A Surprise Engagement Proposal at Playa Flamingo Beach, Costa Rica

A couple walking barefoot along a sandy beach with gentle waves lapping at their feet. The man is wearing a beige shirt and white shorts, and the woman is in a blue dress. Lush greenery is visible in the background.

As a destination photographer in Costa Rica, I was excited when Michael contacted me about capturing his surprise proposal to Karen at Playa Flamingo. Since they were staying in nearby Brasilito, Flamingo Beach was the perfect choice – it’s known as one of Guanacaste’s most beautiful beaches, especially during the quiet morning hours.

We planned the engagement proposal for early morning to avoid crowds and take advantage of the best light. The plan was simple but effective: I would wait casually on a beach log, pretending to be a regular beachgoer enjoying the morning at Flamingo Beach.

  • Engagement Proposal at Playa Flamingo. A person is kneeling on one knee in front of another person on a deserted beach with waves crashing nearby. The backdrop features rocky cliffs covered in greenery, and the sky is cloudy, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere.
  • A person kneels on the sandy beach, seemingly proposing to another person in a blue dress. Waves crash gently in the background, with lush cliffs and houses visible on the shoreline. Driftwood lies scattered on the sand.
  • A man kneels on a sandy beach, proposing to a woman in a blue outfit. The ocean waves crash nearby, and lush green hills are visible in the background under a cloudy sky.
  • A man and woman stand on a beach with waves in the background. The woman is wearing a blue dress and smiling, while the man, in a beige shirt and shorts, looks at her. The sky is cloudy, and there is a cliff to the right.
  • A black and white photo of a couple on a beach. The man is embracing the woman, who is smiling with her eyes closed. The shoreline is in the background, and the sky is cloudy.

When Michael and Karen arrived, everything went according to plan. They walked along the shore until they reached our predetermined spot. That’s when Michael got down on one knee, and I was ready with my camera to capture Karen’s genuine surprise and joy. The proposal at Playa Flamingo couldn’t have gone more smoothly.

  • A couple strolls along the misty Playa Flamingo, barefoot by the waters edge. The man wears a beige outfit, while the woman is in blue. Surrounded by lush green trees lining the shoreline under a hazy sky, they share whispers of an engagement proposal.
  • A couple walks hand in hand along a beach, with gentle waves lapping at their feet. The man wears a beige shirt and white shorts, while the woman wears a long blue dress. Lush green foliage and misty hills are in the background.
  • A couple stands on a sandy beach, smiling and embracing. The woman is wearing a blue dress, and the man is in a beige shirt. The background features smooth sand.
  • A couple smiling at each other in front of lush green foliage. The man wears a short-sleeve beige shirt, while the woman wears a blue dress, with her arms around him. The greenery frames their affectionate pose.
  • A black-and-white photo of a smiling couple embracing under lush trees. The man wears a short-sleeve shirt, and the woman wears a sleeveless dress. The background is filled with leafy branches, creating a serene outdoor setting.
  • A couple shares an intimate moment on a beach surrounded by palm trees. The woman, wearing a blue dress, leans toward the man, who is in a light shirt, as they smile with their foreheads touching. The background features a tropical setting.
  • Two people walk along a sandy beach with gentle waves in the background. Palm fronds frame the scene overhead. The sky is overcast, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
  • A serene beach scene with a couple walking along the shore, surrounded by palm fronds above. The ocean is calm and stretches to the horizon under a cloudy sky, with small rocky formations in the distance.

After the big moment, we took advantage of the beautiful morning light for some portraits along the beach. Michael and Karen were still buzzing with excitement, which made for natural, authentic photos. There’s something special about capturing those first moments as an engaged couple.

  • A dreamy beach picnic setup with a white canopy, two wicker chairs, and a wooden table on sand—a perfect engagement proposal scene. The table holds food and drinks while flamingo-pink pampas grass enhances the ambiance, surrounded by candles. Lush green foliage completes this romantic backdrop.
  • A couple strolls hand in hand along Flamingo Beach, where Marry Me is elegantly spelled out in large letters on the sand, surrounded by red rose petals. The ocean remains calm under a cloudy sky, setting the perfect scene for an unforgettable engagement proposal.
  • A couple embraces on Flamingo Beach next to white letters spelling MARRY ME on the sand, surrounded by red rose petals. The ocean waves gently roll in the background under a cloudy sky, setting the perfect scene for an unforgettable engagement proposal.
  • A woman in a blue dress smiles widely, displaying an engagement ring on her hand. A man kisses her cheek gently. They both appear happy and are outdoors at a scenic beach, with a blurred natural background resembling flamingo hues.
  • A couple stands on Flamingo Beach, savoring a moment together. Nearby, a white canopy tent is set up with a small table and chairs, decorated for an engagement proposal. The background features trees and cloudy skies.
  • A couple embraces joyfully on a sandy beach in Guanacaste, with the woman being lifted off the ground. A white canopy with a picnic setup is in the background, surrounded by greenery and rocks, setting a perfect scene for an engagement proposal.

The morning had one final surprise in store. I had connected Michael with Laura from Caracola Experience, who set up a stunning boho tent on the beach. When we finished our portrait session, I led them to their private breakfast setup. The beachfront tent made for some beautiful final photos and gave the newly engaged couple a chance to celebrate privately in style.

This Playa Flamingo engagement proposal showcased why this location is perfect for such moments – the pristine beach, morning solitude, and natural beauty create an ideal setting for couples starting their engagement journey.

To Michael and Karen: congratulations again on your engagement, and thank you for choosing me to document this special moment at Flamingo Beach.

Planning a surprise engagement proposal in Costa Rica? Contact me to help capture your perfect moment at Playa Flamingo or other beautiful beaches in Guanacaste.

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