Daniel & Christina’s Surprise Proposal at Stonewall Ranch Malibu – A Hidden Gem for Intimate Weddings
Malibu • Los Angeles • California
Stephanie Ip Photography
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📍 Stonewall Ranch, Malibu, California
📆 May 17th 2025 ☀️ Sunset at 7:49pm
🌡️ Overcast weather
🎬 Start time at 5:45pm
Daniel & Christina’s Surprise Proposal at Stonewall Ranch Malibu
A private Malibu estate with views, horses, and serious wedding-day potential
When Daniel reached out to plan a surprise proposal for Christina, his one non-negotiable was this: it had to feel like them — low-key but beautiful, intimate but unforgettable. The venue? Stonewall Ranch Malibu. This was our first time photographing at the ranch, and wow… it did not disappoint.
We’d actually just wrapped another shoot that day, hit major traffic (and a wildfire road closure!), and arrived at the venue with only a few minutes to spare. But somehow, once we stepped onto the property, everything slowed down. The hills rolled on for miles. It was quiet. No noise, no crowds. Just ocean breeze, overcast skies, and the energy of something about to unfold.
🎥 Behind the Scenes: The Proposal Plan
Daniel rented out Stonewall Ranch for a short two-hour window. The setup was minimal but thoughtful — five floral arrangements forming a half-moon by the stone wall, a small area rug, and iceberg roses leading the path. We coordinated with the florist (shoutout to Sam! A good friend of Christina’s) and venue manager Frankie to make sure everything was good to go — including bringing our dog, Shabu, who definitely charmed her way into permission status.
When Daniel and Christina arrived, we captured their approach from afar. We were tucked away under a digital tent, catching glimpses of them as they made their way through the lawn and garden area. Christina almost spotted us (maybe Bryan smirked too soon 😅), but the surprise still landed perfectly. Watery eyes, laughter, a beautiful “yes.”
Planning a surprise proposal in Southern California?
Let’s find the perfect spot for you and your Fiancee-to-be, and capture the moment beautifully.
💡 5 Reasons to Consider Stonewall Ranch Malibu for Your Proposal or Wedding
Whether you’re planning an engagement or scouting Malibu wedding venues, here’s what stood out to us:
Private, Secluded Location
Tucked away in the Santa Monica Mountains, Stonewall Ranch offers total privacy. It’s one of those private estate wedding venues in Malibu that feels like your own world for a few hours.
Gorgeous Natural Light + Ocean Views
Even on a cloudy day, the soft light made for amazing photos. On clear days, you get full Malibu event venues with ocean view magic.
Photo-Ready at Every Corner
Whether it’s the wooden fences, flower-lined paths, or views of the horse barn, every corner is engagement-shoot gold. Some couples even pose with the horses (ask the venue!).
Flexible, Ceremony-Ready Grounds
While there’s no built-in getting ready space or kitchen, the lawn and reception areas are perfect for an outdoor celebration. Most couples rent restrooms and bring in catering, making it ideal for creative, hands-on planners.
Warm, Collaborative Venue Staff
Frankie and the team were so accommodating. From site visits to planning calls, they genuinely care about making the day special.
📸 Stonewall Ranch Wedding Photos from This Session
After the proposal, we walked Daniel and Christina through the property for an engagement-style shoot. We captured everything from quiet portraits by the stone wall to playful shots on the open lawn. There’s something timeless and romantic about this place — a perfect fit for couples looking for both proposal and wedding ideas.
Check out these Yes! proposals done on the Island
What It’s Like to Work With Us
From the first email to the final gallery, our goal is to help you create a proposal that feels personal, low-stress, and full of emotion.
✅ We’ll help you pick the right spot
✅ We’ll map out the hiding place + photo timing
✅ We’ll even help coordinate post-proposal portraits if you want to make the most of your time on the island
💍 Thinking of Proposing (or Getting Married) at Stonewall Ranch?
We’d love to help you document your love story here — whether it’s a surprise proposal like Daniel and Christina’s or a full wedding day celebration. We offer hybrid photo + video coverage and can help guide the timeline and vendor coordination every step of the way.
Let’s chat about your vision!
We’d love to plan your surprise proposal with you and for you!
Check out our available packages and contact us when you are ready to start planning!
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