California Dreamin’ of the most intimate oceanside proposal
It was late June when my bestie’s boyfriend sent me a DM on the gram and said, “Dom, I know this is last minute, but would you come to California to capture me proposing to Ari?”
I had always know Kayton was right for Ari, but this gesture made it more sure. When Kayton and I got on the phone he told me that Ari once mentioned how amazing it would be to have photos with me one day. He remembered and did a grand gesture of flying me all the way to Costa Mesa, California for his intentional and beautiful proposal to sweet, Arianna.
The next week, I packed my cameras and a couple outfits and met Kayton for the first time at the airpot. He coordinated everything: a place to stay, the proposal set-up, and an entire day for Ari to enjoy.
Then it was time…
He carried her down the Santa Barbra cliff side and told her to keep her eyes closed.
It went a little something like this- bent on one knee, he took that hand-made ring box with a dove etched across and opened up the lid and asked for her forever.
If you don’t think it’s already emotional let me add this. The waves were crashing and thudding against the shore so the moment was muffled with the glorious anthem of California. After they shared the moment of being brand new engaged, Kayton whispered to Ari, “look to your right”. As I snapped more photos.
She had not an inkling that I was just feet away snapping these memories. We cried and hugged and cried some more. Surprised.
That Santa Barbara sun was melting into the horizon. Ari + Kayton adventured and wandered into their new wonder as future Mr. + Mrs. as I documented this fresh and beautiful new season.
Arianna’s ring was from: Melanie Casey Jewlery
that Santa Barbara sun set behind the mountains as their love grew big before them.