![Surprise engagement in Big Sur redwoods photographed by AGS Photo Art](https://agsphotoart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Surprise-enagement-in-the-woods-big-sur-1024x365.jpg)
![Surprise proposal in Big Sur redwoods with LA couple](https://agsphotoart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Urban-meets-mountain-couple-poses-1024x477.jpg)
Typically when people imagine Big Sur, they think about the beautiful California Coast stretching next to the sea. Little do they know that that is only one part of Big Sur. I was so excited when Alex reached out and wanted me to be his surprise proposal photographer for his Big Sur proposal in the redwoods at Glen Oaks.
![Big Sur redwoods engagement portraits with lush greenery](https://agsphotoart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Couple-in-the-woods-Big-Sur-1024x767.jpg)
Planning the Proposal
I remember the day Alex contacted me about photographing a proposal in Big Sur. Originally from Los Angeles, they planned a trip to Northern California. Not familiar with the area, he requested help planning the engagement.
![Redwood forest light at Glen Oaks Big Sur, CA](https://agsphotoart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Glen-oaks-tree-silhouettes-walking-trail-1024x767.jpg)
“I’m so nervous!” he admitted to me. He had an idea of what he wanted to do but was not sure exactly where. He wasn’t super familiar with the trails and was nervous about making sure it was a surprise. As he told me all of his concerns, I helped him narrow down when and where we were going to do the proposal, and then planned on doing all I could to help ease his anxiety. That’s one of the most important things you do for your couples as a surprise proposal photographer!
![Guy gets down on one knee and proposes in redwoods in Big Sur](https://agsphotoart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Glen-oaks-surprise-proposal-1024x767.jpg)
![Girl is shocked and kisses new fiance after proposal in redwoods in Big Sur](https://agsphotoart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Glen-oaks-surprise-engagement-shocked-1024x767.jpg)
![Couple kisses after proposal in the redwoods at Glen Oaks](https://agsphotoart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Glen-oaks-surprise-engagement-mountain-proposal-1024x348.jpg)
Going the Extra Mile
As his surprise proposal photographer, I drove an hour away to Glen Oaks and filmed instructions for him: I helped him navigate where to park, which trail to walk on, and the exact trail spot of where he would drop down and propose. I sent this to him while he was in LA, and he felt so relieved. We strategically planned each detail so that everyone felt prepared!
It’s so important to me as a surprise proposal photographer that my couples are able to focus on their special moment and not all the details. For Alex, that meant really focusing on his proposal. I didn’t want him concerned if he had made the wrong turn or if I wasn’t watching. I wanted him to have full confidence that I was there, capturing their adventure, and photographing an important moment in their life. The photos were also a variety: digital, film, and even a short video! Trust between clients and photographers are of utmost importance; if I can go an extra mile for couples, I will!
![Couple holds hands and kisses by the river in Big Sur, CA](https://agsphotoart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Glen-Oaks-Big-Sur-urban-meets-mountain-by-the-river-1024x348.jpg)
![Couple holding hands walking through the woods in Big Sur](https://agsphotoart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Glen-Oaks-Big-Sur-Urban-meets-mountain-portaits-1024x767.jpg)
![Newly engaged couple poses for photo and round solitaire diamond ring on rock](https://agsphotoart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/How-to-plan-enagement-from-another-city-Glen-Oaks-Big-Sur-1024x477.jpg)
Bir Sur Redwoods Proposal Story
When the day of the Big Sur proposal came, I hid behind the bushes. The light was coming through the trees perfectly. Alex was SO shocked when it happened; they both were brimming with joy.
![Surprise proposal in the woods in Big Sur, CA](https://agsphotoart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Glen-oaks-proposal-in-the-woods-california-1024x767.jpg)
![Surprise engagement in Big Sur redwoods, photo by AGS Photo Art](https://agsphotoart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Glen-oaks-big-sur-surprise-engagement-1024x767.jpg)
![Woman shocked after her boyfriend proposed in the California redwoods](https://agsphotoart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Glen-Oaks-Big-Sur-Proposal-shock-joy-1024x348.jpg)
![couple kisses in redwoods after surprise proposal captured by AGS Photo Art](https://agsphotoart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Glen-Oaks-Big-sur-just-engaged-1024x477.jpg)
![Couple kisses under the redwoods at Glen Oaks](https://agsphotoart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Glen-Oaks-Big-Sur-proposal-on-a-hike-1024x767.jpg)
![Couple cuddles and solitaire diamond ring sits on rock tower in Big Sur](https://agsphotoart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Glen-oaks-Big-Sur-portaits-ring-stacked-1024x767.jpg)
![Forest light engagement session in Big Sur redwoods](https://agsphotoart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Glen-Oaks-Big-Sur-couple-portaits-engaged-custom-ring-1024x477.jpg)
![Black and white portraits of newly engaged couple and detailed shot of ring](https://agsphotoart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Glen-Oaks-Big-Sur-Engaged-in-the-woods-surprise-ring-detail-1024x477.jpg)
It was as if the forest came awake when they had their moment. The wind rustled the trees and there was something magical in the air. Typically, since Glen Oaks is a popular hiking spot, there are often people talking and it can be loud in the forest, but on that day, and in that moment, the forest was quietly alive and present for them.
![Highway 1 Big Sur Coast engagement portraits](https://agsphotoart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Big-Sur-Coast-surprise-enagement-1024x767.jpg)
![Highway one Big Sur Coast sunset engagement by AGS Photo Art](https://agsphotoart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Big-sur-coast-engagement-portaits-1024x477.jpg)
Guys: are you getting ready for a proposal? I will go the extra mile as your surprise proposal photographer to make sure it’s perfect! Let’s talk!
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