We are approaching Summer, which is not only my favorite season, but it is also my busiest time of year for engagement sessions. I truly love surprise proposal sessions. No matter how many couples I capture, each and every couple is very special to me. I know how important this milestone is and I am always honored to be a part of it.

When my client first contacted me, he wasn’t exactly sure where to ask his girlfriend to marry him. He had a few ideas in mind, but wasn’t really committed to a location. I have each and very client fill out a questionnaire when they book me. This questionnaire helps me to get to know the couple and also helps me to narrow down the best location for their engagement. My goal is to try and choose a scenic location that will not arouse any suspicion and is true to the couple’s personality and interests. I suggested a few locations, but this beach in the North Fork felt the most true to the couple and my client’s goals for the session.

I am so glad he went with my suggestion because this beach is EPIC. It literally takes your breath away and you feel as if you are transported to another location. Although I love booking sessions on the beach at sunset, I am so happy this was an early morning session because I just love the vibrant colors of the mid morning sun.

My client told his girlfriend that they were heading out to the North Fork to go to some vineyards and on the way out there, they quickly made a stop at this beach. As they are both nature lovers and hikers, this visit would not be unusual to their typical activities. This particular beach did not have any brush or areas in which I could hide, so I had to hide in plain sight by sitting on the nearly secluded beach on my beach blanket with my camera safely hidden.

When they first arrived, the couple took in the scenery, strolled the beach and sat on some large boulders away from the very few visitors who were at the beach that day. Once my client got down on one knee to pop the big question, I began shooting though my zoom lens and swiftly made my way towards them. I might add that moving adeptly is no easy feat on a rocky beach when you are wearing flip flops. Regardless, I made my way to the couple and captured every beautiful moment.

Afterwards, I took some engagement photos using the bright blue waters as a backdrop and the gorgeous natural shoreline. They were such a fun loving and sweet couple and I was able to capture so many gorgeous images of them at this magnificent location. My favorite are the images of the champagne toast. I love incorporating a little bubbly into these sessions; it adds such an element of fun and romance. There was so much laughter during this session…I just know this couple will have a lifetime of happiness together.

After we finished their engagement mini session, they went off to enjoy an afternoon at the North Fork Table & Inn and Bedell Vineyards, which is the perfect way to celebrate this special occasion.

Here are some of my favorites from the session.