San Diego proposal on a private boat and tips for great proposal photos | Amelia & Sam

Proposals are so much fun, ESPECIALLY if they are on a boat! Amelia and Sam had their first date on a boat that took them around the San Diego Bay and under the Coronado Bridge! Cruising the Bay, checking out the bridge and such, is one of the best ways to enjoy San Diego. You usually get a history lesson from your guides as well! When parents come visit, I always recommend taking them on a cruise! Mine have loved many of the cruises from Harbor Cruises!

After dating long distance for a while, Sam decided it was time to pop the question! He rented out the same boat that their first date had been on and planned to get down on one knee on the deck. He also managed to smuggle Amelia’s Mom and her Mom’s Husband aboard, before Amelia arrived. Amelia boarded with no idea they were there!They waited in a room below the deck while we got the boat to where Sam wanted to propose. The sea stayed steady and Sam got on one knee. She said yes and her mom and crew came out to hug and congratulate them! They popped champagne and worked on snacks as sunset began.

It was so fun to take photos out on the water and such a great view of the city. We lucked out with the perfect amount of clouds for great light and a perfect day on the water. San Diego pretty much has perfect boat weather everyday of the year! We pulled into dock just at last light to surprise Amelia one last time with two of her friends waiting. It was a totally magical day and I’m so lucky to have been a part of it.

After photographing so many proposals, I’ve noticed a few things that are super helpful! Here are some of my tips for great proposal photos!

Make sure the ring recipient has their nails done! There will definitely be lots of photo of the ring on the hand, so it’s helpful to have it lookin fresh.
Have your photographer give you a heads up on where to stand and which way to face. In the moment it may be hard to consider, but it’s helpful to have something to focus on.
Stay on your knee for as long as possible! Don’t take the ring out until you are already down on your knee and don’t get up till your partner comes in for a hug.
Deep Breaths!! Take it slow. Most people kind of black out and get totally sucked into the moment, so enjoy it and know you’ll have great photos to look back on.