Beach Proposal on the Oregon Coast of Anton & Therese

There’s something timeless about the Oregon Coast! The soft mist that cloaks the cliffs make everything feel a little more cinematic. That’s exactly what Anton was counting on when he brought Therese to a quiet stretch of beach just north of Cannon Beach, Oregon, for what she thought would be a simple photo session.

Spoiler: it was anything but simple.

Why Beach Proposals Deserve to Be Documented

Beach proposal sessions are some of my favorite things to photograph. The adrenaline! The surprise! The happy tears! It all happens so fast in the moment, but being able to freeze those reactions forever? It gets me every time. It’s such a big milestone, and I love helping couples relive every second of it through photos that are true to the moment, not stiff or staged. Just pure joy, start to finish.

A Foggy Oregon Coast Surprise

Anton and Therese had been together for three and a half years when he decided it was time to pop the question. He reached out to me with a plan, and together, we figured out the best spot to pull it off. It wasn’t far from Cannon Beach, but it felt like its own little world far from any crowds. It was private, peaceful, and made even more magical by the fog that rolled in just before we started.

That coastal haze was a gift. It wrapped around them like a filter you couldn’t plan if you tried, softening the edges and adding a dreamlike quality to the whole moment. And when Anton knelt down to ask Therese to marry him, everything about the scene… the quiet, the view, the mist, it all just made the moment feel even more intimate and surreal.

They stood on a rugged cliffside overlooking the ocean, waves crashing against the rocks below while I had a birdseye view. . The whole scene looked like something out of a movie with just the two of them framed by misty skies and endless water. From a distance, it felt quiet and still, but you could practically feel the emotion radiating from that tiny, windswept ledge.

A Unique Ring and an Unforgettable Yes

After the big beach proposal moment (another spoiler: she said yes!), we stayed on the beach for some just-engaged photos. Honestly, I always recommend this to couples because it’s such a fun way to kick off your engagement. You’re riding this emotional high, totally in love and a little dazed, and you end up with photos that are so joyful and real because nothing is forced. You’re just being yourselves.

Therese’s engagement ring was such a standout, too. It’s a unique marquise-cut set in a yellow gold band, something you don’t see every day, and it added even more character to the story we were telling. The vintage meets modern vibe felt very “them”—eye-catching, a bit unexpected, personal, and thoughtfully chosen.

Tip to Keep Your Beach Proposal a Secret

If you’re thinking about proposing and want to keep it a surprise, here’s one of my favorite tricks: suggest a couples session. I can help you plan everything behind the scenes while your partner just thinks you’re being cute and sentimental. By the time the big moment happens, we’re already in position, cameras are rolling, and it all unfolds naturally.

Plus, it ensures everyone shows up wearing something they feel good in and yes! It gives your partner a chance to have a fresh manicure for those close-up ring shots (trust me, they’ll thank you later).

That’s exactly what Anton did.

Photo + Video = Even More Meaningful

And the best part? We didn’t just get still photos. My husband, Stephen, was there too, capturing video the whole time. We often work together for proposals, weddings, and elopements and being able to offer both photography and videography gives you a fuller, richer way to remember your day. 

We’ve honed our rhythm over the years, and it makes things feel effortless for our couples. You don’t have to coordinate with two separate teams. You just get to show up, be present, and know your memories are being captured with care.

Anton and Therese were kind enough to share this review after the session:

“I cannot thank Emily enough. My fiancé and I are eternally grateful for Emily’s ability to capture our magical moments and even enhance them. Emily’s style of photography and editing not only grasps the magic of the moment but also retains the privacy and sanctity of what was captured. When he recorded our proposal, Emily’s husband, Stephen, was also extraordinary in his vision. The video continuously makes our close relatives cry! Emily and Stephen were so easy to work with, and they calmed our post-engagement nerves. The entire experience felt effortless. Thank you so much!”

Reading words like that never gets old.

Let’s Plan Your Dream Beach Proposal

Whether you’re planning to propose soon or just dreaming about it, I’d love to help you make it special. You can keep it private and low-key, or turn it into a full-blown celebration. It’s your story, and we’ll help you tell it in a way that feels true to you.

If you want to chat more about proposal photography (or bundling videography with it), reach out here. Stephen and I would be honored to help you pull off your perfect moment.