Two months before Paul and Giovanna's big day, I received his inquiry for proposal photography at what was then known as the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, now rebranded as the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico in Rio Grande.

"My girlfriend is from Puerto Rico, and I thought of proposing there, but I don't know the area well. Some aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins are there. I was thinking of something private, but I also wanted the moment captured possibly."

Although he wanted to propose intimately, he knew he wanted Giovanna's family to join them in celebration after they'd had their moment. The Four Seasons Puerto Rico, with its private beach, lush tropical gardens, and sweeping open lawns, turned out to be the perfect setting for exactly that kind of proposal.

Surprise Beach Proposal at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico

After watching several of my proposals and weddings at this resort over the years, Paul decided this was the place. He'd originally planned on the main lawn, but as you'll see, the beach had other ideas.

The Four Seasons Puerto Rico sits nestled between the El Yunque rainforest and the Atlantic Ocean in Rio Grande, about 45 minutes east of San Juan. Its secluded beach, reflection pools, and garden pathways make it one of the most naturally photogenic proposal spots on the island, and one I keep coming back to with couples planning to pop the question here.

Tips for Choosing Your Outfit

During our planning, Paul asked me what to wear for his surprise proposal at the Four Seasons Puerto Rico. Most clients go with whatever they'd wear to a nice dinner, a button-down shirt, good chinos, casual shoes, depending on their style. I work with couples from all over, so the formality shifts with each person. I will say though, skip the tux unless you want to give away the surprise!

One thing that applies to everyone: Puerto Rico is 90-degree hot and humid for most of the year. If you're sweaty people (for lack of better words), I'd recommend:

• Light linen materials
• Wearing undershirts
• Running a spot test with some drops of water on whatever you're wearing to make sure it doesn't stain too much (stay away from greys, they're annoyingly prone to sweat marks)

Surprise Beach Proposal Photos at the Four seasons Puerto Rico

So check this out. I'm ready by the lawn area, I spot a couple that looks like Paul and Giovanna (we had exchanged selfies), and I slip into full ninja-paparazzi mode. Then I watch Paul take a nerve-induced detour from our original plan.

After a split-second freakout, I see them heading through the gardens toward the beach and make a run for it. Paul kept anxiously glancing back at me, and I did my best to signal that I was right there without blowing the surprise. Once they hit the beach I was happy again. Wide-open spaces are great for photographing sudden events like theirs. He dropped to one knee, and Giovanna said yes!

After the excitement settled, I went over to congratulate them. Giovanna had no idea. We spent time doing portraits at several spots around the resort before leaving them to celebrate with their close family members.

If you're thinking about proposing at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico and want someone who knows the property well, I'd love to help you plan it. Get in touch and we can talk through timing, locations, and all the little details that make these moments feel like they happened exactly the way they were meant to.

Congratulations on your engagement, and I wish you a beautiful life full of love and health together. Thanks for having me document this moment. It was nerve-wracking and ever so delightful.

xo,
Cami