Surprise Engagement Photography Riviera Maya – Estela and Jay

Surprise engagement and proposal photography can be challenging from the photographer’s point of view. Either you have to hide in a bush or find a simple and elegant excuse to get your other half in the location you want, with a photographer in the vicinity! A simple proposal idea is to say that you’ve planned a portrait session. That takes care of the location and photographer, and even (pro-tip) gives your partner the opportunity to dress up for the occasion, without giving the game away!

The portrait session that turns into a surprise engagement is exactly the strategy that Jay decided on! Jay decided to pop the question, and his girlfriend Estela had no idea what was coming. The look on her face is priceless when Jay pulled out the ring!

Needless to say, neither Estela or Jay knew that a hurricane was going to come sweeping into the Riviera Maya during their stay. When the shoot moved to the beach, the effects of Hurricane Rina made for some incredible photos with waves and rain, blowing umbrellas, and a ton of laughs.

We were delighted to photograph Estela and Jay’s wedding at the Playacar Palace, as well as a cenote trash the dress!