She thought it was just a casual beach stroll in La Jolla. A beautiful walk by the ocean, some dinner, champagne tucked in the bag, and of course — photos. Because if there’s one thing she adores (besides her now-fiancé), it’s taking pictures in beautiful places. Especially in San Diego, where the beach always shows up ready for its close-up. What she didn’t know? This wasn’t just any photo op — it was the moment he’d planned a surprise proposal at Cuvier Park, and the real magic was just about to begin.

He had a ring in his pocket and a plan that was anything but casual. This wasn’t just another surprise date night in La Jolla. It was the wedding proposal she never saw coming — with engagement photos on the beach to prove it.

They’ve been together for four years, married for one. Yup — already married. They eloped in Austin, Texas — And while it was the right move at the time, he couldn’t shake the feeling that she still deserved the moment. The dreamy, knees-down, waves-crashing, “is-this-really-happening” moment.

So he gave it to her — in San Diego, her favorite city, and La Jolla, her forever spot. Specifically, Cuvier Park, a hidden gem for proposals and engagement photography in La Jolla. She had never been there before (a total miss, honestly — Cuvier Park looks like it was built specifically for romantic plot twists and movie-worthy kisses). Even I got married there.

She thought it was just dinner and a casual shoot. Instead, it was full-on surprise proposal in La Jolla, with the Pacific Ocean playing hype man in the background. He got down on one knee, the light hit just right, and her face did that perfect mix of “wait—what?!” and “this is the best day of my life.”

And then we rolled right into their engagement photo session in La Jolla. The one they never had. Until now.

Because when you’ve already said “I do,” but your heart still does backflips when you look at each other? You celebrate that. With romantic beach engagement photos in San Diego that say, “We choose each other. Again.”

We wandered the cliffs and tiny flower littered paths near Cuvier Park, chasing waves and finding all the best photo spots in La Jolla. She twirled. He couldn’t stop smiling. The whole thing felt like a highlight reel for a love story that’s just getting started — even if the paperwork says otherwise.

So here’s your permission slip to do things out of order. To go back for the photos. To plan the surprise beach proposal in San Diego you didn’t do the first time. Or just to kiss your person under a palm tree because the backdrops stunning… and you can.

Because the big moments aren’t about timing. They’re about intention. And champagne. And maybe a little ocean breeze that makes your hair do that windblown-in-a-good-way thing.

Thinking about a surprise proposal at Cuvier Park in La Jolla?

Ready to finally take those engagement photos in San Diego you’ve been putting off for way too long? Let’s make it magic. I’ll bring the camera. You bring the love. Together, we’ll chase golden light, splash around the shoreline, and capture that once-in-a-lifetime kind of love—San Diego style. Whether it’s La Jolla, Sunset Cliffs, or your favorite hidden beach, I’ll help you feel relaxed, look amazing, and actually have fun in front of the camera.

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.