Surprise Proposal and Engagement Photos at Scott Creek Beach, Santa Cruz
Ben
& Natalie
A surprise on the sand. Olive was in on it.
Scott Creek Beach · Santa Cruz County
A surprise on the north coast.
Last summer Ben surprised Natalie with a proposal on the beach at Scott Creek, just north of Davenport on the Santa Cruz coast. No ring. Just Ben, Natalie and their Dalmatian, Olive, who was in on the whole thing.
A year later they got married on Natalie’s parents’ property on Donner Summit, right on their private lake, and I shot that too. See the wedding. This one was sandstone cliffs, cold Pacific water and a dog in just about every frame.
He got down on one knee. Olive got in the shot.
The question · Down on one knee
She had no idea.
Natalie thought we were just out taking photos on the beach. Ben walked her down toward the water, got down on one knee and asked. No ring, no speech on a notecard. Just the question. She said yes.
Olive · The third wheel
Olive was in on it.
Olive is their Dalmatian, and she was part of the plan from the start. Once the big moment was over she made sure she was in every frame she could get into, running laps down the tide line with the two of them.
The beach · Scott Creek
Cliffs, sand and cold water.
Scott Creek is a wide open beach on the Santa Cruz north coast, with sandstone bluffs at one end and the mountains behind it. The sky was clear, the water was cold and nobody cared.
The dunes · Last light
Then up into the dunes.
We finished in the dunes behind the beach as the light went soft and hazy. Ben picked up Natalie, Natalie picked up Olive, and that was the shot.
A quick preview.
This is just a preview. Ask to see the full gallery
FAQ
A Santa Cruz proposal at Scott Creek.
Where did Ben propose to Natalie?
On the beach at Scott Creek, on the north coast of Santa Cruz County just past Davenport. It was a surprise. Natalie thought we were just there for photos.
Can you help plan a surprise proposal?
Yes. We pick a spot and a time with good light, I show up looking like I am there for something else, and I stay far enough back that the moment stays yours. Then we roll right into engagement photos.
Can we bring our dog to our engagement session?
Yes, and you should. Olive the Dalmatian was part of Ben and Natalie’s proposal and is in half of the gallery. Bring a leash, treats and someone to wrangle if your dog needs it.
Where is Scott Creek Beach?
On Highway 1 about 15 miles north of Santa Cruz, just north of Davenport. It is a wide, open beach with sandstone bluffs, a creek lagoon and the Santa Cruz Mountains behind it.
How much does an engagement session cost?
Engagement sessions run 1 to 2 hours. They are $900 on their own, or included in one of my wedding packages.
Scott Creek · Santa Cruz County
One knee. One Dalmatian.
Ben and Natalie’s surprise proposal at Scott Creek was quick, real and a little chaotic in the best way, thanks to Olive. If you are planning a proposal or engagement session on the Santa Cruz coast or around Lake Tahoe, this is what that can look like.
Santa Cruz wedding photography All engagement sessions Elopements Natalie and Ben’s Donner Summit weddingEngaged?
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Engagement sessions run 1 to 2 hours. They're $900 on their own, $600 added to any wedding package, and included in the All In collection.
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