Romantic Catalina Island Surprise Proposal with Stunning Coastal Views
Catalina Island • Los Angeles • California
Stephanie Ip Photography
Catalina Island is already a dreamy destination, but when you add a heartfelt surprise proposal overlooking the ocean, it turns into a story you’ll never forget.
For Ashley and Anthony, the island wasn’t just a backdrop; it was the beginning of a new chapter filled with joy, thoughtful planning, and a few unexpected twists that made it all the more special.
Behind the Scenes: From Roses to Ferry Rides
This story actually began the night before, with red and white roses soaking in water, carefully prepped to stay full and vibrant through a day of travel. We packed everything into a new collapsible wagon: the bouquet, a chilled bottle of champagne, our photo and video gear, and of course, our trusty pup Shabu who’s become something of an unofficial team mascot.
Getting to Catalina means catching an early ferry, and there’s something exciting about watching the mainland fade into the distance, knowing what’s ahead is going to change someone’s life. We weren’t just capturing a moment, we were helping to orchestrate it.
Travel Tips That Made It All Possible
If you’re thinking of planning a destination proposal like this, here’s what we learned:
Invest in a wagon. Not the cute Instagram aesthetic kind, the kind that can handle bumps, stairs, sand, and whatever else the island throws at you. It saved our backs and kept everything organized.
Keep it simple and flexible. Ferry regulations meant we had to plan what could and couldn’t be brought over. With just enough preparation and the right mindset, everything went off without a hitch.
This kind of shoot is never just about the images. It’s about holding space, adapting to change, and making sure the couple can stay in the moment, even when the logistics behind the scenes are anything but simple.
The Proposal: A Moment of Pure Magic
By the time the couple arrived, everything was in place. The flowers. The view. The nerves.
What made this moment extra memorable is how well he pulled off the surprise. She’s the type who notices everything, plans everything, and had more than a few suspicions, but even still, her expression when he dropped to one knee was filled with genuine shock and overflowing emotion.
Set on a scenic bluff with panoramic ocean views, the location gave us the perfect natural stage. The moment was private, yet big. Intimate, but expansive. And as the waves crashed below and the champagne popped nearby, it felt like the whole island paused for them.
A Photographer’s Perspective
Shooting on Catalina comes with its own rhythm. You’re on island time, and lighting changes fast, especially on an overcast day. Luckily, the cloud cover gave us a soft, dreamy atmosphere. No harsh shadows, just gentle tones that complimented their outfits and the natural color palette of the island.
After the proposal, we took time for portraits, some posed, some candid, all filled with real emotion. The joy was fresh, unfiltered, and so contagious that even Shabu posed for a few.
Helpful Tips
📍 Catalina Island, California
📆 July 11th 2025 ☀️ Sunset at 8:07pm
🌡️ Overcast weather
🎬 Start time at 6:30pm
Vendors
Photography & Videography | Stephanie Ip Photography @photography.stephanieip
Setup & Flowers | Stephanie Ip Photography @photography.stephanieip
Planning Your Own Catalina Island Proposal?
If you’re dreaming of popping the question in a place that feels like an escape from everyday life, Catalina Island checks every box. Whether you want something simple and spontaneous or a styled moment with florals and video coverage, we’ll help make it feel effortless – even if there’s a wagon involved behind the scenes.
