Some love stories feel like they belong in a Hallmark movie, and Hassam & Sarah’s proposal at Sea Ranch was exactly that. Traveling from San Francisco for a relaxing weekend getaway, Hassam had much more in store than Sarah anticipated.

A Perfect Weekend at Sea Ranch 

The couple arrived at their cozy Airbnb tucked along the cliffs of Sea Ranch, a peaceful retreat from the city’s bustle. Little did Sarah know, Hassam had been carefully planning this trip for weeks, down to the moment he would ask her to spend forever with him.

On Saturday, as the coastal breeze rustled through the grass and the ocean waves crashed below, Hassam led Sarah to a stunning viewpoint. As he dropped to one knee, her world seemed to stand still. The pure joy and love radiated from them both as Sarah said, “Yes!”

A Sweet and Surprising Twist 
In the midst of happy tears, Sarah noticed me off in the distance with my camera and turned to Hassam with a smile, asking, “Are those people taking photos of us?” The realization that he had planned for their engagement to be photographed made her beam with even more love.

After capturing the emotional proposal, we spent the remaining daylight wandering along the cliffs near their Airbnb. With every step, Sarah and Hassam shared laughter, exchanged sweet glances, and recounted how he had secretly orchestrated the weekend. The golden hour light painted their love story beautifully across the Sea Ranch cliffs, creating timeless photos they’ll treasure forever.

 Tips for Keeping a Proposal a Surprise 

Planning a surprise proposal can be tricky, but Hassam nailed it. Here are a few tips to help you keep your big moment a secret:

1. Choose a Meaningful but Believable Location: 
Hassam picked Sea Ranch, a peaceful getaway they both loved, which didn’t raise suspicion. Think about a spot that feels natural for your relationship.

2. Involve a Photographer Early On:
Hiring a photographer allows you to document the moment while staying in the background. Coordinate a signal or timeline to ensure they capture every moment without being noticed.

3. Create a Distraction: 
Hassam planned a relaxed weekend getaway, which kept Sarah in a blissful mindset without overthinking. A casual plan can be the perfect cover for something extraordinary.

4. Prep Subtle Details:
Hassam suggested Sarah dress for the day, ensuring she felt confident and photo-ready. A simple, “Let’s take some nice photos on our trip!” works wonders.

5. Stick to the Plan, but Stay Flexible:
The best proposals feel effortless. If something doesn’t go as expected, embrace the moment—your partner will remember the love, not the logistics.

Ready to Pop the Question? 
Documenting proposals is one of my favorite parts of being a photographer. The raw emotions, joyful surprises, and intimate moments are memories that deserve to be cherished forever.

If you're planning to propose, let’s make it extraordinary! I’ll help you plan every detail to ensure your partner has no idea what’s coming—and that you’ll walk away with beautiful photos to relive the day.

Get in touch today to book your surprise proposal session!

Whether it’s on a windswept cliff or in a cozy vineyard, capturing love stories like Hassam & Sarah’s makes my heart so full. Congratulations again to this sweet couple!

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