Surprise Engagement Drone Video and Photography in Pacific Grove with Tim and Anna and Goose
This surprise engagement drone flight and photo shoot was long in the works. Tim first contacted me a few months ago when we started discussing locations and ideas for how to pull off this surprise! The location Tim chose, I knew very well since I walk the Pacific Grove coast often myself. I knew exactly where the spot was he showed me in just one reference photo! With the location decided, then how to capture the candid engagement moment? Tim ultimately chose for the actual real, candid moment to be recorded with drone video (see the above video). I got there early with my assistant, Felix, and was in position with the drone already in the air so I could capture their walk up and approach to the coastline. Tim told me he stoop down and pick up three shells, and the third would have the ring hidden under it, so that was my signal. Being as discrete as possible I had the drone hovering near the couple, and as I saw him make his move, I slowly brought the drone in closer and closer until you can see in the video Goose started barking at it, but by that time I had already recorded the actual proposal moment!
After the actual surprise engagement proposal, I put the drone away and took out my camera and had Felix position the off camera lighting to recreate the proposal moment, with great acting done on Anna’s part. This allows for unique, studio quality photos of the question being popped! From there we moved on to more engagement portraits along the coast before I sent the drone up again to capture them naturally walking and exploring the coast. I really like the log walk moment in particular!
Thank you Tim for choosing me as your drone pilot and photographer. It was definitely one of the more emotional photography experiences I have had in my career and congratulations again to you and Anna! And I am glad to have gotten some pets with Goose too!
Planning a Surprise Proposal in Pacific Grove, or Monterey, or Carmel, or Big Sur? Professional Photo & Drone Coverage Available
If you are planning a surprise engagement on the Monterey Peninsula, having an experienced local photographer and certified drone pilot makes all the difference. I specialize in discreet, carefully planned surprise proposal photography and drone video throughout Pacific Grove, Monterey, Carmel, Pebble Beach, and Big Sur, working closely with you ahead of time to choose locations, plan timing, and capture the moment without disrupting it. From cinematic drone footage of the proposal itself, to beautifully lit engagement portraits, emotional black and white images, detailed ring photographs, and dramatic aerial views of the coastline, every part of the story is thoughtfully documented. If you are traveling from out of state or planning something once-in-a-lifetime in this area, I would be glad to help you create engagement photos and video that feel authentic, intentional, and truly unforgettable. Use the buttons below to contact me today!
Surprise Engagement Proposal Photography on the Pacific Grove Coast
These images capture the moment everyone dreams of — the ring, the emotion, and the story of the proposal itself. For this shoot, I recreated the proposal moment after the surprise so I could use off-camera lighting to achieve studio-quality results while still keeping the natural beauty of the Pacific Grove coastline. This approach allows couples to relive the proposal with beautifully lit, polished images that preserve the feeling of the moment without the pressure of everything having to be perfect in a single split second.
Emotional Black & White Engagement Portraits by the Ocean
Black and white portraits remove distractions and focus entirely on emotion, connection, and expression. These images of Tim and Anna — joined by their beloved dog Goose — highlight genuine reactions against the dramatic backdrop of the Pacific Grove coast. This style of portrait works especially well for couples who want timeless, art-driven images that feel intimate and meaningful, while still showcasing the powerful landscape that made their engagement so memorable.
Engagement Ring Detail Photography on the California Coast
Close-up photographs of the engagement ring are an important part of telling the full story of the proposal. These images highlight craftsmanship, sparkle, and symbolism — both on the hand and placed naturally within the rugged coastal environment where the proposal took place. Ring detail photos are perfect for announcements, social media sharing, and keepsakes, and they help complete the visual narrative of the engagement day in a thoughtful, intentional way.
Aerial Drone Engagement Photography Above the Pacific Grove Coastline
Drone photography adds a cinematic perspective that simply is not possible from the ground. For this engagement, the couple climbed onto a dramatic rock formation, allowing aerial photos to showcase not just the couple, but the scale and beauty of the Pacific Grove coastline surrounding them. These images create a sense of place and adventure — perfect for couples who want something truly unique and memorable from their engagement session. As a certified drone pilot, I’m able to safely and creatively incorporate aerial imagery that elevates the entire experience.