A Memorable New Years Proposal in Malibu
A Magical Sunrise El Matador Beach Proposal
Surprise proposals hold a special place in the heart of every photographer, where the essence of love intertwines with careful planning and heartfelt intention. This particular sunrise proposal at El Matador Beach in Malibu, California, on the morning of New Years Eve, was memorable and special in every way.
Planning the Perfect Proposal Moment
Months before the proposal, G reached out to me with a vision of proposing to her longtime girlfriend M on the dawn of the last day in 2022. With ample time for preparation and coordination, we planned every detail, ensuring that their special moment was everything they’d dreamed of.
G told M that she’d scheduled a couples photo session for them, so M was prepared and ready for a photo session. When they arrived, we planned to take portraits for about 15 minutes, until we arrived at a particularly pretty and secluded spot on the beach, when I would guide the couple to stand back to back looking away from each other. And then as I took that photo, G would go to one knee, I’d direct them to turn around, and that would be the moment.
A Serendipitous Setting
Every detail went according to plan—even the weather. G had expressed in her inquiry a hope that they’d get a foggy, cinematic aesthetic, and—lo and behold—we had a rainy, misty sunrise, so unusual for Southern California yet so perfect for the two of them.
Ending 2022 on a High Note
On a personal note, 2022 has been one of my favorite years of my career. I’ve been busy and exhausted at times, but I’ve grown so much as an artist and person. And having the opportunity to photograph such a perfect proposal on the last sunrise of the year was, to me, the best way to end a wonderful year.
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Testimonial from G and K
“I reached out to Pamela 2 months before I planned to propose to my partner. From the very beginning, Pamela was responsive, engaging, and incredibly easy to work with. She was super personable and very excited to be a part of our proposal. During our planning/brainstorming session she gave really helpful suggestions and helped me iron out my half-baked ideas.
Day of the shoot, Pamela was a dream to work with! She helped us to feel relaxed and comfortable (she has a great sense of humor, too). We had such an organic, warm, and fun experience with Pamela. She is so talented and helped make an already important day that much more special.
The photos we received were also so beautiful. Everyone we've shared them with is absolutely in love with them! Pamela has got a great eye!
I highly recommend Pamela to anyone who is looking for a photographer who will honor how precious these moments are; she's fantastic.
Bonus: She has worked with a lot of LGBTQ+ couples, which is why I sought her out in the first place. I knew we would be working with someone who would help us feel safe on such an special day.” (Google Review)
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Thank you so much for checking out G and K’s proposal story! Get inspired by more proposals below, and get in touch to plan your own surprise proposal.
All photos captured by Malibu wedding and proposal photographer Pamela Tatz Photography. If you liked this proposal photoshoot, you may also be interested in seeing this El Matador Beach proposal that went viral on TikTok and this Santa Monica Pier proposal that also went viral on TikTok and Instagram.
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HI THERE, I’M PAMELA!
I’m the owner and lead photographer at Pamela Tatz Photography. I know that the choice of the best wedding photographer is a deeply personal one, and I’m grateful you found your way here.
My rates for wedding photography and photo sessions are all available, as well as some answers to frequently asked questions. You can learn more about me and my business, as well as check out some resources I’ve put together to help anyone planning their California wedding, destination wedding, elopement, or engagement.
If you’re interested in working with me or just want to say hi, feel free to reach out! ♥
