destin and Santa Rosa beach 30a photographers - a surprise proposal

Caitie Beth Nelson

30A and Destin Photographer

It takes a team to help pull off the perfect surprise proposal. Read more to see how we pulled off this surprise beach proposal! 

Earlier in the summer, Rebecca contacted me about a surprise proposal.  She was helping her sister's beau, Luke, set everything up for this event.  I was pretty excited when she reached out to us to help make this happen. Surprise beach proposals are nothing new for Amy and me!  We absolutely LOVE getting in on the planning and the excitement.  

Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, and the communities along scenic highway 30a are popular family vacation destinations.  It's no surprise that so many proposals happen during family vacations here!  It's such a special event. Why not do it during a time when everyone is gathered on the world's most beautiful beach?

As I've done in the past with other surprise proposals, I brought my daughter, Charlotte, along.  We went undercover as tourists so that no one would suspect a thing!  Charlotte and I headed down to the beach access where the family was staying.  We were enjoying the waves and the wild life as the sun was setting.  

It was extra beautiful that evening along 30a.  In July and August we tend to get thunderstorms off the Gulf of Mexico.  They usually clear up before our sessions begin, and when they do, we are left with the most stunning skies.  The sunlight is softened by the clouds and the colors can sometimes be very vivid.

As Charlotte was playing in the waves we waited for Emily, Luke, and his parents to come strolling by.  I was in contact with Luke's mom so that the timing and location would be perfect!  I was just a mom with her camera hanging out on the beach with my kiddo.  ;-)

When they began to walk by where we were playing, Luke's mom pulled Emily and Luke over to the shoreline for a picture together.  I hopped up and offered to take a picture with my camera and put them into position.  That's when Luke began his proposal, and then dropped to his knee.

This blue heron was hanging around for the big event! It's like he knew and wanted to be in on the action.  

Our session was brief, but it was so sweet and full of joy.  I absolutely loved the warmth and connection between the two of them.  The cherry on top was the excitement from Luke's parents.  As a mom of 3 boys, I hope I'm just as over-the-moon as his mother was when it's time for me to gain a daughter-in-law!

Congratulations to Luke and Emily!  We are so happy for you and your family.  

Being a beach photographer is the best job ever! It is something Amy and I have worked very hard at learning and perfecting!  Do your research when choosing a beach portrait photographer. Don't be shy, call him or her.  Ask questions!  Get a feel of their attitude and professionalism.  The clients we serve are usually in the Santa Rosa Beach,30A, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Seaside, Inlet Beach, Destin, Seagrove Beach and Grayton Beach areas which means we serve a lot of vacationers.  Your time is precious, so don't just hire any beach photographer for your portrait session!  If Amy and I are both booked we always refer our clients to other trusted local professional photographers.  Contact us if you'd like to book or if you have any questions.  We love to help!

Love,

Caitie