Andrew and Ziyu’s Carmel Valley surprise proposal was complete with smiles, happy tears, and of course, a puppy! This couple is all about the outdoors and I loved all the forest and woodland imagery. Both of them big hikers and love being in nature with their cute dog, a two-year-old named Tory. She’s the most rambunctious and playful baby! Bringing her along definitely spiced up her paw-rent’s Carmel Valley surprise proposal session!

How Did You Meet?

“We met through a mutual friend back in October 2016. We didn’t start dating right away – it wasn’t until December where I followed back up with her. I knew she was The One after a camping trip at Lake Powell. She was cooking over a camp stove and whipped up an amazing meal with seemingly nothing. She was still trying her best even when she was clearly out of her element- at the time, she was still new to camping- but that was the moment for me. She’s the most carefree, easy-going person I know. She’s always up for anything and brings an infectious energy that brings out the best in me. Proposing to her had been a long time coming! I think in January or February, I started to make a conscious plan…” – Andrew

“We’re very outdoorsy, so camping, hiking, snowboarding in the winter, etc. We stayed in Carmel Valley a few years ago and loved it. Then we returned last April right after the shelter-in-place happened. It was like our secret getaway! I knew I wanted to propose to her here.” – Andrew

The Hike & Surprise Proposal

Andrew knew he wanted to propose to Ziyu on a hike and I was one-hundred percent on board! I think proposals during hikes are SUCH a treat because you get sweeping views of the area and so many beautiful elements that add to the photographs. We spent their Carmel Valley surprise proposal session adventure-style! It was a bright and sunny day with some fog rolling in off the coast. Fog in the valley can actually be kind of rare but I feel like it really added to the magic of the day!

When it was time for Andrew to get down on one knee and pop the question, Tory actually started running towards me and sat and stared while the proposal happened. Guarding her Mom and Dad, of course! I think that clued Ziyu in because she turned to look at me and realized it was all being photographed- a perfect Carmel Valley surprise proposal! I love when my couples bring their pets exactly for happy little moments like this!

Looking for a local Carmel Valley photographer and or thinking about including your fur-baby in your special occasion? I’d love to meet with you and bring your photo story to life! Contact me here and we’ll make it happen!