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.

—

Drew Zavala

Monterey Proposal Photographer | Drew Zavala Photo

Soberanes Point - Big Sur, CA - Drew Zavala Photography - Raymond + Johanna

It was a foggy day on Soberanes Point in Big Sur, California during Raymond + Johanna’s proposal session. Even so, the mist was beautiful!

Raymond and Johanna drove from Paso Robles, but they’re originally from the Los Angeles area. By the time they arrived, the stage was set for a romantic proposal!

Unfortunately, it was difficult and sometimes impossible to see the coastline. The mist was so thick that my lens kept getting wet and I had to wipe it a few times.

It took some strategy to position myself where the lens wouldn’t get wet. Back turned to the mist, I captured winning photo after winning photo! These two lovebirds were naturals in front of the camera.

While the misty day wasn’t what Raymond envisioned for his proposal to Johanna, the shots turned out so soft, which added a unique touch to their photos. They turned out absolutely fantastic!

Soberanes Point doesn’t have the best cell service, so sometimes it’s hard to find the right location. Luckily, I was able to spot Raymond + Johanna as they came down the road because Raymond let us know what they were wearing. I flagged him over to the correct turn when Johanna wasn’t looking.

Raymond + Johanna didn’t come alone. They brought their adorable Chihuahua puppy with them! The dog was so friendly and well-behaved, the perfect witness to what was about to happen!

When Raymond popped the question, Johanna couldn’t contain her happiness! She said yes without any hesitation. Congratulations, you two!

To celebrate, they popped open a bottle of champagne. Surrounded by soft pillows, blankets, and a pair of romantic candles, the couple enjoyed this special moment whole-heartedly.

It was amazing to document your proposal at Soberanes Point, Raymond + Johanna! Congratulations, and I wish you both the very best going forward.