A Spectacular Surprise: El Matador Beach Engagement
El Matador Beach/ There's something incredibly magical about capturing a surprise proposal, and this one at El Matador Beach in Malibu was nothing short of spectacular.
A few weeks ago, I was contacted by a very excited Saurav who had a clear vision for his proposal. He wanted the photos to feel dreamy and almost like scenes from a classic film. We worked together to plan every detail, making sure it would be a moment his girlfriend would never forget.
The day of the proposal, we arrived at El Matador Beach just as it opened at 8 AM. The beach was peaceful and serene, with the morning light casting a soft glow over the cliffs and waves. I watched from a distance as the couple walked along the shore, the boyfriend nervously holding onto the ring in his pocket.
Then, the moment arrived. He dropped to one knee, and time seemed to stand still. His girlfriend's expression of surprise and joy was everything we had hoped for. I was able to capture the raw emotion of that instant—the tears, the laughter, the pure love between them.
After the proposal, we transitioned into an engagement photo session right there on the beach. The early morning light was perfect, adding a romantic and ethereal quality to the photos. We then found a nearby cliff with a breathtaking view of the ocean, a perfect backdrop to continue their session.
But the surprises didn’t end there. Saurav had gone above and beyond by renting a classic car, which added a timeless touch to the shoot. The couple celebrated their engagement with a toast, popping a bottle of champagne and enjoying the moment together.
This proposal was a dream come true, not just for the couple but for me as well. Being part of such a special day and capturing those moments that they'll cherish forever is why I love what I do. If you're planning a surprise proposal or any special event, I’d love to help you make it unforgettable.
Melissa Rodriguez Photography is a Los Angeles based wedding and portrait photographer. She focuses on documenting the lives of couples at the beginning of their grandest adventure. Melissa is driven to create something gorgeous, powerful, romantic and authentic with her couples; such as with these photos at El Matador Beach in Malibu.