In January, I received an email that looked like this:

"Hello, I am planning on proposing to my boyfriend in PR. I was really touched by your photography and wanted to see if you have the time and interest in photographing the moment of proposal? Look forward to hearing from you. —Patrick"

We started planning right away. Patrick was torn between proposing at El Yunque Rainforest or the resort where they would be staying, what was then the St. Regis Bahia Beach, now rebranded as the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico in Rio Grande. So I put together a little pros and cons list for each location from a photography standpoint. I'm sharing it here because it genuinely helps narrow things down if you're still deciding (hint, hint...)

Planning a Proposal in Puerto Rico: El Yunque vs. the Four Seasons

Proposal at El Yunque Rainforest:

• Environment & Mood: Hiking is casual, so popping the question there would feel completely unexpected.
• Logistics: Popular trails have tourists walking back and forth, and going off-trail makes it hard to plan the exact spot.
• Lighting: The best time to photograph at El Yunque is early morning, at 8am. The canopy is so thick that the sun barely comes through the rest of the day.
• Crowds: The rainforest is one of our most popular attractions, and big tour groups are to be expected.

Proposal at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico (formerly St. Regis Bahia Beach):

• Environment & Mood: This resort is intimate and romantic even in high season. The beach never feels crowded, which is great for photos. Dinner plans make a natural cover story for dressing up, and the front desk can help arrange something special.
• Logistics: Beach proposals are wonderfully easy to capture. I can shoot from a distance with a long lens so the moment stays private and intimate, even with me there. I sometimes bring a friend to pose as my subject if I need extra cover before the proposal happens.
• Lighting: April sunsets happen around 6:45pm. Starting around 5pm gives plenty of time for the proposal and portraits afterward.

Patrick settled on the Four Seasons Puerto Rico. The ocean is home to both of them, so it made perfect sense as the backdrop for this new chapter in their lives. He told Joshua they had dinner plans at 4:30pm. My assistant and I were already in position on a terrace overlooking the beautiful central patio, cameras ready.

I always get nervous at proposals, like somehow I'm the one doing the asking. And then, right on cue, five kids appeared out of nowhere and started running all over the lawn where Patrick was about to walk with Joshua. I held my breath. Eventually they scattered and the lawn went quiet again, perfectly still for the big moment.

He Said Yes! Same-sex Marriage Proposal at the Four Seasons Puerto Rico

The soon-to-be fiancés took a walk before dinner and stepped right into my camera's view. I was far enough away that I could barely see them, but I could still tell Patrick was nervous. He dropped to one knee, and Josh was stunned. He said yes! They held each other for what felt like forever, their laughter carrying all the way across the patio. It was perfect.

Patrick pointed at me from across the lawn to let Josh know I was there, and they walked over to say hello. The hotel staff appeared with champagne to celebrate. Then Patrick reached into his pocket and pulled out a second ring he had brought for himself. We started talking about what made sense, whether to wear it on the right hand until the wedding? None of us had a clear answer.

That moment stuck with me. Most wedding traditions have been shaped by centuries of cis/hetero relationships. Patrick and Joshua, like every same-sex couple, are writing their own version of these traditions, and I feel so lucky to be present for moments like this one.

After some phone calls and a round of very happy selfies, we headed back to the beach for their engagement session. They were just glowing. We walked the whole stretch of sand, wandered through the beautiful resort grounds, and then they finally headed off to that dinner reservation, this time for real.

It was such a joy to capture this story. I hope you love these photos as much as I do.

If you are planning a proposal or engagement session at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico, I would love to help you put it together. Get in touch and we can talk through all of it.

XO,
Cami