CJ & Dessa’s Balboa Park Proposal — A Storytelling Engagement Session in San Diego
When CJ first reached out to us in early November through our online submission form—“Hello, I’m interested in discussing a proposal package”—we had no idea we were about to plan one of the most thoughtful and creativity-filled surprise proposals we’ve had the honor of photographing in San Diego.
By 8 PM that evening, we were already on a call diving into everything: availability, ideas, cover stories, their backstory, and what he envisioned for the big moment. The original plan was an early November proposal, but weather pushed us back a week. In the end, the delay was perfect—it gave us time to craft something even more meaningful.
Balboa Park Proposal — A Storytelling Engagement Session in San Diego shows how layered locations, thoughtful movement, and natural moments create a proposal that feels like a story unfolding. From quiet gardens to iconic architecture, we’ll help you plan a proposal that flows beautifully and feels uniquely yours.
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The In-Person Walkthrough
After a few conversations, CJ asked if we’d be open to meeting at Balboa Park for a full walkthrough. We offer this option in select packages for clients who want deeper planning support, and CJ felt it would help bring his vision to life.
We loved the idea.
We spent a few hours walking through the park with him—laughing, talking, learning about their nicknames, memorable dates, the little stories that shape who they are. Getting to know one another before a big day builds trust, lets us understand the relationship better, and helps us show up on proposal day already connected.
It was actually our first time doing an in-person walkthrough with a proposal client, and we instantly saw the value. Together we planned the full route:
Pavilion
Alcazar Garden
California Tower
Botanical Building
Lily Pond for the proposal
Rose Garden for golden hour engagement photos
The walkthrough set the tone: storytelling, intention, movement, and emotion.
Proposal Day — One Secret Mission Before Anything Else
Proposal morning started earlier than usual because we had one important mission before scouting:
We needed to head straight to the Rose Garden to bury a prize.
(More on that later 😊)
After burying the surprise, we walked the park again, checked lighting, tested angles, and locked in the timeline. Even after dozens of proposals, we still get nervous—and honestly, we welcome that feeling. It means we care.
The Cover Story — “We Met at a Conference”
To keep CJ’s surprise airtight, we told Dessa that we met CJ at a conference and, since we were shooting in the area, we asked if they’d be open to modeling for us.
Not an easy white lie—but a necessary one.
We met them at the café near the Japanese Friendship Garden. They arrived looking incredible:
Dessa in a flowing gold dress
CJ in a sharp navy tailored suit
Their chemistry made the session effortless. We captured candid moments as we moved through each location—laughs, glances, the soft in-between moments that often become clients’ favorite photos.
The Proposal at Lily Pond
When we reached the Lily Pond, everything we had planned came together.
CJ took the cue.
He turned to Dessa.
And the moment unfolded beautifully.
She said yes.
And the surprises weren’t over.
Hidden under CJ’s button-down and suit jacket was a shirt reading “Will You Marry Me?”
He gifted Dessa a matching “I Said Yes” shirt for the engagement photos. The joy on their faces said everything.
A Scavenger Hunt — Honoring Their Early Date
CJ & Dessa’s first date ever was at Balboa Park involving geotag scavenger hunting, where they searched for small treasures hidden around the park.
We wanted to honor that memory.
So the final part of their engagement session became a custom scavenger hunt. We crafted a rustic-style note, burned the edges, and wrote a riddle:
“Our story began with a trail of clues, each one leading me closer to you.
Some search the world for treasure or fame,
but the day our paths crossed, I struck gold in your name.
Here where the petals shine like the love I keep,
rest a lock meant for your key—a promise I vowed to keep.”
Earlier that day, we buried a gold locket and key under one of the rose bushes.
They followed the clue.
They found the treasure.
And they shared a bottle of Martinelli’s as the sun dipped behind the garden.
The Perfect Ending to a Perfect Proposal
This proposal was a true collaboration—calls, planning sessions, a walkthrough, scavenger hunt clues, hidden treasures, location scouting, and genuine connection.
CJ put so much heart into creating a meaningful moment, and Dessa’s reaction made every ounce of preparation worth it.
We love what we do, and moments like this remind us why.
If you’re planning a proposal in San Diego and want help crafting a meaningful storyline, building a cover story, mapping a multi-location route, or designing a creative engagement session—we’d be honored to help you bring it to life.
Final Thoughts
Proposals like CJ & Dessa’s remind us that the most meaningful moments aren’t rushed—they’re built. Built through conversation, trust, thoughtful planning, and a willingness to slow down and be present in the process. From spending hours walking Balboa Park together before the big day, to learning their stories, nicknames, and memories, every layer of preparation shaped how naturally the day unfolded.
Storytelling is at the heart of how we photograph proposals. It’s not just about the question—it’s about the walk leading up to it, the nervous laughs, the quiet pauses, the shared history, and the intentional surprises woven in along the way. When couples trust us with their story, we’re able to document it honestly and with care.
CJ & Dessa’s proposal was filled with intention, creativity, and heart. It was an honor to be part of such a personal chapter in their lives, and a reminder of why we love capturing proposals in San Diego—because no two love stories are ever the same.
If you’re planning a proposal and want it documented as a story—not just a moment—we’d be honored to help bring it to life.
