There’s something about Carmel Beach that never misses. The scenery, the cliffs, the light… it’s already a dream location on its own. But on this day, it was next level.
Renzo planned the sweetest surprise proposal for Raquel on a gorgeous sunny day in Carmel-by-the-Sea, and everything came together perfectly — peaceful weather, golden light, and a moment that honestly felt like something out of a movie.
A Sunny Carmel Day with the Perfect Setup
One of the best parts about proposals at Carmel Beach is how naturally romantic it feels without needing much. But Renzo still went the extra mile and created a beautiful little setup right on the sand.
He laid out a blanket, added roses, and placed small candles around the space — simple, intentional, and super romantic. And the best part? There was no wind at all, which is rare for the coast. Everything stayed in place and looked clean the whole time.
Bagpipes in the Background (Seriously)
Right before Renzo proposed, a guy down the beach started playing bagpipes. No joke.
You could hear the music drifting through the air while the waves hit the shore, and it added this unreal cinematic vibe to the moment. It felt like the kind of scene you’d see in a romance film — except it was real life happening in real time.
A Carmel Beach Proposal with a Crowd (That Didn’t Matter One Bit)
Carmel Beach is a popular spot, especially on sunny days, so there were definitely people out enjoying the views — tourists, families, and couples everywhere.
But here’s the thing… none of that fazed them at all.
Renzo got down on one knee, Raquel instantly lit up, and everything around them faded away. It was one of those moments where you can tell they were completely locked into each other.
And yes — we were able to Photoshop out distractions in the background, so their images feel clean, intimate, and timeless.
Mini Photo Session After the “Yes”
After the proposal, we stayed right there on the beach for a quick mini session to capture that just-engaged glow.
The lighting was perfect, the beach looked unreal, and we got a mix of candid moments and clean portraits with the ocean and Carmel cliffs behind them.
These are some of my favorite types of sessions because everything is real — the nerves are gone, the excitement hits, and the couple is just enjoying the moment together.
Planning Your Own Carmel Proposal?
If you’re thinking of proposing in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Beach, Big Sur, or anywhere in the Monterey area, I’d love to help you capture it.
I’ll help you choose a spot, coordinate timing, and make sure it all goes smooth — while keeping things lowkey so the moment stays a surprise.
Popular proposal locations nearby:
Carmel Beach
Scenic Road + Carmel cliffs
Point Lobos
Garrapata State Beach
Lovers Point (Pacific Grove)
Big Sur overlooks
Carmel Beach Proposal Photographer | Drew Zavala Media
Renzo and Raquel — congrats again on such an amazing moment. I’m grateful I got to be part of it and capture these memories for you both.
If you’re planning a proposal and want natural, cinematic, emotional photos, reach out here: Contact Form
Serving: Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Beach, Big Sur, Monterey, Pacific Grove, and all of the Monterey Bay.