She Said YES at Terranea Resort! 💍 Full BTS of a Dream Proposal | Allie & Kyle

Terranea Resort • Los Angeles • California

Stephanie Ip Photography

Posted on February 16, 2025

Helpful Tips

📍 Terranea Resort and Beach, Palos Verdes, California
📆 February 16 2025 ☀️ Sunset at 5:39pm
🌡️ Clear sky weather
🎬 Start time at 4pm

A Picture-Perfect Surprise Proposal at Terranea Resort, California

There’s something magical about photographing a surprise proposal—especially when it unfolds at a stunning oceanside location like Terranea Resort Beach Cove in California. Recently, we had the honor of capturing Kyle and Allie’s heartfelt engagement moment, and we’re so excited to take you behind the scenes of this unforgettable day.

From the moment we left for Terranea Resort, we knew it was going to be a beautiful shoot. The skies were clear, the light was golden, and everything aligned just right for this surprise proposal to unfold seamlessly. As a top-rated surprise proposal photographer in Los Angeles and Orange County, we bring experience, storytelling, and artistry to every session.

Behind-the-Scenes: Planning with Purpose

A successful surprise proposal session starts with thoughtful planning. Timing is everything, especially when you’re working around the golden hour and sunset. For this shoot, we carefully timed everything based on the sunset at 5:39 PM, with the session starting at 4:20 PM. We arrived early to scout locations, prepare our gear, and capture some beautiful B-roll footage around the property.

We also worked closely with Terranea Resort’s amazing coordination team to help manage foot traffic at the beach and create a clean, intimate space for the proposal. Their assistance helped ensure the moment was as private and picture-perfect as possible.

The Proposal Moment

As Kyle and Allie made their way toward the beach, we stayed discreet but ready. The setup included a charming A-frame arch with rose petals and lanterns lining the proposal space. The moment Kyle got down on one knee, the beachgoers around them erupted in cheers—a spontaneous, heartwarming scene that added to the energy of the moment.

Allie’s joy was radiant, and we were honored to capture it all as it unfolded in real time. From the tears to the laughter, every frame told a part of their love story. As experienced engagement and proposal photographers in Southern California, we know how to preserve these fleeting moments with authenticity and care.

Documenting the Full Story

We always aim to go beyond the proposal itself. After the “yes,” we continued the session by photographing the couple around the scenic trails and coastal cliffs near Nelson’s Restaurant and the Old Marineland Beach. These quieter spots offered a breathtaking backdrop for intimate post-proposal portraits.

Our documentary-style engagement photography allowed us to capture genuine moments as Kyle and Allie celebrated together, soaking in the magic of their engagement.

Terranea Beach Cove surprise engagement captured by Los Angeles proposal photographer — Captured at the stunning Terranea Resort Beach Cove in Palos Verdes, California

Tips for Planning Your Surprise Proposal at Terranea

Thinking about proposing at Terranea Resort? Here are a few tips we recommend:

Plan for golden hour: Depending on the time of year, the sun sets earlier behind the cliffs at Beach Cove. Arrive early to make the most of natural light.
Work with a local photographer familiar with the resort layout to capture the best angles and avoid crowd-heavy spots.
Coordinate with the resort staff for light crowd control if you’re proposing during peak hours.
Consider post-proposal dinner reservations on property, like Bashi Restaurant, to end the day on a celebratory note.

A Team Effort Behind the Lens

Stephanie photographed the session, while Bryan handled lighting and behind-the-scenes video capture. Even our sweet dog, Shabu, tagged along to assist (and charm everyone she met). We love creating a relaxed, enjoyable experience for our couples, and our team effort allows us to do just that.

Why These Stories Matter

For us, photography is about preserving more than just a single moment—it’s about capturing the emotions, energy, and story behind each couple’s journey. Whether it’s a surprise proposal, wedding day, or growing family, we believe every chapter deserves to be told with care and intention. If you’re looking for a proposal photographer in Palos Verdes, Malibu, or Los Angeles, we’d love to help you create magic.

Planning Your Own Proposal?

If you’re planning to pop the question in Los Angeles, Orange County, or Catalina Island, we’d love to help you bring your vision to life. Visit our Surprise Proposal Photography page to explore packages, planning tips, and real client stories.

Ready to start planning? Let’s connect and craft your unforgettable proposal experience.

📥 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!