Irvine Proposal Photographer – Natalie & Ryan’s Beach Engagement at Little Corona Del Mar

NATALIE & RYAN’S SURPRISE PROPOSAL AT LITTLE CORONA DEL MAR BEACH

Elegant diamond engagement ring in a velvet box, sitting on a scenic rock with a bouquet of red roses beside it.

Natalie thought it was just a family photo session. What she didn’t know was that her mom, Kristi, and her younger sister, Erica, had been working behind the scenes for weeks to plan a surprise proposal. I was brought in to help capture it, but they did the heavy lifting—organizing the timeline, keeping the secret, and making sure everything went off without a hitch. We picked Little Corona Del Mar Beach for its quiet, tucked-away feel and tide-worn rocks. When the moment came, Ryan dropped to one knee, and Natalie’s reaction said it all. If you're planning your own proposal and want photos that actually feel like the moment, reach out to me to get started.

Ryan proposing to Natalie on the beach at Little Corona Del Mar during overcast golden hour.

The Story Behind the Surprise

MOM TOOK THE LEAD

Natalie’s mom, Kristi, was the one who made it all happen. She set the date, coordinated with Ryan, and handled every moving piece behind the scenes. Her goal was simple: make it feel natural for Natalie, while pulling off a moment she’d never forget.

Holt family portrait on Little Corona Del Mar Beach, California. Venya Manzyuk.

ERICA KEPT IT QUIET

Natalie’s younger sister, Erica, helped keep the surprise intact. From little white lies to casual text updates, she played it cool the entire time. She even helped guide Natalie into the perfect spot at just the right moment—without giving anything away.

Loving father hugs daughters on Little Corona Del Mar beach. Family photography by Venya Manzyuk.

LITTLE CORONA DELIVERED

We chose Little Corona Del Mar because it feels tucked away without being hard to get to. The cliffs, the tide pools, the soft light—it all came together. Even with overcast skies, the setting added a calm and natural energy to the whole session.

Father and daughters walk on Corona Del Mar beach during family photoshoot.
Smiling portrait of David Holt on the beach at in Corona Del Mar.
Natalie and Collin Holt enjoy a beach walk in Corona Del Mar.
Erica Holt with her sister and dad in Corona Del Mar. Family photography by Venya Manzyuk.
Smiling portrait of Erica Holt on the beach in Corona Del Mar.
Stylish sisters in white dresses and denim jackets on Corona Del Mar beach.
Sisters in white dresses and denim jackets pose at Little Corona Beach.
Stylish beach portrait at Little Corona, Corona Del Mar. Photography by Venya Manzyuk.
Brother and sisters hug on Corona Del Mar beach. Family photography by Venya Manzyuk.
Woman in white dress twirls on the beach.
Woman in white dress poses on the beach. Corona Del Mar photography by Venya Manzyuk.
Sisters in white dresses twirl on Corona Del Mar beach.
Joyful sisters twirl on the beach in Corona Del Mar. Photography by Venya Manzyuk.
Sisters, dance, beach, Corona Del Mar, family photo.
Sisters dance hand-in-hand on Corona Del Mar beach.
Father and daughter portrait on Corona Del Mar beach.
Romantic proposal at Corona Del Mar beach. Photographer Venya Manzyuk captures the moment.
Man surprises girlfriend with a beach proposal in Corona Del Mar.
Proposal, Corona Del Mar, beach, surprise, love.
Marriage proposal at Corona Del Mar beach with roses.
Man proposes to girlfriend with ring at Corona Del Mar beach.
Romantic beach proposal, Corona Del Mar. She said yes!
Romantic proposal on Corona Del Mar beach with ring and roses.
She said YES! Woman celebrates after surprise proposal.
She said yes! Woman admires her ring after beach proposal in Corona Del Mar.
Romantic beach proposal, Corona Del Mar. She said yes! Photography by Venya Manzyuk.
Bride-to-be admires her ring after a romantic Corona Del Mar beach proposal.
Diamond engagement ring shines bright on a sandy beach. Proposal photography by Venya Manzyuk.
Newly engaged couple's first kiss on Corona Del Mar beach.
Love and joy: Couple celebrates their engagement with a hug on the beach in Corona Del Mar.
Sharing the love! Family witnesses a joyful engagement on the beach in Corona Del Mar.
Family celebrates a beach engagement in Corona Del Mar.
Romantic kiss by the ocean in Corona Del Mar. Proposal photography by Venya Manzyuk.
Overjoyed couple hugs after surprise proposal at Little Corona Del Mar Beach.
Happy couple with roses after a romantic proposal.
Family celebrates a joyful proposal in Corona Del Mar!
Special moment: Dad and daughter celebrate her engagement on the beach.
Couple strolls hand-in-hand on Corona Del Mar beach during their proposal photoshoot.
Romantic beach walk in Corona Del Mar captures the joy of a newly engaged couple.
Couple, beach, walk, proposal, Corona Del Mar, engagement, love.
She said yes! Woman lovingly holds her fiancé's face after a beach proposal.
Tender moment: Couple shares an eskimo kiss after proposal on Corona Del Mar beach.
Celebrating their engagement with a sweet nose-to-nose touch on the beach.
Close-up: dazzling diamond engagement ring sparkles on her finger.
Couple embraces on the rocks at Corona Del Mar beach during their engagement shoot.
A helping hand: Man assists his partner after a romantic proposal on the rocks in Corona Del Mar.
Celebrating their engagement with a romantic lift on the beach in Corona Del Mar.
He swept her off her feet! Romantic kiss after a beach proposal.
Walking into forever! Newly engaged couple enjoys a romantic beach stroll in Corona Del Mar.
Newly engaged couple poses on a rock at Corona Del Mar beach. Proposal photography by Venya Manzyuk.
Golden hour at Corona Del Mar: Stunning beach skyline at sunset.

Session Details & Pricing

Proposals move fast, but the planning shouldn’t feel rushed. I approach every session with care—making sure the moment reflects who you are and stays true to the relationship. From location scouting to timing the cue, we’ll set it up so it feels natural, not staged.

I. THE PLANNING

Each session includes up to two hours of coverage. That gives us room to settle in, capture the proposal, and follow it up with relaxed, just-engaged portraits while the energy is still fresh. No pressure, no awkward posing—just real moments as they unfold.

II. ROOM TO BREATHE

Proposal sessions start at $600 and include a minimum of 75 fully edited, high-res images, location planning, and timeline coordination. Your gallery is delivered through Pic-Time with unlimited downloads. A 50% retainer is due at booking, and the rest is paid on the session date.

III. WHAT YOU GET

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I’m here to guide the process, not control it. I’ll help you figure out timing, location, and how to keep things smooth and natural—especially if family or friends are involved. My goal is to support the moment without making it feel over-planned.

  • Yes—whether it’s parents hiding nearby or friends joining after the “yes,” I’ll help you work them in without giving anything away. Just let me know what you’re thinking, and we’ll plan it out.

  • Your full gallery is ready within two weeks. Need a sneak peek for announcements or sharing? I’m happy to send a few highlights the next day.