How to Plan a Big Sur Proposal
Big Sur proposals are popular for good reason! With the beautiful coasts as well as the towering redwoods, Big Sur offers a variety of options for asking the big question. If you’re thinking about asking your partner to spend the rest of their lives with you, Big Sur is the perfect place. Keep reading this blog post to learn how to plan your Big Sur proposal!
Locations:
These photos are meant for you to carry with you through life as a reminder of this season. When it comes to choosing a location, you want to pick somewhere that holds meaning to your relationship. I’m guessing you picked Big Sur because it’s somewhere you love visiting or somewhere you’ve always wanted to see. Depending on what you’re envisioning, we can shoot at the cliffs of Garrapata State Park or take in the amazing rocks at Pfeiffer Beach! If you’re wanting something not as public, you can rent a luxury cabin at Glen Oaks or one of the cool glamping rooms at Alila Ventana! What I’m saying is that Big Sur has so many locations to choose from.
Some of my favorite spots are:
Ribera Beach
When to ask:
The best time of day in my opinion is an hour or two before sunset or an hour after sunrise! The golden light around these times are chef’s kiss. Sometimes these times don’t align with your schedule for the day, however, and that’s okay! I’m very comfortable shooting in the direct sunlight you get in the middle of the day and if that works better for you and your partner, let’s make it happen! This proposal was shot at 10 in the morning and it still turned out beautifully!
What to wear:
I know it can feel daunting to find the perfect looks for your session. While some clients prefer to go out and buy a new outfit that makes them feel like Beyonce, I find that a lot of couples are comfortable in clothing they already own. Dig through your closet and see what catches your eye? What do you reach for the most? The last thing I want is for you to feel like you have to dress or look a certain way that feels unnatural to you!
Shoes: One of my most important tips for shooting in Big Sur particularly is to wear sneakers/hiking boots if you can! If you can’t swing that, I really suggest wearing some kind of closed toe shoe that you can hike in. Wearing sandals/heels isn’t recommended because of poison oak and the inability to get to some of the really cool spots Big Sur has to offer! The coast also tends to be windy so I suggest layering as well.
Decor: Accessories & props can really make your session feel more like you. If you enjoy date nights with picnics, you could bring a blanket and a bottle of wine to incorporate that into your session! If you’re wanting to hire a company to set up a cute little picnic to celebrate you pop the question, I highly recommend Pillows and Picnics. There aren’t a lot of places along the coast to set up so I either recommend the beach or ask me about a specific spot I know of!
Places to stay:
Monterey/Carmel:
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel + Spa
Monterey Marriott (Pet Friendly)
Carmel Mission Inn (pet friendly)
Big Sur:
Ventana Big Sur Glampground (pet friendly)
Big Sur Lodge (pet friendly)
Things to do:
Big Sur:
- Get some fresh baked goodies at Big Sur Bakery
- Plan a dinner overlooking the beautiful coast at Nepenthe
- Drive down the coast and make a pit stop at the famous Bixby Bridge
- Visit Pfeiffer Beach and take a look at the iconic keyhole rock
- Hike at the gorgeous Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Monterey/Carmel:
- Visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and see the sea otters!
- Eat some yummy seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey
- Go whale watching in the Pacific Ocean
- Grab some coffee at the cutest coffee shop/bookstore Bookworks
- Take a stroll around downtown Carmel and window shop
- Take a drive down the scenic 17-mile drive
Before the shoot:
Proposals are SO much fun but can be very nerve wracking. I’m here to help! It’s very important to be on the same page (especially if it’s in Big Sur since there typically is no cell service) for your proposal. Whether it be a complete surprise or a photoshoot planned proposal, we got this!
I usually like to plan a phone call where we can discuss what you’re planning on doing and how you want to ask. If you want me to hide, that’s fine! I will get to the location early and pretend to be a hiker while keeping an eye out for you both. I like to know what you’re wearing so that I can easily spot you as well!
Let’s plan a phone call and get you engaged!!
After the session:
I’ll always send a few sneak peeks within 24 hours of our session! Every shoot, I head home bursting with excitement to work on the photos–as stoked as you are to see them, I’m equally itching to share the magic we created. You will receive the full gallery within 2-4 weeks. I’ll keep you in the loop so you know exactly when to expect the photos. When they’re ready, you’ll receive a link to an online gallery where you can download and share with friends/family.
You ready?!
Was this how to plan a Big Sur proposal blog helpful to you? Are you ready to dive in and ask your special someone to marry you? Head over to the contact page to send over an inquiry and let’s get you engaged!
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