How to Plan a Picture-Perfect Surprise Proposal at Terranea Resort | Isabel & Paul

Terranea Beach • Los Angeles • California

Stephanie Ip Photography

Posted on January 19, 2025

Helpful Tips

📍 Terranea Resort and Beach, Palos Verdes, California
📆 January 19th 2025 ☀️ Sunset at 5:11pm
🌡️ Overcast weather
🎬 Start time at 4:15pm

How to Plan the Perfect Surprise Proposal at Terranea Resort: A Photographer’s Guide

Thinking about proposing at Terranea Resort? This stunning oceanfront getaway in Palos Verdes is one of the most breathtaking spots for a romantic surprise proposal. From dramatic cliffs to secluded beach coves, it’s the perfect place to pop the question—especially with a photographer (or two!) there to capture every magical moment.

Recently, we had the chance to photograph and film Paul and Isabel’s engagement at Terranea, and it was such a beautiful and heartfelt experience. Their families were there to celebrate, emotions were running high, and even though we faced a few timing challenges, the proposal turned out absolutely perfect.

In this post, we’re sharing their story, along with our top tips for planning a smooth, stress-free, and photogenic proposal at Terranea Resort. Whether you’re proposing soon or helping someone plan, these insights will make sure everything goes off without a hitch.

Paul & Isabel’s Surprise Proposal at Terranea Resort

Paul knew he wanted his proposal to be extra special—not only for Isabel but for both of their families. Since Filipino families are often very close-knit, he wanted them all to be part of the moment while still keeping it a complete surprise.

The Cover Story

To make sure Isabel didn’t suspect anything, Paul told her he was having a low-key guys’ day at home, while she enjoyed a “girls’ day out” at the Spa, a luxury spa at Terranea. A relaxing afternoon getting pampered? Sounds like the perfect setup for a surprise proposal—especially since fresh nails are always a bonus for that ring close-up!

Proposal Timing & Challenges

Originally, the plan was for Isabel to arrive between 3:45 to 4:00 PM, but things got a little delayed, and she didn’t make it until 4:15 PM. That might not sound like a huge difference, but since sunset was at 5:10 PM, it meant we were working against the clock. By the time we wrapped up around 5:17 PM, it was already pretty dark. This is why timing is everything when planning a proposal (more on that below!).

The Proposal Moment

When Isabel arrived, she was led to a scenic clifftop where Paul was waiting, with the Pacific Ocean as their backdrop. As soon as she saw him, she knew something was up. Moments later, he was down on one knee, and she was completely overwhelmed with joy. Their families, who had been watching from a distance, immediately erupted in cheers. The energy was incredible!

Even though the sky was overcast that evening—meaning no dramatic sunset—we actually love how soft and romantic the lighting turned out. Cloudy days can be a secret blessing for photographers!

Photographers' Tips for a Picture-Perfect Proposal at Terranea

After capturing many surprise proposals at Terranea Resort, we’ve learned a few key things that can make or break the moment. Here are our top tips:

1. Timing is Everything: Plan Around the Best Lighting

Terranea’s stunning cliffs and ocean views look best when the lighting is soft and golden. Here’s what we recommend:

✔ Plan to start at least 30-45 minutes before sunset. This gives us the best natural light for dreamy photos.
✔ Avoid midday, when the lighting is harsh and the resort is busiest.
✔ In winter months, the sun sets early (around 5 PM), so proposals should happen earlier in the afternoon.

2. Pick the Right Proposal Spot

Terranea has several gorgeous proposal locations, each with its own vibe. Some of our favorites include:

📍 The Clifftop Trail – Perfect for a quiet, scenic proposal with panoramic ocean views.
📍 The Beach Cove – A secluded little beach below the resort. It’s romantic but can be crowded, especially on weekends.
📍 The Ocean Lawn – A beautiful grassy area with a direct view of the sunset. It’s ideal if you’re including family or friends.

👉 Pro Tip: If privacy is a concern, booking a bungalow with an ocean-view patio can be a great alternative!

3. Plan a Believable Cover Story

Keeping the proposal a surprise is key! If your partner is even a little suspicious, they might start putting the pieces together. Here are some cover story ideas that have worked well:

✔ Plan a romantic dinner at one of Terranea’s restaurants and propose beforehand.
✔ Tell them you’re doing a “couple’s photoshoot”—a great excuse to dress up and get beautiful engagement photos.
✔ Pretend you’re just going for a casual walk to enjoy the view, then surprise them with the big moment.

4. Work with a Professional Photographer & Videographer

A proposal happens so fast, and you’ll want every second documented. Here’s what we’ve learned from capturing proposals at Terranea:

✔ Coordinate with the family. Large groups can be tricky, so we make sure everyone knows where to stand and when to celebrate.
✔ Capture reactions. The best moments aren’t just the proposal itself—it’s the tears, hugs, and excitement afterward.

5. Be Prepared for Crowds & Weather Changes

Terranea is a popular resort, so there are always people around. In Paul & Isabel’s case, the resort was extra crowded due to evacuees from the recent Cal fire, which meant adjusting our angles to avoid distractions.

✔ Weekdays are best for a quieter setting.
✔ Cloudy days = dreamy lighting! Overcast skies soften harsh shadows and make skin tones look amazing.
✔ Have a backup location in case your first-choice spot is occupied.

Terranea Resort and Beach Surprise Proposal and Engagement in Palos Verdes — A breathtaking surprise proposal at Terranea Resort with the Pacific Ocean as the perfect backdrop.

What Happens After the Proposal?

Once you’ve popped the question, take advantage of Terranea’s stunning scenery for some post-proposal portraits!

📸 15-20 minutes of couples’ photos – The joy and excitement right after a proposal make for the best candid shots.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family group photos – If your loved ones are there, we always recommend getting a few shots with them before they head off to celebrate.

🍽 Celebrate with a romantic dinner – Terranea has some fantastic restaurants. Mar’sel is perfect for an elegant night, while Nelson’s is great for a laid-back oceanfront meal.

Final Thoughts: Is Terranea Resort the Right Place for Your Proposal?

Absolutely! Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes is one of the most breathtaking proposal locations in Southern California. Whether you’re envisioning a clifftop engagement or a beachside proposal, the views, atmosphere, and romantic setting make it truly special.

If you’re planning your own surprise proposal at Terranea, we’d love to help capture the moment! Let’s connect and make your dream proposal a reality.

📍 Thinking about proposing at Terranea? Reach out to us for a personalized consultation and professional photography coverage!