Romance Requires Planning

I received a phone call from a woman asking if I was available to shoot at a Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay proposal. I asked her for some details and such and it turns out she was asking on behalf of her brother! This proposal was going to be a complete surprise. Wil and Anastasia have been together since the spring of 2017. Their relationship grew, they got a puppy together, life was going very well for this happy couple and Wil wanted to move their relationship to the next level.

Wil wanted to use the pup to ask Anastasia to marry him on the beach at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay. He had a whole plan set up. They were staying for the weekend with the pup, and after dinner, he would suggest they take the pup for a walk on the beach as they would be dressed up. I felt like this was an episode of a TV show and I immediately agreed to do it. There’s something so special about capturing a pivotal wonderful moment in a couple’s journey together, especially if it’s a surprise!

A Surprise Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay Proposal

I had some concerns that the weather would be typical northern California coastal weather. Cold and foggy. Or that the beaches would be packed but that wasn’t the case.

The day of the proposal came and the skies were beautiful, the wind was minimal, and the beach was pretty empty. Except for me, who was hiding in plain sight! Anastasia didn’t even notice that I was there for them as Wil got down on one knee and showed her the framed picture of their pup with a ring in front of her. Around the frame it said, “Mommy, will you marry Daddy?” Anastasia was completely and utterly surprised!

There were about 5 solid minutes of happy jumping around by Anastasia and the pup and she looked at Wil, (still kneeling) and said, “Yes!” He placed the real ring on her finger, and the rest, as they say, is history. Well, not history yet, as their wedding is set for April of 2019!

Congrats Anastasia and Wil! To many more long walks on the beach.