Planning a surprise proposal? I got you!
How I Plan Your Surprise Proposal
That's exactly how we want it.
Behind every proposal that feels like a total surprise is a lot of quiet planning: timing, light, cover stories, and a photographer who knows how to disappear.
Here's what that process actually looks like, from the first email to the final gallery.
01 The Call
It usually starts with a call, though a detailed email works too if that's easier for you.
We'll talk through your plan. Tell me a bit about yourselves: are you adventurous, or do you want a relaxed vibe? Do you love sunsets or sunrise? The ocean or the mountains?
What would you and your partner like when you imagine your proposal? It gives me an idea of how to go about the session.
Every detail you give me shapes the plan, because the best proposals feel like they were made specifically for the couple having them.
02 Location Scouting
San Francisco gives us an incredible amount to work with, but the "prettiest" spot isn't always the right one.
I will suggest locations that suit the environment you're envisioning.
If I haven't shot your chosen location yet, I scout it ahead of time and send you directions for exactly where you'll both be standing and where I'll be positioned.
03 The Cover Story
This is where we get a little sneaky.
Every great surprise needs a reason for your partner to be standing in the right place at the right time without asking questions.
Maybe it's a "portrait session for a friend," a fake anniversary shoot, or a walk that's become a genuine ritual for you two. We workshop it together until it feels completely natural.
04 Blending with the Crowd
I blend into the crowd like just another tourist with a camera.
I'm already in position and watching before you two even arrive.
05 The Moment They Say "Yes"
You give me a signal, whether it's taking off your sunglasses or putting your hand in your pocket, to let me know you're about to propose.
I capture the real moment when you propose, exactly as it happens.
06 After the "Yes"
After you propose, we take your engagement photos.
After the session, you'll have a few same-day "just engaged" preview photos to share the news right away.
A sneak peek follows within 7 days, and your full gallery within 4 weeks.
“Carla truly created a wonderful, fun, and memorable photoshoot experience for my surprise proposal to my now fiancé. I’ll detail my entire awesome experience working with Carla, starting at the beginning.
I knew I wanted to make my proposal to my fiancé special by having a photographer ready to capture the moment as well as take professional and high quality photos afterward. I reached out to a few different businesses in early February 2026 but what made Carla stand out was not only her beautiful portfolio on her website, but also the way she presented herself during our initial “intake” interview where she told me about her photography experience, clearly explained her process, and provided thoughtful questions and insights about my proposal plan that I had laid forth. What sealed the deal for me was that when I told Carla I was stuck between two different scenic locations, she said that she would visit both sites as time drew closer and provide me a pros and cons list for each of them.
After deciding to proceed with Carla, I eventually set up a group chat with her and my friends who were helping me with my plan. I had the opportunity to visit one of my potential sites (Rodeo Beach) in March with a friend, and I shared with Carla my thoughts and reservations about how things could go if I went with that location. She answered all my questions thoughtfully and we kept in communication. In May, Carla proceeded to visit both sites (the other being Gray Whale Cove State Beach) and she provided me a detailed document with pictures and notes explaining the pros and cons for both sites and her own recommendation. I decided finally on Rodeo Beach.
Communication with Carla picked up as we got closer to the day, which was in June. On the day of, Carla met me at the location and began by taking pictures of the props I had set up, which were several canvas printouts of my fiancé and I over the years. After my fiancé arrived and I proposed, Carla let us have our moment and snapped a couple of pictures of our friends and I. Afterward, the photoshoot began. Nothing felt forced with Carla. She guided us through different poses and positions around the beach while still letting us be happy in our moment together.
On the night of, she sent us few “sneak-peek” photos via text. Then, just a couple of weeks later, we had full access to the entire gallery of photos that she took and edited. The photos came out absolutely beautifully, with my fiancé and I looking very happy in front of various majestic and dramatic Rodeo Beach backgrounds. All in all, I found Carla to be extremely warm, knowledgeable, kind, and professional. If you are in the Bay Area and are looking for a professional photographer to capture your special occasion, I can’t recommend Carla enough!”
PJR
“Thank you so much for the photos, Carla! They look beautiful and May and I love them. I really appreciate all your help and support helping plan and execute this extremely special moment in our lives. Not only are your pictures amazing, but you are very sweet and super easy to work with!”
AA
