When Grayson called to book me for his surprise proposal to Reana at Cannon Beach, I knew we had to create something unforgettable for them. During our initial conversation, we discussed several setup options. We ultimately decided on a romantic half-moon of flowers arranged in the sand. Elegant, impactful, and perfectly framed by Cannon Beach’s iconic coastline.
The key to any surprise proposal is seamless execution. On the morning of the proposal, I started early with a trip to Trader Joe’s to gather our floral elements. For $55, I was able to create a stunning arrangement using assorted white flowers that would photograph beautifully against the neutral sand and dramatic Oregon coast backdrop.
Once I arrived at Cannon Beach, I spent about 30 minutes carefully arranging the half-moon of flowers in the sand. Then came the most crucial part: waiting and blending in. As a photographer, becoming invisible is essential during surprise proposals. I disguised myself among the tourists, camera ready (but hidden) with my 28-70mm lens to capture the moment from a distance without being detected. And allowing them to enjoy the moment without feeling like a spectacle.
Watching Grayson get down on one knee within our carefully planned floral setup, seeing Reana surprise and joy…these are the moments that make surprise proposal photography so rewarding.
Every surprise proposal is unique, but the planning process remains consistent: thoughtful communication, careful preparation, and the ability to capture raw emotion while remaining completely unnoticed. Grayson and Reana’s Cannon Beach proposal was a perfect example of how a simple concept, executed flawlessly, creates memories that last a lifetime.
If you are planning a surprise proposal and are looking for the perfect photographer to document it, I would love to chat with you!
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