Surprise Proposal at Churon Winery | Temecula Proposal Photography
A quiet champagne toast moments after the proposal, hands slightly trembling as they celebrate the yes, the relief, and the beginning of a shared forever.
Early in the morning on November 13, we received a new inquiry from Branden. His message was simple and direct: he was hoping to schedule a photographer to capture his proposal to his girlfriend, Elena, at Churon Winery on December 23. Branden and Elena were flying in from Omaha, Nebraska to visit family, and although Branden had never been to the winery himself, he had seen photos and videos of the property and instantly fell in love with the elegance of the gazebo and surrounding grounds.
Surprise Proposal at Churon Winery | Temecula Proposal Photography shows how rolling vineyards, warm light, and thoughtful timing create a timeless “yes.” From coordinating with winery spaces to choosing the perfect moment, we’ll help you plan and capture a proposal that feels effortless and deeply personal.
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From the start, this proposal was all about thoughtful planning. We went back and forth finalizing details, timelines, and logistics, while Branden coordinated directly with the winery to secure their gazebo proposal package. Once the date was locked in, we connected with Vanessa, who handles events at Churon, to ensure every moving piece was aligned. With a clear timeline in place and strong communication across the board, everything was set—on paper.
The only lingering concern was the weather. Proposals in California during this time of year always come with a small question mark. Rain had been forecasted, and while that can sometimes force last-minute pivots, the day surprised us. Instead of showers, we were met with overcast skies—soft clouds that diffused the light beautifully and created ideal conditions for photography.
We arrived early on the day of the proposal, checked in with Vanessa, and were given a guided walk-through to the gazebo. The cover story was seamless: Branden and Elena were told they would be meeting Vanessa at the front for a guided wine tour. Instead, they were gently led toward the gazebo, where we were already in position, camera in hand, capturing the quiet anticipation as they approached.
As they walked down the stairs toward the gazebo, Branden took a breath, stepped forward, and dropped to one knee. Elena’s reaction was immediate and emotional—pure surprise followed by a joyful yes. Every second of that moment was captured discreetly, preserving the authenticity of the proposal exactly as it unfolded.
After the proposal, we revealed ourselves and spent the next hour getting to know Branden and Elena on a more personal level while photographing them around the gazebo and courtyard. The calm atmosphere, the soft winter light, and the intimacy of the setting made the entire session feel timeless.
Final Thoughts
This proposal at Churon Winery is a perfect reminder that not everything needs to go exactly as planned for a moment to be perfect. Sometimes, the weather shifts, the clouds roll in, and what you’re left with is something even better than expected. Thoughtful preparation, strong communication, and trust in the process allowed Branden’s vision to come to life effortlessly. We’re incredibly grateful to Churon Winery and Vanessa for their support, and honored to have captured such a meaningful chapter for Branden and Elena—one they’ll be able to relive for years to come.
