Alyssa & Dave’s Foggy Big Sur Proposal

When Alyssa and Dave reached out to me about capturing their proposal in Big Sur, I was immediately excited—not just because of their story, but because of the time of year they chose to visit. This sweet couple from Ohio had planned their trip around the Big Sur Marathon, but Dave had a much bigger moment in mind: asking Alyssa to spend forever with him.

He reached out to me three months in advance, eager to plan the perfect moment along the rugged cliffs and wild coastline of Big Sur. What made their session truly unforgettable was the weather. The coast was wrapped in a soft, misty fog—something many visitors don’t expect, but I always quietly hope for.en you lean into nature exactly as it is.

A dirt hiking trail winds along the rocky California coastline with mountain views in the misty distance.
A romantic couple stands on a coastal cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean with rocky shores and mountains in the distance.
Romantic couple stands on rugged coastal cliff with cypress trees and crashing waves along Big Sur at sunset.
Two people share a romantic moment on a scenic coastal cliff with evergreen trees and misty mountains in the background.
A romantic proposal scene unfolds on a cliff overlooking the rugged California coastline with crashing waves below.
A couple shares a romantic proposal moment on a coastal cliff overlooking the ocean at sunset.
A romantic proposal takes place on a scenic coastal cliff overlooking the ocean at sunset.
A romantic engagement moment on a scenic coastal cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean with evergreen trees and rocky shores.
Two people share an intimate moment on a cliff overlooking a rocky Pacific coastline at dusk.
A proposal moment unfolds on dramatic California coastline with cypress trees and rocky shores at dusk.
Special moment captured on scenic coastal bluff with mountain backdrop and rocky shoreline below.
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A person stands on a coastal cliff trail overlooking the Pacific Ocean on a cloudy day near rugged coastline and evergreens.
A couple embraces while standing on a coastal cliff overlooking the ocean at sunset in casual formal attire.
A romantic couple embraces on a coastal cliff at sunset, wearing blue and light colored clothing against a misty backdrop.
Romantic couple embracing on coastal cliff overlooking rocky shoreline and ocean during golden hour.

Fog isn’t something to be afraid of when it comes to your proposal or engagement photos in Big Sur. In fact, it’s part of what makes this place so magical. As a local who grew up in sunny Southern California, it’s the moody, coastal chill of Big Sur that really captured my heart. While the rest of the country often battles 100+ degree heatwaves during summer, Big Sur stays cool—sometimes even in the 60s, with the fog gently hugging the cliffs and trees. There’s a comfort in it, a softness, that gives photos a dreamy, cinematic quality you just can’t replicate elsewhere.

Alyssa and Dave embraced the moment fully. She was glowing—thrilled, surprised, and so in love. After giving them a little time to soak it all in and just be together, we wandered to a few nearby spots for photos, capturing their joy with the dramatic coastal fog as the perfect backdrop. We wrapped up the evening at Calla Lily Valley in Garrapata Beach, where the muted light and sweeping scenery gave us the most beautiful final frames of the day.

These two were so fun to work with, and their foggy Big Sur proposal was a perfect reminder that sometimes the best moments happen when you lean into nature exactly as it is.

A couple stands on a rugged mountain path at sunset, surrounded by green hills and scenic natural landscape.
Editorial & fine art photography

Hi, my name is

Daniel

A person in a gray blazer and navy pants stands on grass in front of trees at sunset.

Big Sur

Proposal Photographer

As a local Big Sur proposal photographer I bring years of experience, local insight, and a deep love for this rugged stretch of California coastline. I know the hidden spots that are perfect for quiet, intimate moments, the lighting shifts that happen with coastal fog, and the best times to avoid crowds. Whether it's planning around tide charts, securing permits, or finding a trail less traveled, I’ve helped dozens of couples craft a proposal that feels both personal and epic. Hiring me means you’re not just getting beautiful photos—you’re getting a guide, a planner, and someone who genuinely cares about making your moment unforgettable.

A romantic coastal proposal moment on a cliff overlooking the ocean, with a large cypress tree in the background.