A Wind-Swept Surprise Proposal in Ocean Park, Puerto Rico

When the moment feels effortless, the memories last forever.

     Some proposals are meticulously planned down to the second. Others feel like a leap of faith—equal parts excitement, nerves, and love. Austin and Bailey’s surprise marriage proposal in Puerto Rico was both.

     I was brought on by I Do Proposal, an up-and-coming marriage proposal planning company here in Puerto Rico, to photograph a heartfelt surprise proposal along the shores of Ocean Park. Their client, Austin, had one goal in mind: ask his longtime girlfriend, Bailey, to spend forever with him—somewhere unforgettable.

From Georgia to Puerto Rico: A Shared Beginning

A quiet beach, a deep breath, and one life-changing question.

     The morning of the proposal, I reached out to Austin to go over final details. His phone number started with a 404 area code, one I know all too well. It turns out Austin and Bailey are from Georgia, a state where I once lived when I first moved to the U.S. That unexpected connection instantly broke the ice.

     Austin works in cybersecurity, Bailey at a hospital back home, and the two have been inseparable for nearly six years. Like many couples, their journey has been built on shared growth, stability, and genuine companionship—exactly the kind of foundation that makes proposal days so emotionally charged.

The Location: Yardley Street Beach Access, Condado

Wind in the air, love everywhere.

     While Ocean Park was the original vision, Katherinne, owner of I Do Proposal, selected Yardley Street in Condado for its discreet beach access and generous space. The entrance opens directly onto the sand, making it ideal for a private setup without feeling isolated—especially important for surprise proposals.

     That afternoon, the wind was relentless, which meant timing was everything. The decor—minimalist and intentional—consisted of a circle of red roses near the water, rose petals inside the circle, and a chilled bottle of champagne with flutes waiting nearby. We waited until the very last second to place the final petals to keep them from scattering across the beach.

A Perfectly Executed Proposal

She said yes, and the world stood still.

     Before the proposal, I gave Austin the usual rundown: where to stand, what to do, and—just as importantly—what not to do. No matter how many proposals I photograph (and I’ve shot over forty this year alone), the nerves never disappear. Asking someone to spend the rest of their life with you is a monumental moment.

As Austin and Bailey approached, everything fell into place.

     Austin gently positioned Bailey against the wind, an often-overlooked detail that makes a world of difference. Hair flying forward during the proposal moment can block reactions and emotions on camera—something I always coach proposers on. He even remembered to carefully tuck her hair behind her ear at just the right moment.

     Bailey’s reaction was pure, emotional, and completely unguarded. She didn’t see it coming at all.

After the “Yes”

Emotion over perfection—always.

     Once the initial wave of emotions settled and I knew I had the proposal documented exactly as it deserved, I stepped in to introduce myself—usually to a newly engaged partner who is either overwhelmed with emotion or still processing what just happened.

This time, it was both.

     Austin exhaled what felt like six years’ worth of anticipation, and we transitioned seamlessly into portraits. These two were a dream to photograph—affectionate, playful, and entirely wrapped up in each other. Their energy aligned perfectly with my approach to proposal photography: intimate, passionate, and real.

     As the sun dipped lower, I closed out the session with flash photography, adding a cinematic edge to an already unforgettable moment. When couples are this present with each other, they forget the camera exists—and that’s when the magic happens.

Why Puerto Rico Is the Perfect Place to Propose

A surprise proposal done right feels timeless.

     Ocean Park and Condado offer a rare combination of tropical beauty, accessibility, and privacy. Pair that with a thoughtful planner and intentional photography, and you’re left with something far more meaningful than a simple “yes.”

     Austin and Bailey’s proposal wasn’t just a question—it was a chapter. And I was honored to document it.

Capturing the moment they didn’t even know was happening.

A Perfect Surprise Proposal in Puerto Rico: Rahul & Ann’s Unforgettable Moment at Escambrón Beach

Golden hour bliss during a surprise proposal in Puerto Rico

     As a proposal photographer in Puerto Rico, few things make me happier than capturing the raw emotion and magic behind a surprise engagement. Just before leaving for a two-week trip to Italy, I had the honor of documenting a breathtaking moment for Rahul, an Indian gentleman with impeccable taste and a deep devotion to his longtime sweetheart, Ann. Having worked with many Indian clients over the years, I know just how meaningful their traditions, attention to detail and commitment to creating unforgettable experiences can be. Rahul was no exception.

Breaking the Ice: Planning the Perfect Moment

Elegant engagement photography at one of Puerto Rico’s most romantic beaches

    As customary, I invited Rahul to a Facetime call to break the ice and understand the vision he had imagined for this milestone moment. For me, these conversations are essential — they allow me to put a name to a face, understand what my client wants, and craft a proposal experience that feels personal and intentional. That’s what being a luxury proposal photographer in Puerto Rico is all about.

      At first, Rahul confessed he was “flying off the cuff.” He had no set plan in mind, but he did know one thing: he wanted the location to be extraordinary. At the top of his list was El Conquistador Resort, one of Puerto Rico’s most iconic wedding venues. The resort sits on the east coast of the island, making it a dream location for sunrise proposals. Its sweeping ocean views and elegant atmosphere make it a favorite among couples looking for a blend of romance and sophistication.

Bringing in the Right Team

Romantic oceanfront scenery perfect for marriage proposals.

     Because many of my clients appreciate a stylized setup, the first suggestion I made was for Rahul to reach out to a decorator. He liked the idea of having something special set up for Ann — something meaningful to walk toward before getting down on one knee.

     After doing his homework, Rahul connected with my good friend Katherinne from “I Do Proposals”, one of the top proposal and décor planners in Puerto Rico. They immediately clicked and finalized a day-of décor plan that felt perfectly aligned with Rahul’s vision.

Choosing the Perfect Proposal Location

Sunset portraits for couples celebrating their love in San Juan

     As the date approached, I had a conversation with Katherinne about the setting. While El Conquistador is stunning, we felt something more intimate and closer to San Juan would better fit the mood Rahul wanted. Our final recommendation: Escambrón Beach, one of the most sought-after spots for surprise proposals in Puerto Rico.

     Escambrón offers a rare blend of privacy, golden light, greenery, turquoise waters, and unobstructed sunset views. It’s the kind of location that elevates a proposal from memorable to cinematic. After a little back-and-forth, Rahul trusted our expertise and agreed. That trust made all the difference.

A Cinematic Experience

Timeless engagement photography inspired by natural light and emotion.

     Once the logistics were set, Rahul mentioned wanting not just photos, but a short cinematic film of the proposal. I brought in my associate Bryan to handle video duties — a decision that added even more depth and emotion to the final deliverables.

     Going the extra mile is something I pride myself on, so I asked Rahul if we could discreetly place a microphone under his suit jacket. These small moments, whispered words, and breaths before kneeling are priceless. Rahul gladly agreed.

The Moment Everything Came Together

Capturing genuine emotion during a beachfront proposal session.

     When the moment arrived, Rahul delivered what may be one of the most perfectly paced proposals I’ve ever photographed. He didn’t rush. He spoke from the heart. He followed every instruction we discussed. He gave the signal. And he took his time soaking in the moment. It was thoughtful, grounding, and deeply romantic.

     Ann’s resounding “yes” echoed beautifully across the soft sound of the waves, and shortly after, we transitioned into a relaxed engagement session, capturing the glow and excitement that naturally followed. Meanwhile, Bryan filmed from a respectful distance so the footage would be intimate without being intrusive.

A Client Experience Worth Celebrating

Luxury proposal photography for couples seeking unforgettable memories.

     In this industry, clients like Rahul and Ann are rare. They were thorough, respectful, communicative, and genuinely enthusiastic about the process. Because they trusted the entire team — myself, Bryan, and Katherinne — everything fell perfectly into place. The result was stunning: a heartfelt cinematic proposal, beautifully styled décor, an iconic Puerto Rican backdrop, and photos that will live with them forever.

     For anyone dreaming of a surprise proposal in Puerto Rico, whether intimate or elaborate, let Rahul and Ann’s experience serve as proof that with careful planning, trust, and the right creative team, your proposal can be everything you imagined — and more.

How to Capture the Perfect Marriage Proposal in Puerto Rico

Sunset beach proposal in Puerto Rico — the perfect golden hour moment.

As a wedding and proposal photographer in Puerto Rico, I’ve had the honor of documenting more than 30 marriage proposals in the past nine months alone. Each proposal is unique, but the goal remains the same: to capture the moment authentically, beautifully, and without stress. Whether it’s a surprise proposal on the beach or an elaborate setup with decorations, my job is to make sure everything is seamless from start to finish.

Step 1: The First Connection

A romantic kneel on the sand with the Caribbean waves as a backdrop.

When I receive an inquiry through my website, the very first step is to set up a virtual meeting. Most of my clients live outside Puerto Rico — in the U.S., South America, or Europe — so this call is crucial. It’s not just about logistics; it’s about breaking the ice, putting a face to the name, and building trust before we dive into the details.

During this call, I ask questions like “Where did you meet?” or “How long have you been dating?” These may sound simple, but they allow me to create a tailor-made experience. More importantly, they help my clients feel valued, appreciated, and heard. Proposals can be nerve-wracking, and it’s my responsibility to ease that tension from the start.

Step 2: Crafting a Customized Proposal Quote

She said yes! Pure joy captured during a surprise proposal in San Juan.

Once I have all the details, I prepare a customized proposal quote that includes everything they need — and nothing they don’t. I deliver this within 48 hours because I know the anticipation is already high.

My most popular offerings include coverage of the proposal itself followed by an engagement session. I also offer video services, as many couples love to share their big news with family and friends on social media. More often than not, clients select hybrid photo and video coverage for the best of both worlds.

Step 3: Securing the Date

Intimate proposal setup with champagne and a private beach view.

Once the couple selects their preferred package, the next step is to secure the date. I quickly send over a personalized packet of literature, which includes the contract and invoice. A 50% retainer serves both as a deposit and as a retainer — once received, the date is locked exclusively for them. This is important because marriage proposals require precise timing, and my commitment to only one couple per day ensures that they receive my full attention.

Securing the date also allows me to begin any advance preparation, whether that’s scouting locations, checking weather conditions, or coordinating with decorators and planners if needed. Affluent couples who want a luxury experience appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing their proposal is already prioritized on my calendar. The earlier we finalize, the more we can refine the logistics without feeling rushed.

Step 4: Planning the Logistics

A quiet oceanfront corner, chosen for privacy and breathtaking views.

As the proposal date approaches, we hop on another virtual call or phone meeting to finalize logistics. The location is key, and in Puerto Rico, beaches are often the top choice. Together, we find a spot that’s intimate, scenic, and not overcrowded during golden hour. This ensures privacy and avoids distractions in the background of the photos.

For surprise proposals, I also work with clients to create a subtle “non-verbal cue.” This might be taking off sunglasses, rubbing a beard, or another small gesture to let me know the exact moment they’re about to drop down on one knee.

Step 5: Capturing the Big Moment

Engagement portraits by the water after the big “yes.”

When the moment arrives, I use a long telephoto lens to keep a respectful distance while still capturing the raw emotion of the proposal. Once the question is asked and answered, I step in to introduce myself and meet the other half of the couple. After giving them a few minutes to soak it in, I begin the engagement session.

Step 6: The Engagement Session

Dramatic sunset flash photography for unforgettable proposal portraits.

Every couple has a different vibe — some are fun and adventurous, while others prefer a quieter, more intimate approach. My job is to adapt to their personalities so the session feels natural rather than forced. I often start with candid portraits of them enjoying the aftermath of the proposal: admiring the ring, FaceTiming loved ones, or savoring a champagne toast.

From there, we ease into more creative portraits. Many couples love the opportunity to take advantage of Puerto Rico’s natural beauty, so I often incorporate the ocean, palm trees, or dramatic rock formations. Getting their feet in the sand or water makes the photos timeless and tied to the island’s essence. I also like to experiment with compositions, giving my couples a mix of classic portraits and editorial-inspired imagery.

Finally, I save the most epic shots for sunset. Flash photography during golden hour allows me to create striking, cinematic portraits with vibrant skies and glowing colors. These images often become their favorites — the exclamation point to their story.

Step 7: Editing & Delivery

Luxury proposal photography in Puerto Rico — capturing the beginning of forever.

The very next day, I back up all images and begin the editing process while the magic is still fresh. Backing up immediately ensures their memories are safe — because when it comes to once-in-a-lifetime moments, you can never be too careful. I like to start editing right away because the energy and emotion of the day inspire how I approach each image.

Depending on the package, couples may receive a 24–48 hour turnaround, perfect for announcing their engagement quickly. Having their gallery ready so soon allows them to share the excitement with family and friends almost immediately. Affluent couples especially value this speed, as they often want their announcement to be just as polished as the moment itself.

I carefully curate each gallery so that it tells the complete story — from the anticipation, to the proposal itself, to the celebration afterward. My editing style balances authenticity with artistry, creating timeless images that will look as beautiful 20 years from now as they do today. Delivering the gallery is not the end of the process; it’s the beginning of how my couples relive their proposal over and over again.

Step 8: Beyond the Proposal

Emotional reaction during a luxury marriage proposal in Puerto Rico.

As a token of gratitude, I extend a special offer to couples who hire me again for their wedding: I waive all travel fees. By the time the wedding comes around, they already have a photographer who knows their story, understands their preferences, and has built a natural rapport with them. This makes a huge difference on wedding day.

Final Thoughts

Engagement portraits by the water after the big “yes.”

For me, shooting proposals in Puerto Rico is both an art and a science. I’ve refined my approach to make it stress-free, personalized, and unforgettable for every couple. Whether it’s a surprise beach proposal or a styled celebration with décor, my mission is to preserve this milestone in a way that feels authentic and timeless.

If you’re planning to propose in Puerto Rico and want to make sure every detail is captured flawlessly, I’d be honored to help you tell your story.

A Puerto Rico Proposal Story: How We Turned Hurricane Erin’s Aftermath Into a Dream Engagement

The proposal that almost didn’t happen.

     When Cesar first reached out to me through my website two months ago, he was searching for a proposal photographer in Puerto Rico who could capture one of the most important moments of his life: asking his longtime girlfriend, Sondrea, to marry him. Like I do with all my clients, I suggested a quick FaceTime call so we could break the ice, talk through ideas, and align on his vision for the big day.

     Cesar knew he wanted a Puerto Rico proposal on the west coast, preferably at a beach in Rincón, one of the island’s most romantic and picturesque destinations. Together, we narrowed it down to Domes Beach, a favorite among surfers, but also perfect for proposals since most people stay in the water, leaving the sandy shore quiet and intimate.

Hurricane Erin Changes Everything

Legend has it Sondrea is still processing what happened.

     The day before Cesar’s planned proposal, Hurricane Erin passed just north of Puerto Rico. The storm left its mark across Rincón: sargassum lined the coast, the waves were rough, and the once turquoise waters had turned an unappealing brown. I scouted Domes Beach early that morning and quickly realized it wasn’t suitable for a proposal. I also checked Los Almendros Beach, another possible option, but conditions there were even worse.

     At that moment, I faced a decision: postpone the proposal or go above and beyond to find a new spot—on the very same day. For me, client service always comes first. Postponement wasn’t an option.

Scouting for the Perfect Proposal Location

Drama everywhere.

     I drove an hour to Aguadilla to check out Surfer’s Beach, a location another client had mentioned. Unfortunately, it too was covered in debris. Time was running out, and I needed to find a beautiful and private location fast.

     That’s when I remembered Punta Borinquen Beach, a hidden gem my father used to take me to when I was a child. Tucked away behind a golf course and accessible only by crossing a small wooden bridge, the beach revealed itself as a breathtaking, secluded paradise. Clean sand, blue water, and an untouched cliffside backdrop—it was everything a Puerto Rico proposal planner dreams of.

     I quickly filmed a short video and sent it to Cesar. Within seconds, he agreed to drive the extra hour. Just like me, he fell in love with the spot instantly.

The Proposal Setup

You can’t make this up.

     Cesar had arranged for a violinist and his cousin to help with decorations. While the musician was ready and waiting, his cousin accidentally set up on the opposite side of the bridge from where I had recommended. With daylight fading fast, we scrambled to move everything to the better location. By the time we finished, it was already 6:40 p.m.—forty minutes later than planned.

     That left us with only about twenty minutes of light for photos. But as a proposal photographer in Puerto Rico, I wasn’t going to let logistics ruin the moment. I worked quickly and captured every angle of the proposal, including romantic portraits of the couple afterward.

The Big Moment

Sweet embrace.

     Despite the last-minute challenges, the proposal was magical. With live violin music filling the air, Cesar dropped to one knee as the ocean sparkled in the background. Sondrea’s reaction was pure joy, and she later told us how grateful she was that we had gone the extra mile to make the moment so special.

     As the sun dipped below the horizon, I pulled out my flash to capture creative twilight shots, with a soft blue hue behind them. The images turned out ethereal, and Cesar and Sondrea now have a gallery filled with once-in-a-lifetime memories.

Why Hiring a Proposal Photographer in Puerto Rico Matters

All smiles that day.

     Proposals don’t always go exactly as planned. Weather, logistics, and last-minute changes can throw curveballs, but having an experienced Puerto Rico proposal photographer makes all the difference. Beyond just taking pictures, my role often feels like that of a Puerto Rico proposal planner—scouting locations, troubleshooting problems, and ensuring everything aligns perfectly for that once-in-a-lifetime moment.

     If you’re considering a Puerto Rico proposal, whether in Rincón, Aguadilla, San Juan, or elsewhere on the island, choosing the right photographer is essential. Not only will you walk away with beautiful images, but you’ll also have someone in your corner making sure the entire experience feels effortless and unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

It hasn’t hit her yet.

     Cesar and Sondrea’s engagement is one I’ll never forget. From hurricanes to last-minute location switches, it was the most challenging proposal I’ve photographed—but also one of the most rewarding. The pictures reflect not just their love story, but the resilience and dedication that went into making it happen.

If you’re ready to plan your own Puerto Rico proposal photography experience, I’d be honored to capture it for you.

A Surprise Marriage Proposal in Culebra, Puerto Rico

Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico

     About two months ago, I received a message through my website from Jared, a thoughtful guy from Texas who had something big in the works. He and his longtime girlfriend, Ashley, were planning a trip to Puerto Rico—and he wanted to turn their vacation into something unforgettable: a surprise marriage proposal.

     As a wedding and proposal photographer based here on the island, moments like these are a highlight of my work. But when the stakes rise to the level of flying to a separate island municipality to pull it off? That’s a double win for me. Documenting destination proposals is a privilege I never take lightly.

Choosing Culebra: Off the Beaten Path

The big moment at Flamenco Beach in Culebra, Puerto Rico

     Jared was drawn to Culebra, a small, picturesque island just off the east coast of Puerto Rico known for its beaches and laid-back vibe. Accessible only by plane or ferry, it’s the kind of place where time slows down and nature steals the show. It’s also one of my favorite proposal spots when couples are looking for something unique and secluded.

     We jumped on a few planning calls, going over everything from timing and wardrobe to signal issues and cues. Part of my service to Jared included arriving on the island early to scout potential proposal spots and send him options. I wanted everything to be seamless.

Scouting the Best Beaches (And Dealing with Sargassum)

Culebra, Puerto Rico

     A few days before their arrival, I hopped on a small plane and began exploring Culebra by golf cart—yes, golf cart. It’s the local way of getting around if you’re not actually from there. The mission? To find a proposal location worthy of their story.

But there was one curveball: sargassum.

     This seaweed-like algae had taken over almost every major beach. Flamenco Beach, often ranked as one of the top five beaches in the world, wasn’t spared. Neither were Zoni, Soldado, or Melones. Each one had its own beauty, but either the seaweed, rocky shorelines, or harsh lighting made them less than ideal.

     Eventually, after several hours of exploring, Jared and I found a tucked-away spot on the far right end of Flamenco Beach. It was private, beautifully lit in the late afternoon, and the water was clear of sargassum. I flagged it as the winner and began preparing the logistics for our Golden Hour shoot.

An Unexpected Coffee Shop Encounter

She said yes at Flamenco Beach in Culebra, Puerto Rico

     On the day of the proposal, I had a few hours to kill before our 6 p.m. meet-up. I stopped by a cozy café called Culebra Coffee, just walking distance from the ferry station. I ordered an avocado toast with hummus and started chatting with one of the employees, Anita.

     As we made small talk, I mentioned I was a photographer in town to shoot a surprise proposal later that day. And then—in walks Jared and Ashley.

     I gave Anita a quick wide-eyed look that screamed, “Don’t say anything!” She caught on immediately. Don and Randy, the other shop employees, were doing their best not to laugh. And there I was, sitting next to Ashley, trying to keep a straight face while she placed her order. It was a surreal moment. Jared and I texted each other from across the room, cracking up at how small the island really is.

Crossing Paths Again (and Again)

Epic sunsets at Flamenco Beach in Culebra, Puerto Rico

     After brunch, I resumed scouting. I gave Melones another look, but its rocky terrain made it a no-go for dropping to one knee. Zoni had poor lighting. Soldado? More sargassum. Flamenco still stood as the best option.

     Meanwhile, Jared and Ashley were exploring the island on their own golf cart—and we kept accidentally running into each other. We passed several times on the road. Ashley must’ve thought I was some kind of creeper. Little did she know I was actually her photographer, waiting for the big moment.

Showtime at Flamenco Beach

Majestic photoshoot at Flamenco Beach in Culebra, Puerto Rico

We locked in our plan: Golden Hour at Flamenco.

     I got there early and approached a few nearby beachgoers—a Spanish family and an Italian couple—asking kindly if they could move slightly out of the frame. They were incredibly gracious, and we ended up chatting. (I’m currently learning Italian, so it was a fun exchange.) I snapped a photo of the chosen proposal spot and sent it to Jared. The only problem? My phone had no signal.

     I had to sprint all the way back to the main entrance of Flamenco Beach just to get a single bar of reception. After a three-minute struggle, the photo finally went through. Jared now knew exactly where to go. I raced back to my hiding spot in the foliage, positioned my camera, and waited.

The Proposal

The light was amazing at Flamenco Beach in Culebra, Puerto Rico

     Moments later, I saw them approaching. I had a small window through the leaves where I could shoot discreetly. The light was perfect—the sun low, golden, and soft.

     At first, Jared stood in the wrong area, blocking the view. I ducked down and turned around so Ashley wouldn’t see me, then repositioned. The Italian couple nearby acted like secret agents, letting me know in Italian when she wasn’t looking so I could pop back up and keep shooting.

     Finally, Jared walked to the exact spot. He stood with Ashley for a moment, speaking from the heart. Then came our non-verbal cue: he turned his baseball cap backward—our secret signal that the proposal was about to happen.

     The only challenge? He was so in the moment that he unknowingly had his back turned to me. I had to adjust quickly, scooting left and right to catch every angle as he dropped to one knee. She said yes.

After the Yes

Black and white hits different at Culebra, Puerto Rico

     Once the excitement settled, I introduced myself. Ashley’s eyes widened in recognition. “Wait—you’re the guy from the coffee shop!” she laughed. And the golf cart sightings? Everything suddenly made sense.

     I wasn’t a creeper. I was her Puerto Rico proposal photographer, doing his best to stay incognito.

     As the sun began to set behind the island’s hills, I pulled out my Godox V100 flash and added a CTO gel to warm the scene. I lit them softly from below and we got creative with sunset portraits by the water. The sky was absolutely stunning—one of the most vibrant I’ve ever seen.

The Wrap-Up

Sunset at Flamenco Beach in Culebra, Puerto Rico

     This proposal had everything: surprises, serendipity, scenic challenges, and just the right amount of chaos. And in the end, it couldn’t have unfolded more beautifully.

     Jared and Ashley, thank you for trusting me with such an intimate moment. It was an honor to document the start of this new chapter in Culebra. I wish you a lifetime of love, adventure, and spontaneous coffee shop run-ins.

A Surprise Marriage Proposal at the St. Regis Bahía Beach Resort, Puerto Rico

The pinnacle moment

     When Jean first reached out to me via Facebook, I didn’t realize I was about to document one of the most romantic proposals I’ve ever witnessed. He had stumbled across my public profile and messaged me with a heartfelt mission: he wanted to propose to his girlfriend, Steffane, while visiting Puerto Rico.

     Their love story was special. Jean and Steffane had first met in high school, where they shared a scholarly, friendly bond—but life had other plans. Years passed and it wasn’t until the height of the COVID-19 pandemic that fate brought them back together. Amid a global crisis, their connection rekindled and evolved into a deep, lasting love.

A happiness collage

     Jean told me he would be attending a wedding on July 5th at the stunning Hacienda Siesta Alegre in Puerto Rico. Inspired by the romance of the event, he thought it would be perfect to propose the following day, capitalizing on the lingering emotions from the wedding to create their own beginning. His vision? A surprise proposal at the luxurious St. Regis Bahía Beach Resort in Río Grande.

     He texted me a photo of a lush garden behind one of the resort’s buildings—a secluded, picturesque spot where he and Steffane would later enjoy dinner as an engaged couple. It was the ideal backdrop.

Poppin’ bottles.

     As always, I arrived early—annoyingly punctual, in fact—to scout the location and gauge how the light would behave during golden hour. This magical time of day, when the sky bathes everything in soft, warm tones, is crucial for capturing that timeless, cinematic feel.

     In a strategic move to elevate the quality of the proposal footage, I decided to enhance the audio coverage using a DJI Mic cleverly hidden under Jean’s shirt. I asked him to arrive ahead of time so I could rig the microphone without raising any suspicion. He then returned to the room to regroup and rejoined Steffane moments before the big surprise.

Top to bottom, all was covered.

     I hid in plain sight on the left-hand side of the ocean-facing steps, camera in hand—my trusty Canon R6 Mark II, paired with the versatile RF 70-200mm lens, which lets me stay out of sight while still capturing every detail. I also had a GoPro Hero 13 Black strapped to my shoulder to provide Jean with behind-the-scenes footage he had requested.

     At just the right moment, I watched Jean drop to one knee, and I began shooting. With the telephoto lens, I was able to capture both wide environmental shots and those intimate close-ups that tell the full story. Thanks to the hidden mic, I recorded the entire exchange in crystal-clear audio—making the final video all the more emotional and powerful.

So classy these two!

     After Steffane said yes, I introduced myself, admired the ring, and congratulated them both. Though I had previously taught tennis at the St. Regis, this was my first time shooting a destination proposal at the resort, and it hit differently. It was my 25th proposal in Puerto Rico in just three months, but each one is unique, and this one felt especially meaningful.

     With golden hour fading, we transitioned to the beach for their engagement portrait session. The beach offered plenty of space to play with, and this is where I shine—capturing candid, romantic moments that feel unscripted and deeply personal. These quiet in-between shots—the whispers, the embraces, the shared laughter—are some of my favorites, especially in timeless black and white.

Golden Hour hits different.

     As the sky transitioned into dusk, I brought out my Godox AD200 Pro Mark II and AD100 Pro flashes to simulate sunset lighting. This allowed me to maintain that warm, glowy atmosphere even as natural light dwindled, and close the session with vibrant, dynamic portraits.

     Jean and Steffane were a dream to work with—classy, fun, and fully immersed in their moment. I feel honored to have played a small part in their love story and to have documented such a significant milestone.