Carmel Beach Proposal | Renzo + Raquel | Carmel-by-the-Sea Proposal Photographer

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.

Monterey Proposal at Lovers Point | Matthew & Angela

Some proposals just have that feel-good energy from start to finish — and Matthew and Angela’s was exactly that.

Matthew and Angela are from the SoCal / Los Angeles area, and after 8 years together, Monterey has become a special place for them. It’s something of a tradition — coming up the coast, slowing down, and soaking in the scenery together. While Carmel never quite clicked for them, they completely fell in love with Pacific Grove — and honestly, I get it.

A couple of weeks before the proposal, Matthew reached out and let me know they’d be staying near Lovers Point and that he wanted to propose there. Lovers Point is iconic for a reason, but it can also get very crowded. I suggested a quieter spot just a little way down the trail — still close enough to feel connected to the moment, but far enough to avoid the big crowds. He trusted the idea, and once we locked it in, everything was set.

When the moment came, Angela was completely floored. The look on her face said it all. Matthew dropped to one knee, and right on cue, a runner passing by on the trail shouted, “Whooo! Congrats, bro!” — one of those perfectly unplanned moments that made everyone laugh and made the proposal feel even more real and joyful.

Afterward, we did a relaxed mini session around the area. No pressure, no stiff posing — just the two of them soaking it all in, laughing, and enjoying that just-engaged feeling with the Pacific Grove coastline as the backdrop.

Later that evening, Matthew texted me to say thank you — for helping make the experience smooth, for recommending the location, and for making them feel comfortable in front of the camera. Messages like that never get old.

Matthew and Angela, congratulations again. Thank you for trusting me with such a big moment and for choosing the Monterey Peninsula to start this next chapter together.

Thinking About Proposing in Monterey or Pacific Grove?

If you’re planning a Monterey proposal, Lovers Point proposal, or a Pacific Grove engagement, having someone local can make all the difference — especially when it comes to timing, crowds, and choosing the right spot.

I help with:

• Location recommendations (crowded vs. hidden gems)

• Timing around light and foot traffic

• Staying discreet but ready

• A relaxed mini session after the proposal

If you’re looking for a Monterey proposal photographer, Lovers Point proposal photos, or Pacific Grove engagement photography, I’d love to help make it an experience you’ll never forget.

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Drew Zavala

Monterey Proposal Photographer | Drew Zavala Photo

Big Sur Proposal - Drew Zavala Photo