This is the first surprise proposal on the blog!! I absolutely LOVE photographing surprise proposals, so I had so much fun keeping the secret from Melissa. And the fact that they wanted to take photos at the beach (my favorite place!!) was just the cherry on top!! Keep reading to see Jeff and Melissa Laguna Beach engagement photos!!

Jess and Melissa’s Laguna Beach engagement photos

Okay, so Melissa actually reached out to me months ago wanting some photos of her, Jeff, and their dog Cooper! Her and Jeff have been together since their senior year of high school, but they’ve known each other since middle school. Coincidentally enough, they didn’t really become friends until they hung out together for Grad Night at Disneyland… which is ALSO one of my favorite places ever!! If I ever have a day off, I’m heading STRAIGHT to the happiest place on earth. I’m telling ya, it’s like I was meant to be their photographer!

This couple actually booked a shoot with me a few years ago, so I was so excited when Melissa reached out to me to document another chapter of their love story. This time around, they brought COOPER! He might have stolen the show just a little bit, but it was totally worth it. If you have a dog or other pet you can bring to your engagement session, I always always always say yes! In fact, I talk a little more about bringing your pets in my How to Make the Most Out of Your California Engagement Session blog, so be sure to check that out!

The surprise proposal!

I haven’t even gotten to the best part yet! A few weeks before their Laguna Beach couples photos were set to take place, I get a call from Jeff. He tells me that he plans on proposing to Melissa during our shoot! Are you kidding me??? I was SO EXCITED! Of course, I love photographing couples just because, but the fact that this was going to turn into a surprise proposal shoot make it THAT much better. Couples: if you ever want my help planning your surprise proposal, I would be more than happy to!

Of course, Melissa said “YES!” She was so surprised and I was glad we were all able to keep the secret. Thank you so much to Melissa and Jess for trusting me to document such a special moment!

Kind words from Jeff & Melissa

“Alissa is truly the best at what she does! She can make you feel comfortable in front of the camera whether it’s your first time or you’re in front of the camera often! She has quickly become one of our favorite people and someone we will continue to use over and over!”

Ready to take your Laguna Beach engagement photos?

I would LOVE to take them for you!! To get in touch with me, you can fill out my contact form and I’ll get back to you soon!!

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Alissa Rose

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Hey there

I am so happy you found me! Here’s a bit about this fun-loving girl behind the lens. I am a born-and-raised beach kid from Carlsbad, CA—a small, coastal town in North County San Diego. These days, I’m based in Long Beach and I travel around this big, beautiful world doing my dream job, which is capturing the moments and memories you want to relive over and over again.