Gideon’s surprise proposal to Morgan at Carmel By The Sea was full of grinning faces and the product of Gideon’s careful planning. The two of them are both from Chicago and have never been to Carmel By The Sea, but Gideon had heard a lot about how gorgeous the area is. He said he wanted the day set in a really beautiful location- well, that’s an easy check! I was SO delighted to photograph this momentous occasion in their love story!

Carmel By The Sea Surprise Proposal Photography

Gideon’s proposal was the final stage of an epic California bike tour he and Morgan had planned together. The two of them would end up in Carmel By The Sea, where he would pop the question, and I’d be ready to capture all the smiles! Morgan had a hunch it would Gideon would be proposing in the next few months, but didn’t know EXACTLY when it would all unfold.

Meanwhile, Gideon was prepared with champagne and a blanket for a romantic little picnic. What a perfect cherry-on-top to their bike tour adventures and surprise proposal at Carmel By The Sea! We nailed his ideal late afternoon/early evening time frame with this scenic coastal walk to said picnic dinner, and of course, his popping the question. The two of them even jokingly reenacted the getting down on one knee and saying yes just for kicks! I think that’s so sweet- nothing like reliving the happy memories of your surprise proposal at Carmel By The Sea. Yes, even if they did JUST happen!

How Did You Two Meet?

“We met in college through a mutual friend, and have been together for about six-and-a-half years now! We moved in together around 2 years ago, and over that time, we have grown so much more as a couple and felt like we were ready to take the next step together. Before then, we had lived in separate cities or been in college. I couldn’t imagine life without her.” – Gideon

What Do You Love Most About Your Partner?

“Morgan is a tremendously enthusiastic and caring person. She has this sincere and childlike (in a good way!) excitement for anything that interests her, and she is tremendously loyal to those she cares about. She makes me smile just from being around her because she enjoys the world as it comes to her. We both really value time spent together and doing acts of service for the other person. Morgan also values words of affirmation a lot, while I tend to fall more toward giving gifts. A couple of months ago, we decided that it was getting to be the right time in our lives where we wanted to take the next step.” – Gideon

Wildflower & Coastline Surprise Proposal Session At Carmel By The Sea

We capped off the day with these pretty portraits surrounded by wildflowers and Carmel By The Sea’s stunning coastline! The Pacific breeze and the blue water backgrounds add gorgeous elements to any session. Especially here in Northern California! After all, what’s the west coast without those stunning ocean views? I’m over the moon about how Gideon and Morgan’s portraits and overall surprise proposal session at Carmel By The Sea turned out- I hope you all are too!

This local Carmel By The Sea photographer has your back for all your special occasions. I’d be happy to meet with you and get a game plan going for your proposal, engagement, wedding, and more! Contact me here. Let’s get the ball rolling!