A Surprise Proposal Followed by an Engagement Session at Lacy Park | Andres & Frreseily's San Marino Love Story
Some of our favorite sessions begin before we ever pick up a camera.
They begin with a recommendation.
Late in May, we received a message from Andres, who was planning one of the biggest moments of his life. He had a simple vision: a quiet picnic in one of Southern California's most beautiful parks, followed by a surprise proposal to his girlfriend, Frreseily.
Unlike many of the surprise proposals we photograph, Andres wanted the proposal itself to remain completely private. No hidden photographer. No staged interaction. No audience.
Just the two of them.
Afterward, he wanted us to join them for an engagement session to celebrate the beginning of their next chapter together.
What made this inquiry even more meaningful was how they found us.
Another couple whose proposal we had photographed had recommended us.
A huge thank you to Eddie and his fiancée, Alicia, for trusting us enough to share our name. Referrals like these mean the world to us because they remind us that the experience we create extends far beyond the photographs themselves.
The proposal lasts a few unforgettable seconds. The celebration that follows deserves to be remembered too. Our proposal experiences are designed to capture the complete story—from the surprise, the reaction, and the ring to a relaxed engagement session while the excitement is still fresh. Whether you're proposing at Lacy Park, a scenic Los Angeles landmark, or a hidden Southern California gem, we'll help you preserve every chapter of one of life's biggest moments.
Plan Your Los Angeles Proposal
Why They Chose Lacy Park in San Marino
Nestled in the beautiful city of San Marino near Pasadena, Lacy Park is one of Los Angeles County's hidden gems.
Spanning approximately 30 acres, the park is known for its wide-open lawns, mature trees, peaceful walking paths, seasonal flowers, and historic character. Before becoming a public park in 1925, the property was part of an estate, and remnants of that history can still be found throughout the grounds.
Unlike many parks in Los Angeles, Lacy Park feels calm.
It's spacious enough that couples can often find quiet corners to themselves, making it a wonderful location for engagement sessions, proposals, family portraits, and simply slowing down for an afternoon together.
Its central location also makes it an excellent choice for couples staying in Pasadena, Arcadia, San Marino, or other nearby communities.
Arriving Early to Scout a New Location
Whenever we photograph somewhere new, one of the first things we do is arrive early.
Normally, if a location is within driving distance of another session, we'll scout it days beforehand. Since Lacy Park was farther from our usual Southern California route, we planned extra time on the day of the session to explore the park ourselves.
We walked nearly every path.
Studied how the light filtered through the towering trees.
Looked for quieter areas away from foot traffic.
And searched for backgrounds that felt timeless.
One feature immediately stood out.
The beautiful historic pillar walls that once marked the entrance to the original estate.
The architecture added an elegant, almost European feel that contrasted beautifully with the surrounding greenery.
We knew immediately it would become one of our favorite portrait locations.
Their Proposal Was Exactly What They Wanted
One thing we've learned after photographing hundreds of proposals is that there isn't one "right" way to propose.
Some couples want family hiding nearby.
Others dream of dramatic ocean cliffs.
Some envision elaborate floral setups.
Others simply want a quiet moment with no one else around.
For Andres, privacy mattered most.
He packed a picnic.
Spent time together with Frreseily.
Shared a quiet afternoon beneath the trees.
Then asked the biggest question of his life.
No cameras.
No distractions.
Just the two of them.
Sometimes those are the moments that become the most meaningful.
Beginning Their First Session as an Engaged Couple
After Andres proposed, he sent us his GPS location, and we made our way over to meet them.
We introduced ourselves, congratulated the newly engaged couple, and immediately began exploring the park together.
One of our favorite parts of engagement sessions isn't actually taking photographs.
It's getting to know the people standing in front of our cameras.
As we walked through Lacy Park, they shared stories about their relationship, laughed together, admired the ring, and simply enjoyed being engaged.
Those conversations naturally translated into authentic photographs because they weren't thinking about posing.
They were simply enjoying the moment.
Photographing Around Lacy Park
Over the next hour, we wandered through some of our favorite areas of the park.
The historic entrance pillars.
Tree-lined pathways.
Wide open lawns.
Shaded walking trails.
Every turn offered something different.
One of the reasons we enjoyed photographing here so much was the incredible variety packed into a single location.
Without driving anywhere else, we were able to create galleries that felt completely different from one another.
Some photographs felt elegant.
Others playful.
Some intimate.
Others cinematic.
That's one of the biggest advantages of choosing a larger park like Lacy Park for an engagement session.
The scenery changes naturally as you explore.
Thinking About Engagement Photos in Pasadena or Los Angeles?
If you're planning a proposal, engagement session, civil ceremony, or intimate wedding near Pasadena or anywhere throughout Los Angeles County, Lacy Park is absolutely worth considering.
Its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful landscaping, historic architecture, and mature trees create a timeless backdrop that works beautifully throughout the year.
Whether you're planning a surprise proposal beforehand like Andres did or simply looking for a beautiful place to celebrate your engagement, we'd be happy to help you choose the best locations, build a timeline, recommend nearby restaurants and activities, and create an experience that feels effortless from beginning to end.
Continue Exploring More Proposal Inspiration
Looking for more proposal ideas and real Southern California love stories?
Continue exploring these guides and real client experiences:
Whether you're dreaming of proposing along the coast, in the mountains, the desert, or a peaceful park like Lacy Park, every unforgettable proposal begins with thoughtful planning and a location that reflects your story.
Final Thoughts
What started as a recommendation from a past couple became another reminder of why we love what we do.
Every referral represents trust.
Every engagement session introduces us to another love story.
And every new location becomes another place where memories are made.
Congratulations again to Andres and Frreseily.
Thank you for allowing us to celebrate the beginning of your next chapter together, and thank you to Eddie and Alicia for sending another wonderful couple our way.
We can't wait to see where your story leads next.
