A surprise proposal
in Ponce Inlet.

Choose the exact spot before the day.

Lighthouse Point Park gives us boardwalks, beach access, and views around the inlet. Those are different settings, even within the same park. Before the day, we'll agree on where you'll stop and where I'll be with the camera.

Think about what would feel normal for the two of you. A walk toward the beach can give you a reason to be there without explaining much. If the lighthouse matters to you, say so while we're choosing the angle. Being near it doesn't mean it will appear behind you in every photograph.

The park entrance is at 5000 S. Atlantic Avenue. The lighthouse attraction has a separate entrance outside the park, so make sure we're talking about the same place. Check the county's Lighthouse Point Park information for current hours, admission, and access updates before making plans.

Work out the quiet details in advance.

We'll need a way to recognize each other, a clear route to the spot, and a way to communicate that your partner won't see. Tell me if you share an inbox or if a phone notification could spoil things.

For Dierick and Paulina's proposal, I dressed casually and pretended to photograph nature along the boardwalk. As they walked toward the beach, I moved behind them to photograph the proposal. That approach fit their plan; we'll talk through what fits yours.

• Share what you'll be wearing and how you'll approach the spot.
• Agree on where to stop and which direction to face.
• Choose a discreet signal and a way to reach each other if you're delayed.
• Decide beforehand what to do if the spot is busy.

Once you're there, you can focus on what you want to say. The planning is there so you don't have to keep checking for the camera.

Leave daylight for what happens afterward.

If you're picturing evening photos, plan the proposal before the light you want for portraits. Proposing at the very end of sunset leaves little time to take photographs together afterward. We'll choose a start time around your date and the spot, with time to park and walk in.

Tell me about dinner reservations or other plans too. It helps to know whether we have time to wander along the beach or need to stay close to the entrance.

Have a weather backup you can use.

Before the day, talk through whether a different time or date would work and how we would communicate a change. If you're visiting Daytona Beach or staying nearby, include your travel dates so we know what flexibility you have. Any change needs to fit both your plans and my availability.

A backup should also account for access and crowds. A sheltered spot isn't automatically an available proposal location, and a public boardwalk needs to stay open for other visitors.

Give yourselves a moment, then take some photos.

After the proposal, I'll introduce myself and help with portraits. You don't need to arrive knowing how to pose. We can keep walking, find another background, and make room for a few closer photographs of the two of you and the ring.

If family or friends will be waiting nearby, tell me ahead of time. We can account for their arrival and the group photographs you'd like. For a longer engagement session with outfit changes or another location, we can plan that separately.

Browse my engagement and couples portfolio for more examples of my work, or see recent sessions on the blog.