Planning the Perfect Proposal in Humboldt County
Alex getting down on one knee to ask Amalie to be his forever! Yes, that is a slug that has some serious bling on it!
There’s something incredibly powerful about a surprise proposal—the raw emotion, the anticipation, and that life-changing moment when one person gets down on one knee, hoping for a "yes." Every proposal I capture is special, but some stand out in ways I’ll never forget.
Recently, I had the honor of photographing Alex and Amalie’s engagement in Humboldt County. Their story isn’t just about love—it’s about adventure, trust, and experiencing this breathtaking place for the first time.
The Plan: A Journey to an Unforgettable Moment
Alex reached out to me a few weeks before, letting me know he wanted to propose to Amalie. The two of them had never been to Humboldt County before—Alex was driving down from Portland, and Amalie was flying in all the way from Iowa.
They had no idea what to expect from the towering redwoods, the rugged coastline, and the hidden gems of Northern California, but they were about to make this place unforgettable.
He needed someone who could help plan the perfect moment, stay invisible until the time was right, and capture it all flawlessly. That’s a lot of trust to put into a complete stranger, and every time a couple does that, it means the world to me.
Amalie showing her new ring!
The Trust Behind a Surprise Proposal
One of the biggest honors as a proposal photographer is knowing that someone—who has never met me before—is trusting me with one of the most important moments of their life.
Think about it:
💍 They are trusting that I’ll be there, on time, in the right spot.
💍 They are trusting that I won’t blow the surprise.
💍 They are trusting that I’ll capture it in a way that does their story justice.
Proposing is already nerve-wracking enough, and the fact that someone like Alex—who had never been to Humboldt, who didn’t know me personally—put his faith in me to take care of him and this moment is something I don’t take lightly.
It’s a responsibility I’m incredibly grateful for.
The Setup: Staying Hidden Without Giving It Away
I don’t like trailing couples with a camera because it’s a dead giveaway. Instead, I arrived one hour early to scout the location, check the lighting, and position myself where I wouldn’t be noticed.
Alex had shared his live location with me, so I knew exactly when they’d be arriving. But when they got to the top of the hike, there was a little curveball—a family was already there enjoying the view!
Rather than scrambling to hide, I quickly adjusted. I started casually taking photos of the family, pretending to just be capturing the scenery so that I didn’t look suspicious. That way, when Alex and Amalie arrived, I was already in position, camera in hand, ready for the moment.
The Moment: She Said YES!
And then—BAM!
Right as they reached the top, Alex got down on one knee, and it was game time.
Amalie’s reaction was pure magic—shock, excitement, tears, laughter—every emotion you could imagine in just a few seconds. I was able to capture it all, without her ever suspecting a thing.
The joy on her face, the love between them, and the magic of the moment—this is why I do what I do.
The moment Alex put the ring on her.
Why Planning Your Proposal with a Photographer Matters
Alex’s proposal worked so well because we planned ahead—he reached out early, we coordinated the timing, and I made sure the moment was captured without being intrusive or obvious.
If you’re planning to propose in Humboldt County, here’s how to make it perfect:
✔️ Choose a breathtaking location – The redwoods, the cliffs of Trinidad, or a quiet hidden beach all make for unforgettable backdrops.
✔️ Plan with your photographer – Getting the right timing and angles ensures your moment is beautifully documented.
✔️ Make it feel natural – Avoid anything that might give it away. I always blend into the environment so your partner doesn’t suspect a thing!
Book Your Surprise Proposal in Humboldt County
Whether you’re driving down from Oregon, flying in from across the country, or planning a proposal right here in Humboldt, I’d love to help you capture the magic.
📩 Want to plan the perfect proposal? Let’s make it happen! Contact me today to set up your surprise engagement session in Eureka, Arcata, McKinleyville, Fortuna, Ferndale, or Trinidad.
I am so excited for these two!
