A Surprise Engagement Proposal at a Disney Beach Resort
This story is about a beautiful young couple who travelled halfway across the country to get engaged! Continue reading if you would like to hear how everything unfolded.
Dakota discovered my services while searching for photographers around the Vero Beach, Florida area. He told me he would like for me to photograph his surprise proposal to his longtime girlfriend (Rachel) of eight years. He had booked a stay at Disney's Vero Beach Resort and wanted to propose on the beach during sunrise or sunset. He would be arriving just one night ahead of the proposal all the way from Nebraska!
This situation could have been a little bit tricky, lucky for me though, I had actually photographed a few other portrait sessions at this particular resort. I was able to describe a few locations to Dakota over the phone prior to their arrival. After our phone conversation we had a general idea set as to where he could make his surprise proposal. Once they arrived at the resort and took a little walk around, we were able to officially confirm a location.
Surprise proposals are always a bit tricky though, so I was prepared. My goal is to be at the location and ready before the couple arrives. I like to be set up and out of sight waiting, as to not give away the surprise. This is also where communication with the couple is really key. Dakota new exactly where I was located and was able to bring Rachel out to the beach where he knew she wouldn't see me. He had also set up a little blanket on the beach with rose pedals. This turned out to be extremely helpful as I would know exactly where he would propose, as opposed to just a general location.
So, as it happened, I was waiting actually on the back deck of the resort when Dakota brought his girlfriend around to the beach. I was able to spot them coming and photographed the entire event. Obviously, Rachel said "YES!" and even appeared to shed a few tears. Some family members actually came with the couple to the hotel to celebrate their engagement. We also had a little engagement photo shoot on the beach, which was a beautiful sunrise, along with a few family photos as well.
Take a look at how Rachel and Dakota's engagement pictures turned out!
