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.

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.