Today is the perfect day to post a sweet surprise proposal and engagement photos! Zach & Missy traveled all the way from Omaha, Nebraska to get engaged on one of the most gorgeous beaches in San Diego.

Cuvier Park is where I got married, so when Zach called to ask me about good locations, of course I mentioned La Jolla, CA and Cuvier Park! (Yes, I may be a little biased, but also—have you seen the view from those cliffs? It’s like the ocean said, “Let me flex real quick.”)

Missy had absolutely NO IDEA this was about to go down. She thought she was tagging along on a chill business trip with Zach—maybe a few meetings, a couple fancy dinners, some beach time. What she got instead? A life-changing moment on a cliffside with crashing waves, happy tears, and a sneaky professional San Diego beach photographer (hi, it’s me) hiding behind a strategically placed hedge.

And let’s talk about the chaos for a sec. Nearly everything went wrong. The kind of things that make you want to throw your carefully laid proposal plans into the sea. A hotel employee almost spilled the beans before Zach could pop the question. Timing got weird. But somehow—by sheer magic or maybe just Zach’s sheer will—he pulled it off. He gave her a moment she’ll never forget.

Missy’s reaction? Pure gold. Shock. Joy. Happy disbelief. The whole spectrum. One minute she was walking down to “see the ocean,” in La Jolla, Ca and the next, she was staring at the love of her life down on one knee. I just kept clicking while trying not to cry into my lens.

We followed it up with a mini engagement session right there in La Jolla. Think windswept hair, sun-drenched cliffs, and that fresh just-got-engaged glow that no highlighter on earth can replicate.

These are the moments I live for as a proposal photographer San Diego visitors call when they want to pull off something unforgettable. Whether you’re local or flying in from across the country, San Diego makes the ultimate backdrop for your “YES” wedding proposal moment—and I’ll be there to capture the whole beautifully imperfect, emotion-filled ride.

Thinking about a surprise proposal in San Diego?

Don’t wait for perfect. Don’t worry if something small goes sideways. Because the real magic? It’s in the surprise, the love, and the laughter that comes after the “OMG, is this happening?” moment.

If you’re ready to pull off the perfect surprise proposal and want a proposal photographer San Diego couples (and sneaky planners) trust to capture it all without blowing your cover, I’ve got you. Let’s make it happen—secrets, strategy, and stunning photos included.

Lisa G (Elle G) is a San Diego beach photographer based in Pacific Beach, CA. Proudly serving San Diego’s coastal communities: La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas, Mission Beach, Mission Bay, Sunset Cliffs, Ocean Beach, Point Loma and Coronado. 858-344-1068. To chat about booking your own portrait session click HERE.