A Romantic Surprise Proposal: Trina and Jamie’s Intimate Engagement in Palos Verdes, CA

About This Engagement

Photography by Summit and Sur Photography

“Trina reached out to me a few months before her and Jamie were going to be coming from Singapore to California for a trip together. She originally had another location in mind for her surprise proposal but due to scheduling, we needed to make somewhere in the Los Angeles area work. After suggesting a few ideas, I floated Palos Verdes, as it was a spot I had been dying to shoot for some time and felt like it would be perfect. After planning logistics and everything, the day finally came and we had the whole spot almost entirely to ourselves!

Trina and Jamie looked out to the ocean and then when the moment was right, Trina asked Jamie to marry her—it was beautiful and incredibly intimate. After that, we spent time in the area taking fun photos of them exploring the rocks, tide pools, and eventually the little beach with a gorgeous backdrop. We even had a flock of birds fly over us, giving a great shot for their album!” [Christie, the photographer]

Permits and LNT

“There are no photography permits required in Rancho Palos Verdes for shoots that are not commercial/for personal use but it is always important to double-check for changes to that policy.

Also important is to stay on the trail at all times for all the reasons indicated by LNT but also because the land in Palos Verdes is especially vulnerable, as it is considered an area with high rates of “slides”. For the safety and preservation of this delicate land, it’s important to not cut trails.” [Christie, the photographer]

Learn how to leave no trace during your adventure.

Top Tips When Adventuring

“As with most spots on the California coast, sunset is typically the prettiest time of day but this also means there is a chance of running into more people. This area is mainly accessed by street parking which can be limited on weekends when it’s busier with hikers and neighborhood folks walking their dogs.

Weekdays are a best-case scenario for this area to reduce the risk of running into too many people and also enhance the experience with regard to a more intimate environment.” [Christie, the photographer]

Memorable Moments From This Engagement

From the photographer:

“Trina and Jamie traveled all the way from Singapore to spend two weeks in California for an epic trip ending with Trina’s proposal to Jamie. She originally had another location in mind but after chatting about spots in SoCal, she decided this would be perfect for the two of them. Because they both love hiking and exploring, this was an opportunity to see a spot they may not have experienced!

Trina’s proposal itself was super special and seeing Jamie’s reaction to it was beautiful. There was so much joy in that moment and the ones that followed as we explored the cliffs and the beach below. The two of them had such a light, fun, energy to them that was honestly contagious!”

Details We’re Loving

“It was one of the prettiest sunsets I have seen in a while and getting to shoot at this location for the first was absolutely a dream. And the cherry on top, finally getting some really cool seagull shots right at the end of their session!” [Christie, the photographer]

Photos From This Engagement