There is something incredibly romantic about the California coast when the weather decides to do its own thing. Jordan and Ivery’s Pebble Beach proposal photography session came with rain, wind, crashing waves, and the kind of unexpected weather that somehow made the entire afternoon feel even more intimate. With their dog Luca by their side, the three of them wandered along the coastline before Jordan asked a question that had been nearly a decade in the making.

And while a sunny California proposal is always beautiful, this one was proof that a little rain can make the story even better.

Nine Years in the Making

Jordan and Ivery’s story actually began long before they officially met. They went to the same high school in New Jersey, but because they were in different grades, their paths never really crossed. It was not until college that a mutual friend finally introduced them.

Nine years later, they found themselves standing together on the Pebble Beach coastline.

Jordan shared that one of the things he loves most about Ivery is her unconditional love and support. He also loves her fun, bubbly personality and the way her excitement can instantly make him smile and laugh.

Their relationship is built around that same sense of comfort. They communicate openly, know what the other needs, and sometimes affection looks as simple as a hug, a kiss, or being wrapped up in a blanket together with a snack.

Knowing She Was the One

One of my favorite parts of their story is that Jordan cannot point to some elaborate or dramatic moment when he knew Ivery was the one.

Instead, it happened during a really good day at the beach.

While they were still living in New Jersey, the two packed a cooler with sandwiches and snacks and headed to the shore. The weather was perfect, they somehow scored a good parking spot, and they spent the day together by the water.

Afterward, they dropped everything off at the car and went to grab something to eat. While they were sitting together with a drink and waiting for their food, Jordan looked at Ivery.

Something clicked.

He described it simply as the perfect day.

I love that their proposal eventually brought them back to the beach, only this time on the opposite side of the country.

Waiting for the Right Moment

Jordan had actually been thinking about proposing for years.

The idea first came to him around the time they graduated with their bachelor’s degrees. Then Ivery was accepted into the graduate program at NYU, and Jordan knew that adding wedding planning on top of earning a master’s degree would be a lot.

Education was important to both of them, so he waited.

Once Ivery had graduated, the timing finally felt right. The proposal was no longer a question of if, but when.

Ivery knew a proposal was probably coming during their California trip, but Jordan still managed to keep the exact day and moment a surprise.

Choosing Pebble Beach for Proposal Photography

Travel has always been a big part of Jordan and Ivery’s relationship. Whether it is a road trip or a trip to Europe, they love exploring new places together.

For this trip, the Monterey Peninsula offered a little bit of everything they love.

They planned to explore Big Sur, wander through Carmel and see the cottages, visit a vineyard, and spend time around Pebble Beach. They were also traveling with Luca, their mini Australian Shepherd, so finding somewhere beautiful that they could enjoy with him mattered.

That made the Carmel and Pebble Beach area such a natural fit.

Of course, the California coast had another plan for their proposal day.

Rain.

Pebble Beach Proposal Photography in the Rain

When you picture a proposal on the California coast, you probably imagine golden light and a glowing sunset. Those days are gorgeous, but there is another side of this coastline that I love just as much.

Jordan and Ivery got the moody, romantic version.

The rain came down as the waves rolled into shore, and instead of fighting it, they embraced it. Shoes came off. An umbrella came out. Luca explored the sand. Jordan and Ivery walked along the beach together as the mist softened the landscape around them.

There is something about rainy photographs that feels especially intimate. Everyone naturally moves a little closer. You hold onto each other. You laugh when another round of rain starts falling. The moments become less about creating something perfect and more about simply experiencing what is happening.

That is exactly what these photographs feel like.

Pebble Beach Proposal Photography With Luca

Luca was always supposed to be part of this moment.

Jordan planned for the three of them to take a walk along the beach, enjoy the views, and take a few photos together. When they reached the right spot, he would have Luca sit or lie down before getting onto one knee.

Having him there made the proposal feel even more personal.

After nine years together, Luca is part of the little family Jordan and Ivery have created. Including him meant these photographs captured more than their engagement. They captured what their life looks like right now.

And despite the rain, Luca seemed perfectly happy to join the adventure.

A Pear Shaped Engagement Ring

Jordan chose a beautiful pear shaped center stone for Ivery’s engagement ring, surrounded by additional stones that flank the center. The ring is set in yellow gold and came from Leon’s Fine Jewelry in Beverly Hills.

Against the soft neutral tones of the coast, the yellow gold and pear shaped stone stood out beautifully.

After the proposal, we had time to slow things down and photograph the two of them together. There were kisses, quiet portraits, plenty of smiles, and of course a few photographs showing off the newest addition to Ivery’s left hand.

The rain was still very much part of the afternoon, but by then it almost felt like another character in their story.

Making a Weekend of Carmel and Pebble Beach

Jordan and Ivery stayed at Le Petit Pali during their trip and planned an entire weekend around exploring this part of the California coast.

If you are planning your own Pebble Beach proposal, I always recommend giving yourself time to enjoy the area beyond the proposal itself. Carmel by the Sea is perfect for wandering through town, grabbing something to eat, and exploring its storybook cottages. Pebble Beach offers incredible coastal views, while Big Sur is just down Highway 1 for an entirely different kind of adventure.

Jordan and Ivery also planned to visit a vineyard, which feels especially fitting for two people who appreciate a good glass of wine or champagne.

Making a trip out of your proposal gives you time to actually enjoy the moment afterward instead of immediately rushing home. You get to wake up the next morning engaged, explore somewhere beautiful together, and let the celebration continue.

Planning Your Own Pebble Beach Proposal

One thing Jordan and Ivery’s proposal proves is that your photographs do not need perfect weather to be beautiful.

Along the Monterey Peninsula, conditions can change quickly. Fog rolls in, wind picks up, and sometimes rain decides to join us. Having a plan is important, but being willing to embrace what the coast gives you can lead to photographs that feel completely unique to your story.

As a local photographer, this is one of the reasons I love helping couples plan their proposals here. Location, light, timing, tides, weather, and privacy can all make a difference, especially along the coastline.

But at the heart of it, the most important thing is still the person standing in front of you.

For Jordan and Ivery, that meant nine years of growing together, supporting each other, traveling together, and waiting until the timing finally felt right.

A rainy afternoon in Pebble Beach became another one of those perfect days.

And this time, they left the beach engaged.

If you are dreaming of your own Pebble Beach proposal photography experience, I would love to help you plan and photograph a proposal that feels completely like the two of you. Reach out to here to begin planning your own session.