Earlier this month, I drove down to Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes. This location is famous for, well, the views! The rock cliff, just a short walk from the resort grounds, is a very popular spot to take pictures, especially for proposal and engagement shoots. I’ve done several sessions in this location before, the first time being in 2015 for Tova & David’s engagement!

On this day, I drove down for Akshay and Reecha’s surprise proposal. Akshay reached out to me and briefly explained his idea and we soon booked the date and finalized the details! Upon arrival, I was texting with Akshay and his family on the status of our Plan A spot, and then our Plan B spot. We went with Plan B as the first location was occupado. Both Reecha’s and Akshay’s family arrived with a suitcase full of flowers and set up a mini installation space for the proposal. Once it was set up, Akshay got the thumbs up and he and Reecha walked up the pathway and straight to the spot set up and he immediately got on one knee and proposed to Reecha, who also joined him in kneeling down in absolute joy. What a cute moment!

*Pro-Tip: When planning for a surprise proposal, always have a secondary location in your back pocket in case something comes up.

After he put the ring on her finger, her family came running out from their hiding spot to congratulate them. Reecha’s dad is big on Snapchat, so like a total pro, he documented everything. Very impressed with his social media skills! We then proceeded to do our portrait session, which ended on the epic rock cliff! What a morning! I won’t even mention the sweltering heat wave that dropped on us that whole weekend… 🥵