with my Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8. The tropical sunset did not disappoint.
Finishing at the Iconic Dome
An iconic finish: The proposal session ended at the Hyatt’s signature dome, with dramatic lighting that sealed the night with unforgettable images.
No proposal session at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve is complete without a visit to the dome, a signature photo spot for photographers. While the structure’s many pillars can be tricky for lighting, I came prepared with a second flash—my Godox AD100 Pro paired with a CTO gel. This created warm, cinematic tones against the deep blue evening sky, wrapping up the session with a dramatic flourish.
A Quick Turnaround and Lasting Memories
Within 24 hours, I delivered the full proposal gallery and video to Josiah and Rosie. Their story, from a chance meeting on Twitter to a destination proposal in Puerto Rico, reminded me why I love capturing these milestones. Every proposal is unique, but the joy, the anticipation, and the love are universal.
If you’re planning to propose in Puerto Rico, whether at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve or another stunning location, I’d love to help you capture it. From planning guidance to professional photography and videography, I ensure every detail is documented beautifully.
A Picture-Perfect Proposal at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico
Discover Yannick & Brionna’s unforgettable Puerto Rico proposal at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve, captured by a top proposal photographer. From secret planning to stunning dome portraits, see why Puerto Rico is perfect for your dream engagement.
Rumors swirl around it hasn’t hit her yet.
As a wedding and proposal photographer in Puerto Rico, I’ve been fortunate to witness countless love stories unfold in breathtaking locations across the island. But few experiences compare to the heartfelt and meticulously planned proposal of Yannick and Brionna at the luxurious Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Río Grande, Puerto Rico.
Yannick, a kind-hearted high school teacher originally from Georgia and now based in Houston, Texas, reached out to me all the way back in May. He had one mission in mind: to propose to his longtime girlfriend, Brionna, in paradise. What stood out from the very beginning was his dedication—not just to making the moment special, but to planning it all in between teaching classes. Our first FaceTime meeting was squeezed in right before one of his lessons started, a true testament to his commitment.
Planning the Perfect Proposal in Puerto Rico
The ring shot.
Our first virtual meeting gave us a chance to break the ice and talk through logistics. While we had to pick up the conversation again later, we ultimately aligned on the vision—and that’s when the magic started taking shape.
The proposal date: June 7th. As always, communication with my proposal clients is kept discreet. Texting becomes the primary mode of contact, and I make sure to stay out of sight to preserve the element of surprise. As a seasoned proposal photographer in Puerto Rico, I know that anticipation is high and nerves can run wild. My job is not only to capture the moment but to ease those nerves.
But with Yannick? That wasn’t the case.
He was the picture of calm. Confident, soft-spoken, and clearly grounded in love, he seemed to know Brionna’s answer before he ever got down on one knee. That quiet confidence was both rare and refreshing.
Collaborating with Incredible Vendors
That’s a happy face if I’ve ever seen one.
This proposal also introduced me to a fantastic new vendor: PR Foam by Designs, led by the lovely Leslie. She brought the "Marry Me" sign that anchored the decor and was an absolute joy to work with. We coordinated our positioning to ensure I could capture the sign, the moment, and the emotions from just the right angle—without being seen.
Pamela, a Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve team member, also played a pivotal role. She went above and beyond to help set the stage, organizing rose petals and even arranging a golf cart ride to the proposal spot. It’s this level of coordination that makes proposals not just successful but unforgettable.
The Moment of Truth
Gotta get in a good silhouette shot.
Hiding behind tall bushes near the decor setup, I tracked the couple’s approach, my Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 ready in hand. This lens is my go-to for discreetly capturing intimate moments from a distance, ensuring the surprise remains intact until the very last second.
And then—it happened.
Giggles, happy tears, and the unmistakable sound of joy filled the air. After Brionna said "yes," Yannick let out a triumphant “She said YES!” loud enough to echo all the way back to Houston. It was beautiful, spontaneous, and perfectly him.
When I finally introduced myself, I was met with a bear hug from Yannick and happy tears from Brionna. A quick makeup touch-up later, we headed to the beach for romantic, sun-drenched portraits against the golden shoreline.
Capturing Iconic Puerto Rican Backdrops
Smitten.
No shoot at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve is complete without photos under the iconic dome—an architectural gem beloved by local wedding photographers. This was my first time shooting there, and it felt like a rite of passage. As someone who’s recently delved deeper into flash photography, I saw the dome as the perfect canvas to flex some creative lighting.
With the couple posed center-dome, I used a diffused soft box and two strategically hidden flashes with colored gels. The result? A majestic blend of warm sunset hues and soft lighting—dramatic, romantic, and unforgettable.
Why Puerto Rico is Perfect for Proposals
Rite of passage.
Puerto Rico offers everything: stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and luxurious resorts like the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve. For couples seeking a unique, romantic, and visually stunning place to start forever, it’s hard to beat this island. And if you’re looking for a proposal or wedding photographer who knows how to blend artistry with emotion, you’ve come to the right place.
From the planning to the lighting, from hiding in the bushes to sharing hugs under domes, this is what I live for. Helping couples create and capture memories in Puerto Rico that will last a lifetime. If you’re ready to take the leap and propose in Puerto Rico, let’s make it epic.