A SURPRISE BEACH PROPOSAL AT LITTLE CORONA DEL MAR

Elegant diamond engagement ring in a velvet box, sitting on a scenic rock with a bouquet of red roses beside it.
Fiancee embraces her partner's face in joy after a beach proposal.

This was probably one of the most perfectly executed surprise proposals at Little Corona Del Mar Beach! Under the disguise of a family photo session, Natalie and her family arrived at this beautiful location. After about 30 minutes of photographing the family, Natalie’s fiancé, Ryan, made his grand entrance (literally sneaking into the pictures!) and asked Natalie to marry him. The pure joy and happiness that lit up Natalie’s face, followed by happy tears, made this entire session one of the most special I’ve ever captured. I’m so happy for the two of them and can’t wait to work with them again soon!

Holt family portrait on Little Corona Del Mar Beach, California. Venya Manzyuk.
Loving father hugs daughters on Little Corona Del Mar beach. Family photography by Venya Manzyuk.
Smiling portrait of David Holt on the beach at in Corona Del Mar.
Father and daughters walk on Corona Del Mar beach during family photoshoot.
Natalie and Collin Holt enjoy a beach walk in Corona Del Mar.
Erica Holt with her sister and dad in Corona Del Mar. Family photography by Venya Manzyuk.
Smiling portrait of Erica Holt on the beach in Corona Del Mar.
Stylish sisters in white dresses and denim jackets on Corona Del Mar beach.
Sisters in white dresses and denim jackets pose at Little Corona Beach.
Stylish beach portrait at Little Corona, Corona Del Mar. Photography by Venya Manzyuk.
Brother and sisters hug on Corona Del Mar beach. Family photography by Venya Manzyuk.
Woman in white dress twirls on the beach.
Woman in white dress poses on the beach. Corona Del Mar photography by Venya Manzyuk.
Sisters in white dresses twirl on Corona Del Mar beach.
Joyful sisters twirl on the beach in Corona Del Mar. Photography by Venya Manzyuk.
Sisters, dance, beach, Corona Del Mar, family photo.
Sisters dance hand-in-hand on Corona Del Mar beach.
Father and daughter portrait on Corona Del Mar beach.

NATALIE & RYAN’S UNFORGETTABLE BEACH PROPOSAL STORY

Planning a surprise proposal is no easy feat, and Kristi and Erica deserve all the credit for pulling off this epic moment! Kristi contacted me to photograph what turned out to be one of the most unforgettable surprise proposals I've ever captured. She meticulously planned every detail, from setting the date and organizing the post-engagement celebration to, most importantly, choosing the perfect location: Little Corona Del Mar Beach.

Little Corona Del Mar Beach provided a stunning backdrop for this special occasion. Even the overcast weather couldn't dampen the excitement of this engagement.

The entire plan was kept secret from Natalie, adding to the surprise. While I photographed Natalie and her family under the guise of a casual family photoshoot, Kristi anxiously kept an eye out for Ryan's arrival. Once he was en route, I subtly positioned Natalie away from the lifeguard tower and had her father pose with her for a few quick photos. Then, in a seamless switch, Ryan took his place. Natalie remained completely unaware of the swap until I gently prompted her to turn and see who was now beside her.

Her reaction was priceless! I believe I captured the pure joy and surprise perfectly. Natalie's jump of excitement and immediate "I do," even before Ryan could fully present the ring, speaks volumes about their love. This perfect proposal at Little Corona Del Mar Beach is undoubtedly one of my all-time favorites to photograph.

Romantic proposal at Corona Del Mar beach. Photographer Venya Manzyuk captures the moment.
Man surprises girlfriend with a beach proposal in Corona Del Mar.
Proposal, Corona Del Mar, beach, surprise, love.
Marriage proposal at Corona Del Mar beach with roses.
Man proposes to girlfriend with ring at Corona Del Mar beach.
Romantic beach proposal, Corona Del Mar. She said yes!
Romantic proposal on Corona Del Mar beach with ring and roses.
She said YES! Woman celebrates after surprise proposal.
She said yes! Woman admires her ring after beach proposal in Corona Del Mar.
Romantic beach proposal, Corona Del Mar. She said yes! Photography by Venya Manzyuk.
Bride-to-be admires her ring after a romantic Corona Del Mar beach proposal.
Diamond engagement ring shines bright on a sandy beach. Proposal photography by Venya Manzyuk.
Newly engaged couple's first kiss on Corona Del Mar beach.
Love and joy: Couple celebrates their engagement with a hug on the beach in Corona Del Mar.
Sharing the love! Family witnesses a joyful engagement on the beach in Corona Del Mar.
Family celebrates a beach engagement in Corona Del Mar.
Romantic kiss by the ocean in Corona Del Mar. Proposal photography by Venya Manzyuk.
Overjoyed couple hugs after surprise proposal at Little Corona Del Mar Beach.
Happy couple with roses after a romantic proposal.
Family celebrates a joyful proposal in Corona Del Mar!
Special moment: Dad and daughter celebrate her engagement on the beach.
Couple strolls hand-in-hand on Corona Del Mar beach during their proposal photoshoot.
Romantic beach walk in Corona Del Mar captures the joy of a newly engaged couple.
Couple, beach, walk, proposal, Corona Del Mar, engagement, love.
She said yes! Woman lovingly holds her fiancé's face after a beach proposal.
Tender moment: Couple shares an eskimo kiss after proposal on Corona Del Mar beach.
Celebrating their engagement with a sweet nose-to-nose touch on the beach.
Close-up: dazzling diamond engagement ring sparkles on her finger.
Couple embraces on the rocks at Corona Del Mar beach during their engagement shoot.
A helping hand: Man assists his partner after a romantic proposal on the rocks in Corona Del Mar.
Celebrating their engagement with a romantic lift on the beach in Corona Del Mar.
He swept her off her feet! Romantic kiss after a beach proposal.
Walking into forever! Newly engaged couple enjoys a romantic beach stroll in Corona Del Mar.
Newly engaged couple poses on a rock at Corona Del Mar beach. Proposal photography by Venya Manzyuk.
Golden hour at Corona Del Mar: Stunning beach skyline at sunset.