Big Sur’s Calla Lilly Valley is a wonderful spot to photograph proposals! I was thrilled when Brandon reached out to me so I could shoot his surprise proposal to his darling, Aryn. I already knew a Calla Lily Valley proposal was going to be beautiful!

I’d previously photographed his brother, Jacob’s proposal to his love, Maddy, as well. Connections like these just make the experience more dreamy and personal. I adore getting to know my couples and their loved ones! (The only thing that could make it all even better? A dog!)

How They Met

“We met at a mutual friend’s birthday party summer into freshman year of high school (2007). We have been together for 9+ years, since February 2011.” – Brandon

I think it’s the sweetest and most profound thing to know from the get-go on that you’re going to spend the rest of your life with a person. Their long-standing foundation in their relationship made everything feel so timeless and romantic. Nine years is already a long time to know someone, and there’s only more to come! It’s exciting, don’t you think? All these years together, and you still have even more to come to make wonderful memories.

Not only are Brandon and Aryn wonderful love birds, but they’re also early birds too! Their proposal started bright and early at 8 in the morning in Big Sur’s Calla Lily Valley where they would be going on hikes after Brandon popped the question. Now usually, the Calla Lily Valley is rather cloudy and foggy, but we got such gorgeous lighting for the shoot. Everything was just PERFECT!

The Proposal

“We like hikes, beaches and wandering trails with our dog so when Aryn suggested a day trip to Big Sur, I thought it was a perfect opportunity.” – Brandon

Love always makes perfect opportunities spring right up! Isn’t their height difference precious? Brandon really went the extra miles for Aryn with his proposal having had her beautiful emerald ring prepared since March- isn’t it so striking? She was so surprised and overjoyed she didn’t even notice me photographing the whole thing! (Blending into the background is part of the job too!) The candid emotion and hiking clothes for the day made it all feel so natural and wholesome, perfectly planned but completely organic.

From The Valley To The Beach

After the Calla Lilies, we moved the shoot to the shore. These shots just warm my heart with them playing with their dog and having the time of their lives together! Who says a family can’t be lovers and their dog?

This is a secret by yours truly, but after we said our goodbyes and I started to leave, I turned around and caught Brandon spinning Aryn around in a hug- both of them SO over the moon with today- I just couldn’t help but smile. It was delightful to be a part of their story. These two, having been together for so long, have already had their fill of talks about a romantic, local wedding, and I can’t wait for the rest of their plans to unfold. I’m confident that every minute will be worth the wait!

Want to surprise your lover with the proposal? I would love to photograph every precious moment! Contact me here.