When I got a call from Jarod about his plan for a Big Sur surprise proposal on the coastline, I was absolutely thrilled! He and his lovely fiancée, Maggie, are originally from Minnesota. The two of them are spending some time here in Carmel for a change of scenery. A perk of being able to work from a distance, right? I was so jazzed to meet them and capture this page of their love story as a local Big Sur photographer. At the end of the day, I totally felt like I had made two great friends!

Friends To Lovers In Chicago

Jarod and Maggie have been together for five years now! They used to work together for Target’s company in Minnesota. (Fun fact, the first Target store opened in Roseville, Minnesota in 1962!) They have a lot of mutual friends but when they took a trip to Chicago together- just the two of them- that’s where they realized they both really liked each other. Isn’t that so sweet?

A Custom Ring

Maggie’s aunt is a jeweler so Jarod went to her right away. They quickly got a custom design going for the engagement ring. She knows her niece’s taste and style when it comes to rings for daily wear so this inside look really helped streamline everything. I’m sure Maggie will be sporting this one on the regular! Isn’t it just gorgeous?

While he was waiting on the ring, he called me up to set things in motion for the main event. And what a main event a Big Sur surprise proposal on the coastline is! The whole thing felt so intimate and lovely. It was like we were the only ones out there on the coastline that day!

The Perfect Proposal On The Coastline

I love surprise proposals of all kinds, be they extra glamorous and elaborate, or simple and sweet. I met with Jarod and Maggie (still unbeknownst to Maggie!) after he finished taking her out to a casual dinner in the area, and followed them to the coastline for the special moment. That’s one thing I love about being a local Big Sur photographer: following my couples around without them knowing is like a fun little game! And I loved their matching Patagonia jackets, so finding them was a piece of cake anyway! Of course, it helps when you know Big Sur like the back of your hand too!

My associate photographer Kristin helped me set up the champagne and blanket package that Jarod picked out for his and Maggie’s Big Sur surprise proposal on the coastline. It was such a BLAST (literally, he shook the champagne bottle before he opened it)!

Sneak Peek Fun

I loved getting to know Jarod and Maggie! They’re both super friendly and it was so fun spending the day together! After their Big Sur surprise proposal on the coastline, I invited them to the studio for some sneak peeks (and snacks!) and gifted them a few to take home early. We’ve been keeping in touch and hanging out ever since!

When I first saw Maggie, I noticed she was wearing a mask with the Villanova logo on it. I couldn’t help but smile at the pleasant surprise because she went to Villanova University which is in Philidelphia, and that’s where Johnathan and I are from originally! Totally makes me wonder if we ever crossed paths before and just didn’t know it!

Want a local Big Sur photographer’s expertise for your next special occasion? I’m your gal! Contact me here, let’s make it happen!