EJ & Jill’s Rose Vineyard Love Story | AGS Photo Art

Some places just feel like they were made for love stories, and Folktale Winery in Carmel is absolutely one of them. With rolling vineyards, European inspired architecture, and soft coastal light, it’s a dream backdrop for an intimate moment. EJ and Jill’s Folktale Winery surprise proposal in the rose vineyard was the sweetest blend of thoughtful planning, relaxed winery vibes, and pure, giddy joy.

For these two, Folktale wasn’t just a pretty location. It was part of their story. Photographing this chapter for them was such an honor.

A Love Story Before Their Folktale Winery Surprise Proposal

EJ works as a consultant engineer and resource manager for a biotech firm, and Jill is a marketing proposal coordinator for a construction company. They both live in an overlap between strategy and creativity, EJ keeps complex projects running smoothly, while Jill crafts thoughtful proposals that help her team win new work.

Together, they are warm, grounded, and so easy to be around. Being with them feels like spending time with two best friends who are completely, comfortably in love.

How A Little Whim Turned Into A Folktale Winery Surprise Proposal

Their story started the old-fashioned way, no apps, no elaborate setup, just a night out with friends.

EJ was at a bar with his buddies when Jill decided, on a whim, to come meet them. That simple “why not” turned into easy conversation, shared laughter, and a connection that felt natural from the very beginning. Nothing about it was over planned. It was just two people in the right place at the right time, starting something real.

Us Before The Folktale Winery Surprise Proposal

By the time EJ began planning this proposal, their relationship already had deep roots.

EJ and Jill have been together for about three and a half years, filled with concerts, winery visits, time with family, and cozy movie nights. They love getting out and experiencing things together just as much as they love the everyday rhythms that make life feel like home.

Their connection feels steady and lived-in, in the best possible way, the kind of love that makes a Folktale Winery surprise proposal feel like the sweetest next chapter.

“I’ve Always Known” | When You Just Know They are the One

When EJ is asked how he knew Jill was the one, he does not point to a particular day or big moment. He simply said:

“I’ve always known.”

There was no dramatic turning point, just a calm, steady certainty that life is better with her and that every version of his future has Jill in it. That kind of quiet, deep knowing is so beautiful to witness on a day like this.

Little Love Notes | His Sweet, Everyday Love Language

EJ’s love language lives in the small gestures. He shows affection through tiny surprises, little gifts, and quick kisses every time he leaves the room. It’s his way of saying “I love you, I see you, I’m thinking of you” without needing many words.

He loves how Jill shows up for him too. She pushes him to be a better version of himself without even trying, just by being who she is. He also adores her quirky side. Jill is always making up random new words and phrases. They don’t exist in any dictionary, but they make perfect sense to the two of them. Those silly inventions have become part of their shared language and never fail to make EJ laugh.

Why Carmel And Folktale Winery | Turning A Favorite Place Into “Yes”

Carmel has a special place in their story. It was the destination of one of their first big vacations together, the kind of trip that deepens a relationship in all the best ways.

On that trip, Jill fell in love with Carmel and especially with Folktale Winery, the charm, the atmosphere, and of course, the wine. For this proposal, they stayed in downtown Carmel, soaking in the cozy shops, galleries, and coastal air, just a short drive from the winery.

So when EJ started planning how and where to propose, he did not have to overthink it. Coming back to Folktale Winery and choosing the rose vineyard let them return to a place that already meant so much to both of them.

Years In The Making | From 2022 To “Will You Marry Me”

EJ actually decided he was going to propose back in 2022. The decision itself came early, he knew Jill was his person, but he wanted the moment to feel right.

So he waited.

Through seasons and milestones and everyday life together, he quietly carried that intention, looking for the perfect time and place. By the time this Carmel getaway rolled around, this Folktale Winery surprise proposal had been living in his heart for years before he ever got down on one knee.

Late-Morning Picnic Magic | Setting Up The Surprise

EJ planned the proposal for late morning, right around 11:45 to 12:00. By then, the day at Folktale Winery is just beginning to unfold. The light is soft but bright, the air is calm, and everything feels relaxed and unhurried.

The idea was simple and intimate, a beautiful picnic in the vineyard with blankets, snacks, and wine, followed by a quiet walk into the rose vineyard where he could ask the biggest question of his life with no distractions and no rush, just the two of them.

Jill thought they were simply enjoying a romantic day date at one of her favorite places. She had no idea how much thought and planning had gone into what was about to happen.

The Moment | A Folktale Winery Surprise Proposal In The Rose Vineyard

The proposal itself was a complete surprise.

After settling into their picnic, EJ led Jill into the rose vineyard, a tucked away corner of Folktale Winery with rows of vines and soft blooms that make the whole space feel intimate and romantic. Right there on the blanket between the vines, EJ dropped to one knee and asked Jill to marry him.

He had guessed she would be shocked, and she was, in the very best way. After that first wave of disbelief, the joy took over. Happy, giddy, can not stop smiling kind of joy. Those are the feelings you see in their photos, the big reactions and the soft, quiet moments right after.

Ring Details | A Timeless Oval Solitaire

For the ring, EJ chose something timeless and elegant, a classic oval solitaire. He worked with Brilliant Earth and Shane Co to bring it to life, choosing a design that felt both modern and enduring, simple, refined, and completely her.

The elongated oval sparkled beautifully in the Carmel light. In the middle of the vineyard, it seemed to glow with every movement of Jill’s hand. It’s a piece that lets their love story take center stage while adding just the right amount of sparkle. 

Capturing All The Feels | Photographing This Carmel Winery Proposal

From a local and photographer perspective, this Folktale Winery surprise proposal had everything I love. A location with deep personal meaning. Gorgeous, flattering late-morning light. A carefully planned but genuinely emotional surprise. And two people who were completely themselves in front of the camera.

In EJ and Jill’s gallery, I focused on the moment he asked and that instant shift in Jill’s expression as she realized what was happening. I captured her reaction: the shock, the giddy laughter, and the way she melted into his arms after saying yes. Above all, I wanted their connection to shine. The cuddles. The playful spins. The effortless way they move together when they think no one is watching.

Planning Your Own Folktale Winery Surprise Proposal

If you’re dreaming of your own Folktale Winery surprise proposal or Carmel winery engagement, we would love to help you bring it to life.

As a proposal photographer, my goal is to keep everything feeling natural, meaningful, and low stress. I love scouting the best light and locations around the property. I help with timing and little cues so your partner is genuinely surprised. And I’m always watching for not just the big “will you marry me,” but the small, in-between moments that tell the full story.

This moment lasted only a few heartbeats, but now they have images that let them relive the shock, the happiness, and the giddy joy for the rest of their lives.

If you are ready to start planning your own winery proposal or Carmel engagement session, reach out to us here and we would be honored to photograph your story.