Elexis had a feeling.
Josh had told her they were spending the weekend on Catalina Island. He didn’t try to convince her that nothing was coming — she already knew him well enough to read the signs. What she didn’t know was the path down to the scenic spot we have talked about. The flowers arranged at Buena Vista Point. The ring he’d had made with a pink hidden halo because he’d been paying attention.
Sometimes the surprise isn’t what, but how.
Their First Time on the Island
This was the first time either of them had been to Catalina. Josh came in not knowing the roads, not knowing the terrain, not knowing exactly how steep the path down to Buena Vista Point actually was until we walked through it together on our planning call.
He rented a golf cart, figured out the ferry logistics from Long Beach, coordinated the flowers from the mainland, so everything has to be transported over and set up before they arrive. He planned a cover story simple enough to hold: a weekend trip, casual enough to feel true, specific enough to explain why they were on the island at all.
Elexis knew they were going to Catalina. She suspected something might happen.
Buena Vista Point
Buena Vista Point is one of the more well-known proposal locations on Catalina Island, and for good reason: the views are picturesque, the ocean wraps around the viewpoint, and the casino building frames the background from the water side.
When you’re standing in this spot, you understand why: the view from there is different from the general overlook. Closer to the water. More enclosed and private.
The Proposal
Her first words when she saw the ring:
“Oh my god, so beautiful. There’s a pink. There’s some pink in it because it’s my favorite part.”
She had sent Josh ideas of what she wanted — general directions, a style she loved, the shapes and sizes that appealed to her. She didn’t know which one he’d choose. He had chosen the one with the hidden halo, the oval shape, and the pink accent she’d mentioned almost in passing.
He had been paying attention.
After the Yes
We moved through portraits around the ruins and the overlook — the light doing what Catalina light does at golden hour, which is make everything look like it was always going to end up here.
That kind of ease doesn’t come from nothing, it comes from prior planning, and making sure every moment after the couple will be fully present that belongs to you.
Planning a Proposal on Catalina Island?
Buena Vista Point is in Avalon, Catalina Island — reachable by golf cart or taxi from the Avalon waterfront, with a walk-in path that requires navigating steps and uneven terrain. A few things worth knowing if you’re planning to propose here:
The path down is steep and slippery. The main overlook above the ruins is accessible to everyone. The nook below the cross requires a deliberate walk-in.
Flowers have to come from the mainland. There are no florists on Catalina Island. Everything has to be transported over by ferry or coordinated with a vendor who handles the logistics. Build lead time into your planning — and confirm delivery directly with your photographer or coordinator.
Weekends are busy. Buena Vista Point is a popular destination on weekends. The nook below the cross has more natural privacy, but the general overlook above sees steady foot traffic. A weekday proposal offers significantly more control over the environment.
Ready to Plan Your Own Surprise Proposal?
Whether you’re local or traveling in — we’d love to help you plan a seamless experience
and document every honest, beautiful moment. 💍✨
