Steve and Anh’s surprise proposal on the coastline had an awesome California staple in it, that is, In-N-Out! Photographing this joyous occasion was such a delight for me as a local Carmel by the Sea proposal photographer. These newly engaged lovers currently live in Chicago and love going on once-in-a-lifetime adventures. They headed west for a romantic coastline drive that- unknown to Anh, a California girl at heart- was all planned to end with Steve getting on one knee! Read on for this classic California coastline In-N-Out surprise proposal!

Sweet Words From Steve

“She always supports me, challenges me to be the best I can be, keeps me from being lazy. We could spend every day together doing anything and everything we like and not get sick of one another. She works so hard to be good at what she does and to show people she cares. I love how she challenges me intellectually, I’ve never had that in a relationship, and I absolutely love that.” – Steve

I could listen to my couples talk about their lover all day! These two will have both graduated with their Masters in Nursing by August 18th and then begin working as nurses in the following month. Nursing is no easy career. I have nothing but respect for Steve and Anh. Way to go, you two! I’m so honored to have been able to photograph even one of your momentous occasions!

Surprise Proposal Plans

Steve is one man with a plan- he reached out to me MONTHS in advance to make sure this day was perfect. His original scenario was him proposing after he and Anh landed from SKYDIVING! While that didn’t pan out, we’re all still so overjoyed with the results. (Although, if anyone is interested in proposing to your special someone after skydiving, let me know!)

The next best thing involved getting the lovely Kaitlin from Pocketful Of Plans on the team. She and Steve hatched the masterplan of having In-N-Out be delivered to the Carmel by the Sea Beach for a picnic. This was such a custom-tailored proposal! Steve really had his eye on details he knew Anh would love. He knew she missed her home state of California and those criss-cross In-N-Out palm trees. And of course, champagne is always the perfect cherry on top!

Up & Down The Big Sur Coastline

Our next stop was exploring the Big Sur coastline, which then led us to another Carmel by the Sea beach. Steve and Anh’s session happened to take place during all the fires in California, but thankfully, the air quality was much than we expected. Not to mention, the fogginess really added something special to their photos!

I’m so happy and honored to have been Steve and Anh’s local Carmel by the Sea photographer for their California coastline In-N-Out surprise proposal! Everything was so custom-tailored for this couple and I love helping these plans come to fruition. If you’re planning a Carmel by the Sea or Big Sur proposal, I’m your gal! Contact me here.