A Meaningful Proposal Story at Terranea Resort: A Quiet “Yes” After Ten Years Together
Palos Verdes • California
Stephanie Ip Photography
Table of contents
Southern California Proposal & Wedding Photographer
We’re Stephanie and Bryan— a husband-and-wife duo who believe that life’s most meaningful moments deserve to be captured and cherished. Stephanie is the creative force behind the lens, and Bryan, a software engineer by day, is her biggest supporter in every endeavor. Together, we bring a dynamic blend of creativity, precision, and teamwork to every session.
Some proposals are grand and cinematic. Others are quiet, grounded, and deeply intentional. This one belonged to the latter.
After ten years together, this couple chose to celebrate their engagement in a way that felt true to who they already were — relaxed, present, and rooted in partnership. Rather than rushing toward a single moment, the day unfolded slowly, allowing space for anticipation, reflection, and genuine emotion.
This wasn’t about spectacle. It was about honoring a decade of shared life and choosing to step forward together, thoughtfully.
Ten Years in the Making
When a couple has been together for a long time, the proposal carries a different kind of weight. It’s less about surprise and more about affirmation — a conscious decision to mark a transition that already feels earned. Their relationship had already weathered seasons of growth, change, and commitment. The proposal wasn’t meant to convince or impress, but to acknowledge what already existed. That intention shaped the entire experience.
A Proposal That Focused on Presence, Not Pressure
The day began with simple movement — walking, talking, easing into the space together. There was no rush to get to the proposal itself. Instead, we allowed the moment to arrive naturally.
This pacing mattered. By removing pressure, both partners could stay present rather than anxious or hyper-aware of what was coming next. When the proposal happened, it felt calm, grounded, and real — not performative.
The Ring Moment & Real Reactions
The ring exchange was intimate and unhurried. No audience. No distractions. Just the two of them taking in the significance of what was happening.
Afterward, we gently reenacted the ring placement and proposal moment — not to manufacture emotion, but to preserve it. This approach allows couples to stay fully present during the actual proposal while still creating space afterward for storytelling, photos, and video without stress.
What Made This Proposal So Meaningful
What stood out most wasn’t the location or the details — it was the intention behind it all.
After ten years together, this proposal wasn’t about proving readiness. It was about honoring a partnership that already felt solid. The simplicity of the day reflected the strength of their relationship: calm, thoughtful, and deeply rooted.
Not every proposal needs a big production to be meaningful. Sometimes, the most powerful moments come from choosing presence over performance.
Planning a Proposal That Feels Like You
If you’re planning a proposal and value authenticity, pacing, and emotional presence, this style may be the right fit for you.
Thoughtful planning doesn’t mean over-planning. It means creating space for real reactions, allowing the moment to breathe, and documenting the story as it naturally unfolds.
If that resonates with you, we’d love to help you plan and document a proposal that feels honest, intentional, and uniquely yours.
Helpful Tips
📍 Terranea Resort, California
📆 December 13th 2025 ☀️ Sunset at 4:46pm
🌡️ Overcast weather
🎬 Start time at 2pm
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. 💍✨
