As a wedding and proposal photographer living in a touristic destination, I get thousands of inquiries on surprise proposals: people of all genders, backgrounds, and interests love a good proposal story. What better way than proposing during an idyllic vacation in the Caribbean?

Many clients come to me wanting recommendations and ideas on how and where to propose in Puerto Rico. Of course, I'm always happy to guide them on their vision and show them Puerto Rico's beauty. But, Branden's case was different: he had done a fair amount of research. 

Wedding proposal planning in Puerto Rico

During his proposal planning research, Branden learned about the glorious Hacienda Siesta Alegre, a popular wedding venue in Puerto Rico for both destination and local weddings, and the location I work the most at. 

His wish was to propose underneath the iconic bridge, paved with rose petals, a picnic, and maybe candles. He also liked the idea of a picnic at the St. Regis Resort afterward. 

We discussed ideal timing so we could do photos at both locations before sunset, ditched the idea of the candles, as the sunlight would be too harsh for them to be noticeable at that time, and set a date for their "hacienda tour."

Marriage proposal day at Hacienda Siesta Alegre and St. Regis Bahia Beach

That day, I arrived early at the Hacienda, picked up the flower petals Patricia Lorraine from Lorraine's Flowers had left at the Hacienda for me, sprinkled them all underneath the bridge, and hid away. Eventually, Branden and Dee started walking around and stumbled upon the petals; he took her by the hands, knelt, and I clicked away! 

After she said yes, I came closer to congratulate them, and we walked around the Hacienda for engagement portraits. We remembered a bottle of champagne waiting for us, so they toasted, and then we went onwards to the resort.

Intimate engagement dinner at the St. Regis Bahia Beach

We still had a few minutes before dinner, so we walked around the resort and the beach doing a second set of engagement portraits before we stumbled upon the beautiful bohemian tiki hut Branden had for dinner. They sat down, and dinner began as I walked away. 

I feel very fortunate to be a part of so many happy love stories. 

xoxo,

Cami