Rain or Shine: A Surprise Proposal at Aliso Beach, Laguna Beach | Molly & Christian

Laguna Beach • California

Stephanie Ip Photography

Posted on March 31, 2025

Helpful Tips

📍 Aliso Beach, Laguna Beach, California
📆 March 31st 2025 ☀️ Sunset at 6pm
🌡️ Heavy overcast weather
🎬 Start time at 7:13pm

Some shoots are smooth sailing. Others? A little chaotic, a lot memorable, and 100% worth it.

On March 31, 2025 — a quiet Monday — I drove solo down to Aliso Beach in Laguna Beach for a surprise proposal I’d been helping plan for months. Just me, my gear, a vision, and a lot of hoping the rain wouldn’t ruin it all. This particular shoot had its challenges (hello, weather and vendor miscommunication), but it ended up being such a special day. I’m excited to share what went down — the good, the stressful, and the beautifully real.

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The Couple: Christian & Molly

Christian and Molly’s love story started way back — they first met in middle school, but didn’t reconnect until college. This proposal marked their 7-year dating anniversary, which made March 31st the perfect day to pop the question. Christian had originally dreamed of proposing on Catalina Island, but after realizing the cost (we’re talking $8–10K just for the setup), we pivoted to something more accessible — and equally beautiful — right in Laguna Beach.

He still wanted flowers. Real ones. Romantic ones. So we brought on a local florist, Flowers by the Sea, to help bring the setup to life.

Vendor Woes & Last-Minute Stress

Now, I don’t typically rant, but I’ve gotta be honest — coordinating with vendors can sometimes feel like pulling teeth. Especially when you’re not local and you’re relying on everyone to stick to the plan.

Despite multiple confirmations, the florist tried to drop off the entire setup hours early — unattended. Mind you, we had a permit for a specific window, and I wasn’t even on site yet. After some back and forth, they agreed to wait until closer to the proposal time. But wow, that moment gave me a mini heart attack. These little things? They’re why proposal planning matters. It’s not just showing up and clicking the shutter — it’s logistics, backup plans, and being ready to pivot, calmly, under pressure.

The Weather: Cloudy, Damp, and Surprisingly Dreamy

By the time I arrived at Aliso Beach, the skies were gray and it was lightly drizzling. The ocean was moody and misty — definitely not the golden-hour sunset we all hope for — but still, in its own way, it was kind of magical. I had to move the floral setup myself to get a better angle with some background texture (the cliffs and palm trees helped!), and I was rushing to frame my shots with about 15 minutes to spare before the couple arrived.

The Moment

Christian walked Molly down the beach, and I could tell immediately — she had no idea. The setup was simple but romantic. Despite the gloomy weather, her reaction lit everything up.

It reminded me so much of another rainy proposal I photographed — Michael & Mary’s — where the emotion outweighed any weather hiccups. The best moments are never perfect. They’re real.

Romantic floral surprise proposal at Aliso Beach in Laguna Beach on a cloudy spring day — Despite the rain, Christian’s proposal to Molly at Aliso Beach was intimate, emotional, and beautifully set against a misty ocean backdrop

Real Talk: Why Planning Help Matters

Here’s the thing. Proposals look effortless on camera, but behind the scenes? It’s a puzzle. Between coordinating vendors, checking tide charts, weather apps, securing permits, and managing surprise logistics (without tipping off the person being proposed to), there’s a lot that can go sideways.

That’s why when I say proposal planning is part of the service — I mean it. Even if it’s “just” a beach proposal, someone has to hold it all together. I do it so the proposer doesn’t have to.

Final Thoughts: What Really Matters

Would we have all preferred golden sunlight and a clear view of the water? Sure. But Christian chose this day because it was their day. Their anniversary. The significance of the moment outweighed the elements. And honestly, that’s what makes it unforgettable.

Thinking of Planning Your Own Surprise Proposal?

Here are a few lessons from this day:

Always check permit requirements (Laguna Beach is strict!)
Book vendors early and confirm timelines clearly — multiple times.
Expect the unexpected, especially with weather.
And if planning all of this sounds stressful… let someone (hi 👋) handle it for you.

If you’re dreaming of a proposal with intention — flowers, photos, and a plan you can actually enjoy — we are here to help.

📥 Need ideas for the perfect spot? Check out our Ultimate Guide to the Best Surprise Proposal Locations in Southern California—it’s packed with tips, location insights, and inspiration to help you find the perfect setting.

Ultimate Guide to the Best Surprise Proposal Locations in Southern California

Planning your proposal shouldn’t be stressful! The 29-page guide gives you everything you need to plan the perfect proposal, including:

Detailed Tips: The best proposal spots, the perfect times for photos, and how to avoid crowds.
Insider Insights: Permits, parking, and dining recommendations for each location.
Bonus Advice: Outfit ideas, personal touches, and how to coordinate with a photographer.

Send me the guide!