A Romantic Baker Beach Proposal | Dano & Kenna

There are certain moments in life that feel like pure magic, and being trusted to document them is one of the biggest honors of my job. Dano reached out to me months before he planned to propose to Kenna at Baker Beach in San Francisco, and from our very first email, I knew this was going to be special.

I always tell my couples that preparation is everything. Proposals may look effortless in the photos, but there is a lot of behind the scenes planning that goes into creating that perfect, once in a lifetime moment. Dano and I exchanged seven detailed emails leading up to the big day, going over everything from timing and lighting, to the exact spot where he would get down on one knee. (I’ll share a few snippets of my prep instructions below so you can see how I guide my couples through the process!)

THE PLANNING PROCESS

Before we even set foot on Baker Beach, Dano and I had mapped out the vision for the proposal. My role isn’t just to show up with a camera, but to make sure everything unfolds smoothly so you can stay in the moment. In our emails we talked about the best arrival time for golden light (if the fog behaved), how to position Kenna so she had the Golden Gate Bridge in the background, and even what to do if the beach was crowded.

THE PROPOSAL AT BAKER BEACH

There is something timeless about proposing with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. As Dano and Kenna walked along the sand, I hung back with my camera, blending into the scene so Kenna had no idea what was coming.

Then the moment arrived. Dano dropped to one knee, Kenna’s hands flew to her face, and pure joy radiated between them. The waves were crashing, the fog parted just enough, and the bridge stood tall behind them. It was cinematic in every way.

CHAMPAGNE & CELEBRATION

After she said yes (and of course, she did!), the mood shifted into full celebration. Dano popped open a chilled bottle of champagne we had snuck away in our cooler, and the two toasted to forever. We laughed, we let the cork fly, and we captured those fun, candid shots that balance the emotional proposal portraits.

ENGAGEMENT PORTRAITS BY THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

Once the initial excitement settled, we spent some time creating beautiful, relaxed portraits along the shoreline. Kenna couldn’t stop smiling at her new fiancé, and Dano couldn’t take his eyes off her. The result was a mix of editorial style poses and documentary candids that told the full story of their Baker Beach proposal from start to finish.

WHY CHOOSE BAKER BEACH FOR YOUR PROPOSAL

Baker Beach is one of the most iconic proposal spots in San Francisco, and for good reason. The Golden Gate Bridge views, the open shoreline, and the dramatic cliffs create the perfect backdrop for a once in a lifetime moment. For couples looking to propose in San Francisco, Baker Beach offers both romance and natural beauty, making it a top choice for unforgettable engagement photos.

PLANNING YOUR OWN SAN FRANCISCO PROPOSAL

Documenting proposals is one of my favorite parts of being a Bay Area wedding and elopement photographer. Whether you’re planning something intimate like Dano & Kenna’s beach proposal, or a grand surprise in Napa, Sonoma, Oakland, or downtown San Francisco, I’ll walk you through every step so the only thing you have to worry about is saying “yes.”

If you’re ready to plan your proposal, reach out here and let’s create your perfect moment together.