I couldn’t help but smile when John booked me to be his Big Sur surprise proposal photographer for him and Amanda. Don’t freak out, it’s not MY Jonathan’s proposal to me! Seeing our names match up was such a fun little moment though. Read on for all the smiles!

These two were SO amazing to spend the day with. John is a man with a plan and knew he wanted to propose to Amanda at Shoal Cavern because one of their first dates involved flying to Monterey and driving to Big Sur. FLYING! Isn’t that so magical?

John is a pilot so the two of them spend a lot of time traveling and making day trips around the Bay Area. It’s no wonder the area is very special to them and their history, which made me all the more happy to be their Big Sur surprise proposal photographer!

How Did You Two Meet?

“We met on Halloween 2016 at a country bar in San Francisco called Jaxson’s. I was dressed as a golf caddie at The Masters and Amanda was a party animal. Amanda is incredibly kind and thoughtful. Adventurous and self-driven with a range of interests and talents. She is the best partner for any activity and loved by all of her friends. She can make me laugh very easily, push my buttons in a funny and playful way, and is always very quick with a joke.” – John

How Did You Know They Were The One?

“I had a pretty special feeling early on about her. I’ve never met anyone like Amanda before in any context and honestly did not realize someone so wonderful could exist. COVID has really delayed my originally planned timelines! I picked this date back in March because I wanted to have the full day free for us to have a special experience. I think she knows it is a special weekend because we don’t fly to Big Sur every weekend!” – John

Surprise Proposal In Big Sur

John and Amanda’s Big Sur surprise proposal was a midday session. A nice change of pace from my usual sunset shoots! The coastline was absolutely beautiful as the scenic background of their photos. I loved capturing their smiles and dynamic with each other- SO easygoing and happy to be together! When my couples start to treat a session like playtime and just enjoy each other’s company, they totally come alive. That was definitely the case for John and Amanda as their Big Sur surprise proposal photographer!

Truth be told, I’ve been super booked with shoots and twice as busy this summer. This has been a record-breaking week of 13 shoots! That’s 2 shoots a day! I had mentioned that most sessions are during that magical golden hour at sunset, but I’ve really enjoyed my sessions that are earlier in the day too. Big Sur is full of gems for all your special occasions at any time. Sessions throughout the day are totally possible with a great photographer!

Looking for a Big Sur surprise proposal photographer? Look no further! I’m your gal for all your special occasions. Contact me here.