She Thought It Was Just a Photoshoot—Until He Proposed

San Diego Surprise Proposal on Saigon Trail | Last Minute Photoshoot

Not every proposal needs months of planning—sometimes, the most unforgettable ones come together in just a few hours.

Just one week ago on a Saturday morning, we got a message from Chase. He had searched “last minute photographer in San Diego” on Google and found us through Instagram. It was around 9 AM when he reached out, asking if we were available that same afternoon for a quick shoot in La Jolla.

At the time, he didn’t mention it was a proposal. Everything was arranged entirely over text—no call, no consultation, just a location and a whole lot of trust.

By 5 PM, we were standing on a cliffside, capturing one of the most emotional and cinematic proposals we’ve ever documented.

A Secret Proposal on Saigon Trail, La Jolla

Later in the text exchange, Chase let us know his real plan—he was going to propose to his girlfriend, Shannan, at sunset while hiking the Saigon Trail, a lesser-known coastal path in La Jolla with stunning ocean views.

We arrived early to scout the area—and we’re so glad we did.

The trailhead wasn’t marked. GPS led us to the wrong address. The entrance was hidden between private homes, and we had to ask around before finally finding what looked like a narrow path through someone’s yard. Had we shown up later, we could have easily missed the moment.

Scouting in advance gave us time to explore the trail, find the best scenic overlooks, and prepare for the big moment. It’s a perfect example of why pre-proposal location scouting is a critical part of what we do.

The Setup: A Fake Photoshoot with a Real Proposal

Chase and Shannan planned to hike the trail casually—so we crafted a plan inspired by a video from True Summit Films titled “We Set Up a Fake Photoshoot to Do a Surprise Proposal”.

We acted like we were out photographing the cliffs and sunset. When the couple walked by, we offered to take a quick picture. A few frames in, Chase dropped to one knee and proposed.

The surprise. The emotion. The light. It was perfect.

Shannan laughed, cried, said yes, and embraced Chase as golden light poured across the bluffs. They toasted with champagne and shared a moment they’ll never forget—while we captured it all from a distance.

The “Undercover Yes” – Fake Photoshoot Proposal Package

San Diego + Southern California Surprise Proposal Photography

Inspired by that moment, we created a special offering for those who want to propose without tipping off their partner.

Starting at $595
Available across San Diego, La Jolla, Temecula, and Orange County.

What’s Included:

4 Hours of Photography Coverage
We arrive early, scout the location, stay on standby, and discreetly photograph everything—from candid lead-up moments to post-proposal portraits.

Creative Proposal Planning
We help you develop a believable backstory—such as a birthday shoot, travel session, or just-for-fun portraits—so your partner stays completely unaware.

Location Scouting + GPS Tracking
We find the location ahead of time, drop GPS pins, and give you live updates—even in remote or unmarked areas.

Secret Candid Coverage
We quietly follow from a distance using shared GPS and photograph your natural interactions before the proposal without interfering.

Posed + Candid Portraits After the Surprise
After you propose, we capture joyful, romantic portraits while emotions are still fresh.

Styling Guidance
Outfit tips to ensure your “fake” shoot looks natural, relaxed, and camera-ready.

30+ Edited High-Resolution Images
Delivered in a private online gallery. No watermarks. Yours to download, print, or share.

Optional Add-Ons
Champagne, florals, picnic setups, or “Marry Me?” signage available through vendor referrals.

Real-Time Support + Text Coordination
We stay connected from start to finish to ensure timing, direction, and communication are all smooth—even if we don’t meet until the second you propose.

Planning a Proposal While Visiting Southern California?

Whether you're local or just passing through Southern California, we’re here to help. If you’re planning your proposal months in advance or literally texting us the morning of, we’ll do everything we can to make it magical, stress-free, and unforgettable.

From unmarked trailheads to hidden winery overlooks, we specialize in capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments—often on a moment’s notice.

Ready to Plan Your Surprise Proposal?

Contact us here or browse our photography packages to book the “Undercover Yes.”

Because sometimes, the best love stories start with:
“We were just taking pictures…”