Japanese Friendship Garden Surprise Proposal at Balboa Park

Efrain reached out to us through Instagram after seeing photos we captured inside the Japanese Friendship Garden at Balboa Park in San Diego. Inspired by the peaceful scenery and iconic earth bridge overlooking the koi pond, he wanted to plan a surprise proposal for his girlfriend, Areli. After securing the garden reservation and coordinating the timing before the garden opened to the public, we helped plan a quiet morning proposal. As Efrain and Areli crossed the bridge, he gently turned her around and got down on one knee. She said yes. With the surprise captured, we spent the rest of the morning exploring the Japanese Friendship Garden and Balboa Park for portraits, documenting the beginning of their engagement in one of San Diego’s most beautiful proposal locations.