Some proposals just hit different—this one was all misty coastline, crashing waves, and pure joy. When David reached out a few weeks before their trip from Chicago, he was nervous (in the best way) and so clearly excited. He had it all planned: a surprise proposal for Haylee at Second Beach in Forks, Washington—a place with personal meaning and that signature wild Pacific Northwest energy.


As a Seattle proposal photographer, these kinds of adventures are my favorite—where love, landscape, and a little bit of spontaneity collide in the best way.

A lone figure stands on a misty beach near dramatic sea stacks and rock formations at Second Beach in Washington.

Planning the Proposal at Second Beach


David and Haylee had visited Forks the year before and completely fell in love with the area. Haylee casually mentioned that Second Beach would be the perfect place to get engaged—and David never forgot it.


When he called to plan everything, he mentioned more than once that he expected typical PNW weather. Not only was he prepared for it—he embraced it. And sure enough, when proposal day arrived, the skies were overcast and moody in the best possible way. No golden hour needed here—the soft light and fog rolling off the water were pure magic.


Getting there wasn’t exactly a hop and a skip. It involved a four-hour drive, a ferry ride, and a quick meet-up at a coffee shop while waiting in line for the boat. David and I gave each other a quick nod before heading out separately, staying subtle so Haylee wouldn’t catch on.

Two people embrace while standing on a misty beach with dramatic rock formations and crashing waves in the background.
Two people on a misty beach looking at large rock formation with natural arch at Oregon coast.
Two people stand on a misty beach with dramatic rock formations and natural arch along the Pacific Northwest coastline.
Two people share a moment on a misty beach with dramatic rock formations and a natural stone arch in the background.
Two people embrace on a misty beach with dramatic rocky cliffs and natural arch formation in the background.
Two people crouch on a misty beach with dramatic rocky sea cliffs and crashing waves in the background.
Two people stand together on a misty beach with dramatic cliffs and a natural rock arch in the background.
Couple sharing a romantic moment on a cold winter day by the water's edge.
A couple wearing black winter coats share a joyful moment together on a misty beach.
Two people share a joyful moment laughing together on a foggy beach wearing dark winter coats.

The Big Moment on the Beach


I arrived early to scout a discreet location along the beach. Second Beach is known for its towering sea stacks, driftwood-strewn sand, and the kind of waves that make you pause and just listen. When they arrived, I faded into the background and watched the scene unfold.


David led Haylee toward the water. With the ocean behind them and gray skies overhead, he got down on one knee and pulled out a custom-designed ring featuring a salt-and-pepper diamond. Haylee was completely stunned—and so happy. There were tears, laughs, and a joyful “yes.”


Later, she admitted she kind of knew it was coming… but the setting, the thoughtfulness, and the care David put into the details still took her breath away.

Couple embraces on moody Pacific Northwest beach surrounded by rocks and misty coastline during overcast day.
A couple dances together on a misty beach with dramatic rocky cliffs and ocean waves in the background.
A loving couple embraces on a rocky beach with dramatic coastal cliffs in the background, captured in black and white.
A couple embraces on a moody beach with crashing waves and rocky cliffs in the background.
Two people walk together across a rugged rocky coastline with dramatic cliffs in the background at dusk.
Two people walk hand in hand on a misty beach with dramatic sea stacks and evergreen trees at Second Beach, Washington.
Two people walking hand in hand on a misty beach with dramatic rock formations and crashing waves at the Oregon coast.
Two people joyfully running along a misty Pacific Northwest beach with dramatic coastal cliffs in the background.

Walking and Exploring the Beach


After the proposal, we took a relaxed stroll along the beach as they explored the surroundings. I captured some really cute, candid moments of them just enjoying each other’s company and the natural beauty of the coast.


A favorite image from the day? One where David and Haylee were running down the beach, with three birds flying overhead. It was spontaneous and ethereal—the kind of photo you can’t plan, you just have to feel.

People enjoying a walk on a misty beach while seagulls soar overhead against a moody gray sky.
Close-up of two hands clasped together with engagement ring visible, one wearing tan jacket and one in black sleeve.
A couple in casual attire share an intimate moment, with one person's hair dyed teal, both wearing glasses and smiling.
A couple walks hand in hand along a misty Pacific Northwest beach with dramatic sea stacks and rocks in the background.
A close-up portrait showing two faces, one with teal-colored hair and nose ring, and one with a dark beard.
Two people stand in front of a massive uprooted tree stump on a beach with evergreens in the background.
A romantic couple wearing glasses share an intimate moment in casual attire against a white background.
Large dark rock formation stands prominently on a foggy beach with misty gray skies in the background.
Two figures stand beneath massive driftwood roots on a misty Pacific Northwest beach.
Someone in a blue patterned shirt stands in front of a large driftwood root system on a foggy beach.

What David Had to Say


Here’s what David shared about the experience:

“Andre was an absolute joy to work with from start to finish. During the initial consulting window, he was incredibly patient and accommodating of my busy schedule... In the days leading up to our proposal shoot, Andre was incredibly communicative and patient with my last minute barrages of questions and adjustments as I nervously tried to make sure that every detail of my upcoming proposal was perfect... Finally, the big moment of my proposal and the session we had afterwards were wonderful. We loved working with Andre and appreciated his eye for setting and posing, which culminated in a breathtaking photoshoot that my fiancée and I tear up with joy looking at. Andre's work ethic, professionalism, responsiveness, and just overall kind-hearted nature helped make this important moment in our lives so memorable, and we could not be more appreciative.”


Planning Your Own Pacific Northwest Proposal? Let’s Make It Memorable


Whether you’re dreaming of a secret beach proposal, a forest elopement, or something closer to home in Seattle, I’d love to help you bring your vision to life. I specialize in Seattle proposal photography, Pacific Northwest engagement sessions, and wedding photography that’s intimate, honest, and real.


📍 Based in Seattle | Available throughout Washington, Oregon, California & beyond


Need more inspiration? Check out these stories from the blog:

A couple embraces on a misty beach with dramatic sea stacks rising from the rocky shore at Second Beach in Washington.
A couple sits together on a beach with driftwood logs scattered in the background on a cloudy day.
Driftwood logs scattered across a misty Pacific Northwest beach with dense pine forest on steep cliffs above.
Black and white close-up photograph shows two hands with rings gently touching across a dark textured surface.

Quick Tips for a PNW Proposal Shoot:


  • Scout the location (or let me do that for you!)
  • Expect moody weather and know that soft, overcast skies can be magical
  • Keep the energy real—focus on each other, not the camera
  • Dress for the conditions—layers and flexibility are key


📸 Let’s make your moment unforgettable.

Reach out here and let’s start planning your PNW proposal → Contact Me