Cole and Emma’s proposal at Hotel del Coronado was a beautiful surprise. Cole filled the day with romance and unforgettable moments. Planning a proposal can be one of the most exciting experiences. The surprise factor was in full force for this couple! Cole managed to orchestrate a proposal that Emma would never forget. He chose the picturesque Hotel del Coronado as the backdrop for their engagement.

The Perfect Plan

Cole and Emma are a creative couple from the Midwest. They met at NYU and now live in Santa Monica. They have been together for five years. Cole wanted to surprise Emma with a meaningful proposal. He came up with a clever plan to get her to the Hotel del Coronado. He claimed they had a free stay from credit card points. Although she was not initially budging, he managed to get her down to San Diego. This allowed the proposal plan to be in full effect. Little did Emma know, Cole had an entire day of surprises in store!

The Proposal

To make the moment even more special, Cole flew Emma’s best friend Natalie, an event planner, from out of state. Natalie brought along Cole and Emma’s beloved golden retriever, Honey. Honey’s collar held the engagement ring. Natalie played a crucial role in the proposal. Once Cole and Emma arrived at the destination, Honey was released. Honey ran over to the couple, leaving Emma in full shock! Cole got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. It was a scene out of the movies!

A Day Full of Surprises

The surprises didn’t end there. After the heartfelt proposal, Cole led Emma to another area. All their family and friends were waiting to celebrate their engagement. The surprise was beautifully planned. Everyone shared in the couple’s happiness. To top it all off, Cole had booked a stay in one of Hotel del Coronado’s private beach cottages right on the water. Here, they hosted a private dinner to continue the celebration into the night. They were surrounded by their loved ones.

Capturing the Moment

As a photographer, capturing this magical day was an incredible experience. Cole was very hands-on, wanting to push the envelope and create fun, funky photos with direct flash. He truly made the proposal at Hotel del Coronado unique. We succeeded in nailing his creative vision. We produced images that truly reflected their spirit. I loved this collaboration and working with someone who is a visionary!

Spring 2025 Weekend Wedding

I am thrilled to continue working with Cole and Emma. They have booked me for their spring 2025 wedding weekend at the iconic Parker Palm Springs. The celebration will kick off with a welcome party the night before the wedding. They will rent out the Gene Autry residence on the property. It’s going to be an unforgettable event, and I can’t wait to capture every moment of their special weekend.

Want some more inspo for planning your own unique multi-day wedding experience? Check out this weekend wedding in Mexico here. If you’re looking to hire a multi-day wedding photographer, I’d LOVE to be a part of making this moment special!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How can I plan a surprise proposal at Hotel del Coronado?

A: To plan a surprise proposal at Hotel del Coronado, contact the hotel’s event planning team for assistance with special setups like beachfront locations. Consider hiring a local photographer like Erin Marton specializing in proposals to capture the moment. She can help with proposal planning and engagement ideas as well.

Q: What are some creative proposal ideas at Hotel del Coronado?

A: Creative proposal ideas at Hotel del Coronado include a beach picnic at sunset, a rooftop proposal with ocean views, or a private dining experience. These unique proposal ideas are a great way to surprise your partner! 

Q: What are the best locations for a romantic proposal in San Diego?

A: The best locations for a romantic proposal in San Diego include Hotel del Coronado, Balboa Park, Sunset Cliffs, and La Jolla Cove. Each spot offers beautiful scenery perfect for a memorable engagement. 

Q: How can I hire Erin Marton for a proposal at Hotel del Coronado?

A: To hire Erin Marton for a proposal at Hotel del Coronado, connect with her here.