Andrew + Chloe’s Montage Laguna Beach Proposal at Treasure Island

Andrew and Chloe were spending the weekend at Montage Laguna Beach, and Andrew wanted to make the trip even more memorable with a surprise proposal.

He knew he wanted ocean views and a beautiful setting close to the resort, but like a lot of my proposal clients, he wasn’t exactly sure where to propose, what time would work best, or how to pull everything off without Chloe realizing what was happening.

That’s where I came in.

One of the biggest parts of what I offer as a Laguna Beach proposal photographer is helping with everything that happens before I ever take a photograph. I helped Andrew choose the right overlook in the Treasure Island area, worked through the timing and positioning with him, and made sure he knew exactly where to bring Chloe and where I would be waiting.

By the time proposal day arrived, his only job was to show up, propose, and enjoy the moment.

Planning a Surprise Proposal Near Montage Laguna Beach

The Montage and Treasure Island area is one of my favorite places for proposals in Laguna Beach because there are so many different settings within a relatively small area.

I’ve photographed several proposals in this area, including another proposal at Montage Laguna Beach, which has given me a really good understanding of the best spots, timing, and positioning for a surprise.

You have beautiful ocean overlooks, landscaped paths, grassy areas, dramatic coastline, and Treasure Island Beach just below.

But choosing a pretty location is only part of planning a surprise proposal.

The direction you approach from, where your partner will be standing, where I can photograph discreetly, the position of the sun, crowds, and timing all make a difference.

Because I photograph proposals throughout Laguna Beach regularly, I can help my clients narrow down those details ahead of time instead of leaving them to figure everything out themselves.

For Andrew, we chose an ocean overlook near Montage Laguna Beach and Treasure Island that gave him the view he wanted while still allowing me to photograph the proposal naturally from a distance.

The Proposal

When Andrew and Chloe reached the overlook, I was already in position.

Andrew got down on one knee, and Chloe’s reaction was everything.

She was completely surprised and kept yelling, “I love you! Oh my God!” while taking in what was happening.

It was so sweet.

These are the moments I love most about photographing proposals. We can carefully plan the location and timing, but the reaction is completely real.

I stayed back while they hugged, laughed, looked at the ring, and had those first few minutes together as a newly engaged couple.

That’s exactly how I want proposal photography to feel. Present, emotional, and never overly staged.

Candid Engagement Photos Around Treasure Island

Once the surprise was over, we took our time walking through the Treasure Island area for engagement portraits.

My style is very candid and natural, but that doesn’t mean I expect couples to magically know what to do in front of the camera.

I give enough direction to make everything feel comfortable and flattering, then leave room for the moments that happen naturally.

With Andrew and Chloe, there was plenty of laughing, flirting, hugging, admiring the ring, and simply enjoying the fact that they had just gotten engaged.

Those genuine moments ended up being some of my favorite photographs from their session.

Sunset Engagement Photos Near Treasure Island Beach

As the sun started getting lower, we continued toward Treasure Island Beach and photographed the two of them with the Laguna Beach coastline and ocean behind them.

I love doing portraits after a proposal because it gives couples a completely different set of photographs from the proposal itself.

You get the surprise and reaction, but you also get beautiful portraits together while you're still riding that newly engaged excitement.

And because we aren't rushing through it, there's time for both the classic portraits your families will love and the candid photographs that really feel like you.

Why Hire a Local Laguna Beach Proposal Photographer?

Planning a surprise proposal in an unfamiliar place can feel like a lot.

Where should you propose? Is the beach crowded? Where should you stand? What time should you arrive? How will the photographer know when you're coming? How do you keep your partner from figuring everything out?

You shouldn't have to worry about all of that on the day you're proposing.

My proposal experience is intentionally high-touch.

I help with the location, timing, exact proposal spot, positioning, and photography plan beforehand so everything feels simple when the day arrives.

Then I stay discreet until the proposal happens and guide you through relaxed engagement portraits afterward.

You bring the ring. I'll help with the rest.

Planning a Montage Laguna Beach Proposal?

If you're staying at Montage Laguna Beach or considering the Treasure Island area for your proposal, I'd love to help you plan it.

Whether you're envisioning an ocean overlook, a proposal on the sand, sunset views, or something a little more private, I'll help you choose a location that fits what you're looking for and coordinate the details so you can focus on the person you're proposing to.