Little Corona Del Mar Proposal Photographer – Family Surprise Session

A SURPRISE PROPOSAL WITH FAMILY AT LITTLE CORONA

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

Including family in a proposal adds a layer of emotion that is hard to beat, but the logistics can be tricky. For Ryan’s proposal to Natalie, we used the classic 'Family Photo Session' ruse at Little Corona Del Mar. This allowed her mom and sister to be right there in plain sight without ruining the surprise. Little Corona is perfect for this because the rock formations and winding path provide natural spots for family to linger while the couple walks ahead for the big moment.

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

How to Include Family in Your Proposal

THE "FAMILY PHOTO" DECOY

The hardest part of a surprise proposal is getting your partner dressed up and to the beach without them getting suspicious. For Ryan, the "Family Photo Session" was the perfect cover story. Since Natalie thought she was just joining her mom and sister for updated portraits, she arrived at Little Corona Del Mar completely relaxed and unsuspecting, ensuring the moment was a genuine shock.

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

NATURAL HIDING SPOTS

Little Corona is unique because of its winding paved path and dramatic rock formations. These features create natural barriers that allow family members to "hide in plain sight." We positioned Natalie’s family just around the bend of the cliffs, close enough to watch the proposal unfold but far enough away to give the couple an intimate moment alone for the "Yes."

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

IMMEDIATE CELEBRATION

The best part about having family hiding nearby is the immediate aftermath. Once the ring was on, the family rushed down the sand to celebrate. We transitioned seamlessly from the emotional proposal to joyful group portraits with parents and siblings, capturing the full range of emotions in one golden hour 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.

Related Sessions

A newly engaged couple on Crystal Cove beach, with the woman reacting in shock and covering her mouth while the man holds the ring box, moments after a surprise proposal.

SOLOMON+LYNNIA

CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK

An engaged couple holding hands and walking barefoot on the sand with the rocky cliffs of Montage Laguna Beach in the background.

KENZIE+JAKE

MONTAGE RESORT LAGUNA

A bride in a white gown and groom in a black suit smiling as they walk along a shaded path at Irvine Regional Park during their wedding portraits.

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IRVINE REGIONAL PARK

Frequently Asked Questions

  • There is a steep paved ramp leading down to the beach. It is walkable, but can be tough for elderly grandparents to walk back up. We can plan to have them wait at the top scenic overlook if the hike is too much.

  • At Little Corona, we can have the family wait around the bend of the cliffs or up on the paved path while you walk down to the water. Once you propose, they can come down for the celebration photos.

  • The City of Newport Beach requires a permit for professional photography. I handle this process for you so we don't get stopped by rangers in the middle of your proposal.