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…”

Romantic Boho Elopement in Joshua Tree: Vows, Rugs, and Sunset Kisses

If your ideal elopement includes soft sunlight, vintage rugs, wild desert blooms, and a slow, intentional vibe—then a boho picnic elopement in Joshua Tree might be the perfect choice. This dreamy and earthy take on “I do” brings together everything couples love about the desert: the wide-open skies, warm textures, and creative freedom to make it your own.

Forget tradition. This is about romance, style, and connection.

Why a Boho Picnic Elopement Works So Well in Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree offers the perfect backdrop for a bohemian desert elopement. The muted tones of the sand, the sculpted rock formations, and the dramatic sunsets pair beautifully with layered textiles, dried florals, and earthy decor.

Plus, with elopements becoming more personalized than ever, a styled picnic adds intimacy and charm without the pressure of a big event. Whether you want it minimalist or full-on Pinterest-worthy, you can tailor every detail to your aesthetic.

What a Boho Picnic Elopement Looks Like

Visualize this:
You arrive at a hidden ceremony spot—like Cap Rock, Indian Cove, or a piece of private BLM land just outside the park. Waiting for you is a cozy desert setup: layered rugs, macramé pillows, a low table with candles and dried flowers, and a curated picnic spread.

You read your vows as the sun sets behind the boulders, surrounded by warm tones and the soft sounds of nature. Then you sit back, share a drink, toast to your love, and maybe even dance barefoot in the sand.

It’s slow. It’s beautiful. It’s yours.

Styling Details to Include

For couples who love aesthetics, here are some creative styling ideas to elevate your Joshua Tree picnic elopement:

• Rug layering: Mix Moroccan, tribal, or vintage rugs for texture

• Pillow lounges: Use poufs, cushions, and woven seating

• Dried florals: Pampas grass, bunny tails, and sun-bleached palms

• Low boho tables: Add candles, crystal glasses, and terracotta plates

• Champagne or rosé: Toast the moment in your own style

• Handwritten vow books: Adds a personal, timeless touch

• "Marry Me?" signage or LED letters: Optional but photogenic

• Lanterns + string lights: Perfect for post-sunset ambiance

Want to go all out? We work with local picnic and styling companies who can set everything up for you—from the décor to the florals, even champagne on ice. You just show up and say “yes.”

Best Time of Day for Your Picnic Elopement

Golden hour (just before sunset) is the ideal time for this style of shoot. It adds a dreamy glow to your portraits and enhances the natural warmth of the desert palette. We typically start with couple’s portraits, lead into the vow exchange, and then wrap with cozy picnic moments and candid shots.

Where to Elope in Joshua Tree with a Boho Setup

Here are a few ideal locations for this elopement style:

• Cap Rock (permits required, accessible, iconic views)

• Indian Cove (gorgeous rocks and more privacy)

• Hidden Valley (classic Joshua Tree aesthetics)

• BLM Land Outside the Park (more flexibility and less regulation)

• Airbnb Property with Scenic Views (perfect if you want total privacy + comfort)

We help guide you to the best option based on your guest count (if any), mobility, and the overall vibe you’re going for.

What’s Included in Our Boho Picnic Elopement Package

Our Last Minute Love Elopement Package is made for couples who want to embrace the beauty of the desert and the intimacy of a styled celebration—without the stress of planning it all.

✔️ 1.5 Hours of Coverage
Perfect for golden hour portraits, your vow exchange, and time to relax at your picnic setup.

✔️ 30+ Edited High-Resolution Images
Delivered via an online gallery—no watermark, no fuss. Includes candid, posed, and styled detail shots.

✔️ Location Guidance
We’ll help you select a spot that fits your vibe, whether it’s inside Joshua Tree National Park, on private land, or at a gorgeous Airbnb.

✔️ Planning Assistance
Quick phone or Zoom consult to discuss styling, timing, lighting, permits, and what to bring.

✔️ Sneak Peek Within 48 Hours
You’ll receive 3–5 highlight photos within two days so you can announce your elopement and relive the moment.

✔️ Vendor Referrals for Styling
Want a picnic setup, “Marry Me?” signage, lights, or florals? We’ll connect you with local vendors who specialize in curated desert elopements and boho setups.

Final Thoughts

A boho picnic elopement in Joshua Tree is more than a photoshoot—it’s an experience. It’s for couples who value intentionality, connection, and the chance to slow down and celebrate their love surrounded by natural beauty. Whether you want minimalist romance or styled perfection, this is your sign to elope your way.

Ready to start planning?
View our Last Minute Love Elopement Package or contact us to schedule a quick call. We’d love to help bring your desert dream to life.

How to Plan the Perfect Surprise Proposal in Southern California (With Fairy-Tale Vibes)

When it comes to surprise proposals, nothing beats the magic of planning a moment your partner will never see coming—but will never forget. Southern California is one of the most romantic regions in the country, offering dreamy backdrops from coastlines to vineyards. Whether you're planning something intimate or grand, here's how to create a proposal that feels personal, memorable, and magical.

Why Surprise Proposals Are So Powerful

A surprise proposal is more than just a question—it's a moment of genuine emotion, raw reaction, and pure joy. It’s a time when love and intention collide, and as photographers, we live to capture that instant forever.

Whether you're down on one knee under a golden sunset or tucked away in a candlelit vineyard, the element of surprise creates a beautiful tension. And when that ring comes out? Time slows, hearts race, and the real story begins.

Best Surprise Proposal Locations in Southern California

Here are some top locations where couples have popped the question, with stunning results:

1. Sunset Cliffs, San Diego
A dramatic ocean backdrop with rugged cliffs—perfect for golden hour proposals.
Address: Ladera St, San Diego, CA 92107

2. Griffith Park Observatory, Los Angeles
Get down on one knee with sweeping views of the city and the Hollywood sign in the background.
Address: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

3. Victoria Beach, Laguna Beach
Secluded, enchanting, and home to the famous "Pirate Tower"—this beach feels like a hidden gem.
Address: Victoria Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

4. Prospect Park, Redlands
With its historic charm and tree-lined pathways, this park offers a romantic, garden-style setting.
Address: 1352 Prospect Dr, Redlands, CA 92373

5. Temecula Wine Country
Vineyards, rolling hills, and private estates make this area a go-to for intimate, luxe proposals.

A Fairytale Moment in Temecula

One of our favorite surprise proposals took place at a private estate in Temecula, where we partnered with the talented team at Life’s Short Picnic. They transformed a simple backyard into an enchanting wonderland, complete with floral arrangements, candles, and custom decor that made it feel like something out of a fairytale.

From the string lights to the soft cushions and picnic layout, every detail added to the romance—and our job was to make sure no moment went uncaptured. The look on her face, the tears, the laughter—it was pure magic.

This is the kind of surprise proposal that blends personal touches with professional elegance. And it’s why we always recommend working with vendors who understand how to bring your vision to life.

Tips for Planning a Surprise Proposal in SoCal

1. Choose a location that’s meaningful
Whether it’s where you had your first date or a dream destination, tying the moment to your story adds even more impact.

2. Work with a planner or vendor team
Companies like Life’s Short Picnic specialize in creating jaw-dropping setups that feel effortless and authentic.

3. Hire a photographer (that’s us!)
You only get one shot to capture this once-in-a-lifetime moment. We blend into the background while documenting every raw, emotional second.

4. Have a plan B
If you're planning an outdoor shoot, always have a backup location or weather plan.

5. Make it yours
Bring in details like your favorite song, custom signage, or a post-proposal toast. It’s the little things that make a big difference.

Let’s Capture Your “Yes” Moment

At Last Minute Photoshoot, we specialize in surprise proposal photography throughout Southern California—from scenic overlooks in San Diego to romantic estates in Temecula and hidden gems all across L.A. and the Inland Empire.

To help bring your vision to life, we offer our “Will You Marry Me? Proposal Photoshoot” package. This includes a fully guided experience where we help with:

• Location scouting

• Timing the perfect shot

• Capturing candids before, during, and after the big moment

• A mini engagement-style session after the proposal

• High-quality edits for you to share and cherish forever

Need something more personalized? We love going the extra mile and can customize the shoot to match your love story, whether you're planning a quiet moment or a grand gesture.

Whether you’re popping the question in a vineyard, on the beach, or at home with a dreamy setup like the one we recently captured with Life’s Short Picnic, we’re here to help you preserve the magic.

📸 Ready to plan your surprise proposal? Let’s talk details and get everything lined up—because the adventure truly begins with “yes.”