A Romantic Catalina Island Proposal at Wrigley Memorial Botanical Garden | Arlyn & Philip

Malibu • California

Stephanie Ip Photography

Posted on October 13, 2025

A Love Story Among the Gardens of Catalina Island

Some love stories feel like they belong in a quiet, sun-soaked corner of the world—and for Arlyn and Philip, that moment happened at the Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden on Catalina Island.

It was one of those rare, calm afternoons where everything lined up perfectly—the soft light, the ocean breeze, and the peaceful hum of nature. Philip had been planning this surprise for months, and Catalina felt like the perfect place to slow down, take a deep breath, and ask the question that would change both of their lives.

The Setting: A Hidden Gem on the Island

Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden is one of Catalina Island’s most tranquil corners—a mix of scenic trails, blooming succulents, and ocean-view terraces that overlook Avalon’s rolling hills. It’s quiet, timeless, and romantic—everything you’d want in a proposal backdrop.

We arrived by ferry in the early afternoon, the kind of day when the water glimmers like glass. The garden wasn’t crowded, which made it even more magical. There were maybe five people total wandering the pathways, giving us the kind of privacy that’s hard to find on the island.

The Moment He Asked

When the time came, Philip took a deep breath and began his heartfelt speech. His voice trembled slightly at first, but his words came out with pure sincerity and love. Arlyn listened quietly, her eyes glistening.

And then—it happened. He dropped to one knee. She gasped, smiled, and said yes before he could even finish the question. The two of them laughed, hugged tightly, and took a long moment just to be—their joy echoing softly between the stone arches of the memorial.

It’s one of those moments where you could feel the world stand still.

After “Yes”: Portraits & Pure Joy

After the big moment, we wandered through the garden for a few portraits. The late afternoon light wrapped them in golden warmth as they twirled, held hands, and shared quiet smiles.

We ended the shoot at Buena Vista Scenic Overlook, a cliffside lookout where you can see the ocean stretch endlessly in every direction. It was the perfect spot to celebrate their engagement—Arlyn’s laughter, Philip’s calm smile, and the soft hum of the island in the background.

Reflections from Behind the Lens

This session was one of those that reminded me why I love photographing proposals. It wasn’t about grand setups or perfect conditions—it was about presence. About love unfolding naturally.

Catalina has always been one of my favorite destinations, but seeing it through Arlyn and Philip’s eyes gave it new meaning. Their kindness, calm energy, and genuine joy made every frame a story worth remembering.

From the ferry ride to the final golden light, this proposal was a reminder that the most beautiful stories often start in quiet places—with a simple, heartfelt yes.