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.













This Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay proposal is perfection! What a beautiful way to propose and I love how their dog is even there! You captured it beautifully. I love how you can just feel the excitement emulating from these photos. I love your work, and I bet they are thrilled to have you shoot their wedding!
Oh what a sweet proposal story! And so awesome that his sister planned ahead for a great San Francisco photographer to be there. The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay looks like the place to get engaged! Great work.
What an adorable proposal! It’s pretty great how they happened to match for the proposal even thought it was a surprise. How did he hide the framed picture without her noticing? The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay looks like an amazing location for a proposal photo shoot in California. Great work!
A proposal on the beach is great add in a cute pup and a great photographer and it’s amazing!
Wow, what a perfect spot for an engagement! Hire Amy Thompson for your Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay engagement!!
This got me a little teary eyed! What a beautiful moment for the two of them and you captured it beautifully. The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay certainly didn’t disappoint and looks like an amazing location. Well done!
What sweet proposal photos! I’ve never heard of the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay, but this groom wins serious points for a beautiful location! It’s perfect.