A Rainy Surprise Proposal at Escambrón Beach That Almost Didn’t Happen

Amber & David

     As a wedding photographer in Puerto Rico, I’ve had the honor of capturing countless emotional moments—surprise proposals, elopements, destination weddings—you name it. But every once in a while, a session comes along that truly tests your patience, creativity, and ability to think on your feet. This was one of those moments.

The Proposal That Almost Didn’t Happen

The bling

       I recently joined forces once again with The Heart Bandits, the world’s premier marriage proposal planners. We’ve collaborated multiple times to help couples plan unforgettable surprise proposals across Puerto Rico, and each one has been uniquely special.

     This time, it was David’s turn—a kind-hearted young man from Dallas, Texas who wanted to propose to his girlfriend of over two years, Amber, while vacationing in San Juan. For David, two years was all it took to know Amber was the one. He envisioned a magical proposal on the golden sands of Escambrón Beach, just before sunset.

But nature had other plans.

A Stormy Setback at Escambrón Beach

A long-awaited kiss

     We were scheduled to kick things off at 4:15 p.m., with a romantic beachfront setup near Old San Juan. Like any seasoned Puerto Rico wedding photographer, I always arrive early—especially when dealing with outdoor locations. It’s part of what makes me reliable in a field where timing and weather can make or break the moment.

      As soon as I parked my car near the beach, the sky opened up. A torrential downpour drenched the area, threatening to wash away not only the decorations but the proposal itself. The decorator, who had been monitoring the forecast since morning, messaged me with concern. Her fears were becoming a reality.

    We quickly started a group text with David, who was understandably stressed. The couple was flying back to Texas the very next morning, which meant rescheduling wasn’t an option. If this proposal didn’t happen that evening, it simply wouldn’t happen in Puerto Rico.

Plan B: A Last-Minute Backup Option

So wholesome

     In true proposal-planner fashion, we brainstormed alternatives. Could we move the proposal to his Airbnb? It was small, but it might work. We considered lighting, space for decor, and whether it would still feel special enough for this once-in-a-lifetime moment. It was far from ideal, but better than no proposal at all. Meanwhile, we continued monitoring the weather—and crossing our fingers.

A Drizzly Opportunity

A toast to us

     At around 5:15 p.m., nearly an hour after the original start time, the rain slowed to a manageable drizzle. It wasn’t sunny. It wasn’t clear. But it was possible. That was all we needed.

     The decorator rushed to finish the setup. I began positioning myself for the big reveal. David led Amber to the spot—rain-kissed and radiant—and got down on one knee. She said yes.

Capturing Love in Any Weather

Offset love

     Despite the soggy circumstances, the photos turned out beautifully. There’s something uniquely romantic about a proposal in the rain. The soft light, the glistening surfaces, the intimacy of two people focused solely on each other while the world blurs around them—it all came together to create something magical.

     As one of many Puerto Rico wedding photographers who specializes in surprise proposals, I can say with confidence: flexibility is everything. Whether it’s navigating unpredictable weather or finding creative ways to preserve the moment, being adaptable is key to delivering timeless results.

Why Puerto Rico Is Perfect for Surprise Proposals

Admiration

     Puerto Rico continues to be one of the top destinations for surprise proposals and weddings alike. From historic Old San Juan to lush rainforests and pristine beaches, the island offers an endless variety of stunning backdrops for romantic milestones.

     Even when the weather throws you a curveball, the beauty of the island—and the emotion of the moment—shines through. As a wedding photographer in Puerto Rico, I consider it a privilege to be part of these unforgettable experiences.

Planning a Proposal or Wedding in Puerto Rico?

     Whether you're looking for a surprise proposal photographer or you're planning your dream destination wedding, I’d love to help you capture it all. I bring experience, creativity, and a calm presence to every shoot—no matter the forecast. Let’s make magic together.

A Surprise Proposal at Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Engagement Photography in Puerto Rico

She didn’t see it coming.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a luxury engagement in Puerto Rico, there’s no place quite as breathtaking as Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Tucked along the northern coast of the island, this iconic five-star resort offers not only privacy and elegance but also the perfect setting for unforgettable moments—especially when it comes to surprise marriage proposals.

This is the story of José and Gabriela, a beautiful Venezuelan couple currently living in West Palm Beach, Florida, who decided to take their love to the next level while vacationing in Puerto Rico. And I had the absolute honor of being their surprise engagement photographer.

A Facebook Post That Led to Forever

Legend has it she’s still processing.

About a month ago, I stumbled across a growing Facebook group dedicated to travel in Puerto Rico. It’s not uncommon to see people asking for recommendations, especially for photographers in Puerto Rico. But by the time I catch these posts, there are usually dozens of comments—Instagram handles, websites, and email addresses all vying for attention.

Normally, I prefer to stand out by privately messaging the person who posted. But this time, the post was anonymous. With no way to message the author directly, I left behind a way to be contacted and hoped for the best.

A few days later, José reached out. He revealed he was the person behind the anonymous post and that he’d been impressed by my work on social media. I was eager to hop on a call, but José mentioned that Gabriela was nearby and he couldn’t risk spoiling the surprise. We agreed I’d reach out later to avoid raising any suspicion.

Setting the Scene at Cao – Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico

What a pair of gorgeous human beings!

Eventually, we got to talk. I learned that both José and Gabriela are Venezuelan and had planned a trip to Puerto Rico for a luxurious getaway. José had made dinner reservations at Cao, the exquisite fine dining restaurant inside Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve—a venue known for its impeccable service, beachfront ambiance, and romantic energy. It was the perfect place to propose.

On the day of the proposal, I arrived extra early. The staff was already aware of what was about to unfold and kindly helped set the stage. I found the ideal spot—at a table with a perfect view of the one José and Gabriela would be seated at. Because Gabriela didn’t know who I was, I didn’t need to hide—just blend in and wait for the signal.

The Secret Signal and the Big Moment

Bling bling.

Before they arrived, I texted José a photo of their designated table to help him situate himself according to the sunlight. Timing was key, and Golden Hour was on our side.

Our cue? A simple yet effective gesture: José would fold his napkin into a perfect square and place it on the bottom left corner of the table. That would be my signal to prepare for the proposal.

Sure enough, I saw the napkin. I got up, positioned myself, and watched as José dropped to one knee. Gabriela, so focused on him, didn’t even notice me snapping away. Her face lit up with pure joy. She said “yes” with such passion that the moment practically radiated through my lens.

From Engagement to Golden Hour Beach Portraits

Glorious day.

After capturing about fifty candid shots of the proposal and celebration, I introduced myself to Gabriela, who was still soaking in the moment. I gave her a moment to gather herself and then guided the newly engaged couple to the nearby beach.

With the sun setting behind them, we took romantic portraits on the sand—the kind of dreamy engagement photos every couple imagines when they think of Puerto Rico. The lighting, the love, the laughter—it was all picture-perfect.

Why Dorado Beach Is the Ultimate Proposal Destination

Grateful.

Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is one of the most luxurious and romantic destinations for engagement photography in Puerto Rico. Whether you’re planning a destination proposal, a surprise engagement, or a romantic couple’s session, this location offers a blend of elegance, natural beauty, and timeless charm. If you’re dreaming of capturing your love story in a place as magical as this, I’d be honored to help make it happen.

Planning a Surprise Proposal in Puerto Rico?

How about forever?

Whether it’s a private moment on the beach or an elegant evening at a luxury resort like Dorado Beach, I specialize in surprise proposal photography that tells your story from start to finish. From scouting the perfect location to capturing the big “yes”, I’m here to make your engagement truly unforgettable.

📩 Contact me to plan your surprise proposal or engagement session in Puerto Rico.

A Magical Surprise Proposal in Condado, Puerto Rico

She didn’t see it coming.

     Nothing compares to the excitement of a surprise proposal, especially when it takes place in a breathtaking location like Condado, Puerto Rico. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to capture yet another unforgettable moment with The Heart Bandits, a premier marriage proposal planning company. This time, I worked alongside Jordan, a thoughtful gentleman from Los Angeles, California, as he planned the perfect way to ask the love of his life, Chelsey, to marry him.

The Love Story

Knee hurt for too long.

     Jordan and Chelsey’s love story began over two years ago at a bar in Los Angeles, where a chance encounter turned into a lifelong connection. From that moment on, Jordan knew Chelsey was special. Now, standing on a pristine beach in Puerto Rico, he was ready to take their love to the next level in an unforgettable way.

The Romantic Setup on Condado Beach

He covered all the bases.

     Condado Beach is a stunning location for a proposal in Puerto Rico, offering golden sands, turquoise waters, and a magical sunset backdrop. To make the moment even more special, we set the scene with a giant illuminated "MARRY ME" sign, glowing warmly as the sun began to set. A delicate trail of red roses led to a beautifully placed brown carpet, where Jordan would soon get down on one knee.

The Big Moment

Over the moon.

     As they walked along the beach, Chelsey had no idea what was about to happen. Jordan, playing it cool, casually strolled past the setup with her, hand in hand. But then, in a beautifully orchestrated moment, he gently guided her toward the proposal display.

     The realization hit Chelsey like a wave—her jaw dropped, her eyes filled with emotion, and in that instant, she knew exactly what was happening. Jordan dropped to one knee, and with the ocean breeze surrounding them, he asked her to be his forever. Without hesitation, Chelsey said "YES!" and joy radiated from them both.

The Celebration

What a gorgeous couple!

     To celebrate, Jordan popped open a bottle of chilled champagne, playfully sprinkling a bit in my direction before taking a victorious swig straight from the bottle. The moment was raw, real, and full of energy. After the excitement settled, the couple clinked glasses and took in the last few golden rays of the sun, basking in their newly engaged bliss.

Capturing the Magic with Photography

You remember these moments forever.

     For this session, I brought along my brand-new Godox AD200 Pro II flash to ensure I could perfectly balance the fading natural light with artificial lighting. This allowed me to create stunning, dramatic portraits that truly reflected the magic of the moment. I love when couples take their time embracing the moment, giving me the chance to capture those candid, intimate portraits that define my photography style.

Planning a Proposal in Puerto Rico? Here’s What You Need to Know!

Surreal.

     If you’re considering proposing in Puerto Rico, you’re making an excellent choice. This tropical paradise offers a variety of stunning locations, from secluded beaches and lush rainforests to historic sites like Old San Juan. Here are a few tips for planning the perfect proposal:

1. Choose the Right Location: Puerto Rico has no shortage of breathtaking proposal spots. Consider Condado Beach for its romantic atmosphere, El Yunque for an adventurous backdrop, or Castillo San Felipe del Morro for a historic setting.

2. Hire a Professional Photographer: A surprise proposal is a once-in-a-lifetime moment—you’ll want every emotion captured perfectly. A professional wedding photographer in Puerto Rico (like myself!) can discreetly document the moment while ensuring stunning photos to cherish forever.

3. Consider a Proposal Planner: Companies like The Heart Bandits specialize in creating unforgettable proposals, taking care of all the details so you can focus on the big moment.

4. Time It Right: Sunset proposals in Puerto Rico are absolutely breathtaking, offering warm, golden light that enhances the romantic atmosphere.

Book Your Surprise Proposal Photography in Puerto Rico

Cheers to us.

     If you’re planning to propose in Puerto Rico and want a photographer who can capture every emotion, candid moment, and stunning detail, I’d love to be part of your special day. Reach out today to book your surprise proposal photography session and let’s create memories that will last a lifetime.

     Jordan and Chelsey’s proposal was nothing short of magical. Capturing their raw emotions, the joy in their eyes, and the love between them reminded me once again why I’m so passionate about what I do. Puerto Rico is an idyllic destination for proposals, and I can’t wait to document more love stories like theirs.

A Stunning Surprise Marriage Proposal in Condado, Puerto Rico

Ariel & Nate

     There’s something truly magical about a surprise proposal in Puerto Rico, especially when it takes place in the heart of Condado—one of the island’s most vibrant and sought-after locations. Recently, I had the honor of capturing one of the most exciting yet challenging proposals of my career as a wedding photographer in Puerto Rico, and it’s a story worth telling.

The Love Story: Nate & Ariel

Lovebirds.

     Nate and Ariel’s love story began during the pandemic, a time of uncertainty that led to an unbreakable bond. Fast forward to the present, and Nate knew it was time to take their relationship to the next level. He planned an intimate and heartfelt surprise proposal in Puerto Rico, choosing a stunning Airbnb in Condado as the perfect setting to pop the question.

The Challenges of the Venue

The big moment.

     While the Airbnb was nothing short of accomodating, it presented one unique challenge—it had a tiny balcony. As any experienced Puerto Rico wedding photographer knows, space constraints can make or break the composition of a perfect shot. Thankfully, Sindy from Home Glamp was in charge of decorating the balcony, transforming it into a dreamy proposal setup complete with a white backdrop, red roses, a tiny red carpet, and a glowing “Will You Marry Me?” neon sign. Though the decorations were breathtaking, they further minimized the already limited space, making my job as a photographer even more intricate.

A Photographer’s Strategy: Adapting to the Space

The Kiss.

     Arriving early to assess the setup and logistics, I introduced myself to Nate and let him know that due to the tight space, I’d have to use a wide-angle lens instead of my preferred 85mm portrait lens. Wide angles are excellent for capturing the full scene, but they’re not always the most flattering for close-ups. Nonetheless, we made it work, and I was ready for the big moment.

     But there was a catch—since Ariel had no idea what was about to happen, I had to hide in her future mother-in-law’s room to avoid spoiling the surprise. With Ariel out enjoying a relaxing spa massage, I patiently waited for my cue. One of her friends was assigned to knock on the door when it was time for me to sneak out and start capturing the moment.

The Moment of a Lifetime

On cloud nine.

     As fate would have it, Nate’s nerves got the best of him, and in his excitement, he accidentally locked the door behind him as he led Ariel onto the balcony. Her mother had to quietly open the door just enough for me to slip my camera through and start documenting the unforgettable moment.

     The second Nate dropped to one knee, time stood still. With Condado as the backdrop, Ariel was overwhelmed with emotion as she realized what was happening. A few heartbeats later, she joyfully said “yes,” marking the beginning of their forever.

Capturing Their Love Story

Family.

    Once the surprise proposal in Puerto Rico was successfully captured, I took things a step further. I got creative with angles, utilized the balcony’s unique perspective, and even introduced a flash to bring out the romantic atmosphere. To add variety, I suggested a few cozy indoor shots on the Airbnb’s plush sofa, which resulted in some truly heartfelt images of the newly engaged couple.

Why a Surprise Proposal in Puerto Rico is the Perfect Choice

Us.

     Puerto Rico offers the ultimate destination for a dream proposal. Whether it’s an intimate Airbnb setup, a beachfront sunset moment, or a luxurious hotel rooftop, the island’s beauty elevates every proposal to something truly unforgettable. As a sought-after Puerto Rico wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless engagements, and each one has been uniquely special.

Planning Your Own Surprise Proposal in Puerto Rico?

Cheers to forever.

     If you’re thinking about proposing in Puerto Rico, take inspiration from Nate and Ariel’s story. A little planning, the right location, and a professional wedding photographer in Puerto Rico can turn your proposal into a cherished memory that lasts a lifetime. I specialize in documenting these once-in-a-lifetime moments with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling.

     Whether you’re planning a grand gesture or an intimate proposal, I’d love to help you capture it all. Reach out today, and let’s create something unforgettable together!

     This beautifully captured surprise proposal in Puerto Rico was brought to life with the help of The Heart Bandits, a premier surprise marriage proposal planning company based in Los Angeles, California. Their expertise, combined with the breathtaking scenery of Condado, made this an unforgettable event for everyone involved.

A Dreamy Surprise Marriage Proposal in Condado Beach, Puerto Rico

She said yes!

     Few moments in life are as magical as a surprise marriage proposal, and when it happens on the stunning shores of Condado Beach, Puerto Rico, the romance is unmatched. As a destination wedding photographer, I had the privilege of capturing a truly unforgettable proposal planned by The Heart Bandits, beautifully decorated by Home Glamp, and brought to life by Alonzo and Yolanda, a couple from Indiana who traveled to Puerto Rico for their special moment.

Planning the Perfect Proposal

The runway

     Alonzo reached out to me ahead of time for an introductory online meeting—a thoughtful step I always encourage to break the ice and discuss logistics. He had flown in just two days before the proposal and was eager to ensure everything went smoothly. Thankfully, he wasn’t nervous about Yolanda’s answer—just about making the moment perfect.

     The proposal was arranged by Michelle from The Heart Bandits, a company known for curating spectacular surprise engagements. She sent out a coordination email to all vendors, setting the stage for a seamless event. The setup was designed by Sindy from Home Glamp, whose specialty is creating breathtaking picnic-style settings for proposals, birthdays, and anniversaries. I was scheduled to arrive at 5:15 p.m., allowing time to capture images of the décor before the big moment.

The Unexpected Early Arrival

Rosey afternoon

     Upon arriving at the beach, I reintroduced myself to Sindy (we had collaborated once before) and even assisted in speeding up the final touches of the setup. Then, my phone rang—Alonzo was checking in on progress. Sindy assured me she needed just ten more minutes to finalize everything, so I let him know we were almost ready.

     But in a surprising twist, Alonzo, Yolanda, and a group of about eight friends and family appeared on the horizon just two minutes later! With Sindy still working and me out of position, I had to think quickly. I sprinted behind a palm tree to stay hidden, waiting for the perfect moment.

The Big Moment

Bling bling

     Alonzo led Yolanda onto the red carpet laid out on the sand, positioned right next to the water. The golden-hour sunlight painted the sky in soft hues, setting the perfect ambiance. As he dropped to one knee, I clicked away, capturing every second of their emotional exchange.

     With a joyous “Yes!”, Yolanda sealed the moment, and cheers erupted from their loved ones. It was a scene of pure love and happiness, framed by the beauty of Puerto Rico’s coastline.

A Whirlwind Celebration

Kids

     After a quick twenty-minute photo session, the couple surprised me once again—they were in a hurry to leave. When I asked why, they excitedly revealed their next destination: Plaza Las Américas Mall, where they hoped to obtain their marriage license! They were eager to turn their romantic getaway into the start of their forever.

     Two days later, I delivered their beautifully edited proposal photos, and they responded with even bigger news—they had successfully gotten their marriage certificate! In just a few short days, their journey from surprise proposal to official marriage was complete.

Why Puerto Rico is the Perfect Proposal Destination

Stop and smell the flowers.

     Alonzo and Yolanda’s story is a testament to why Puerto Rico is an incredible location for destination proposals and elopements. With its breathtaking beaches, luxurious venues, and quick marriage process, it offers couples the opportunity to create unforgettable memories with minimal stress.

     If you’re considering proposing in Puerto Rico, let’s make it an experience you’ll never forget! As a destination wedding photographer, I’m here to capture your love story with stunning imagery that lasts a lifetime. Reach out today to start planning your perfect proposal!