6 years ago, I met Gabe at a beach get together before our freshman year of college. We both were attending PLNU in the fall and didn’t know anyone. He was actually the first person I met at Loma! He’s a San Diego local and we’ve constantly and randomly shown up in each other’s lives since. We’ve gone camping together, were neighbors, and graduated together. So when he told me he was going to propose to his girlfriend, Mariah, on Catalina Island, I was giddy at the thought of capturing the moment.

They met at church and knew it was fate. They’re moving to Mexico soon to do mission work together once they get married! Mariah and Gabe are so in love, it’s contagious. She’s got a sweet soul, and he’s the goofy, fun match to her.

How We Pulled It Off:

Gabe was planning an epic proposal in the main town of Avalon on a sunny morning in May. The plan was for me to secretly meet them at Buena Vista Overlook to photograph the moment.

Gabe sent his friends to the island the day before, where I met up with them to pick up a blanket and jars for a cute set up. I picked up flowers for the proposal and set up everything on the morning of along with Gavin (my assistant for the day) and their videographer friend, Jordan. Everything was perfect and waiting for them to arrive by ferry!

The Proposal Story:

As they golf carted up to the viewpoint, we hid and waited for the perfect moment to pop out and photograph her reaction to the proposal!

She was shocked and so excited. They hugged for an eternity and cried together. It was such a beautiful thing to witness. Then, they took a few minutes to themselves to read a letter he had wrote her. When it all was said and done (and the tears were wiped away), we took some photos to celebrate the occasion. FYI, they didn’t even mean to match outfits… it just worked out haha!!!

First, we explored the overlook, then we took some rad shots of them skateboarding, since that’s a huge part of their relationship. We also walked along the pier to capture the essence of the California island and they wanted to jump in the water. Mariah said that was something they did on their first date, and I thought it was so special that they wanted that captured on the day he asked her to marry him!

Later after I said goodbye, he surprised her for a second time. Their friends were there waiting for them! They camped and hung out for the rest of the weekend. It was truly the perfect proposal!!!

Wanna hang out on Catalina Island? HOLLAH AT ME!

I’m Bree, a San Diego & Vegas based wedding photographer (but I’ll travel anywhere for you ). I specialize in adventurous, fun, and romantic photos that show off your candid and authentic selves. I want to capture your JOY and make it fun & easy while doing so. Learn more here and send me an email!