Evan's mom Lori lives in Venice and hired me to photograph her son's surprise proposal to his longtime girlfriend.  Evan and Lauren live on the East Coast of Florida but were planning to visit Venice just before Christmas.  Lori had several ideas of how to make the beach proposal special and worked hard getting everything ready for them, including planning a surprise party afterwards with Lauren's family and friends.

When I talked to Evan a couple of months ahead of time he was excited about proposing and equally excited that when we took their couple's photos immediately afterwards, that these photos could be used for their announcements (which hopefully meant he wouldn't have to do another photo session before the wedding!)

I worked out the details with Lori and we arrived at Venice Beach an hour before the planned proposal time.  Lori was there with Lauren's friend creating an environmentally friendly heart in the sand with rose petals and battery operated votive candles. venice-beach-photographer-surprise-engagement-sunset-1

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I hid behind the lifeguard stand and Mike found a spot farther along the beach so that we could capture the proposal from two different angles.  I spotted Evan and Lauren approaching and signaled to Mike to be ready.  They never saw either of us as they approached the heart.  

Evan dropped down on one knee as we photographed the proposal.  Of course she said YES and he even went back down on his knee to put the ring on her finger. A couple of minutes later we approached.  Everyone was smiling as she showed off her new ring.  
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We had about 30 minutes until sunset so we took a variety of fun photos for them to remember this day and share with their family and friends.

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Afterwards they went to Hotel Venezia for a wonderful surprise engagement party.  Back home they are starting to plan their December wedding to mark the anniversary date of their engagement!