Photo Session Hacienda Pinilla: Surprise Beach Proposal at Sunset

A couple embraces warmly, both smiling during their beach proposal. The focus is on their gently clasped hands, her left adorned with a sparkling ring. Both wear light-colored clothing, the soft evening light of Hacienda Pinilla creating a romantic atmosphere.
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Behind the scenes at the sunset beach proposal on the beach at Hacienda Pinilla

This Hacienda Pinilla photo session captured one of the most genuine moments I’ve ever photographed – a perfectly orchestrated surprise proposal.

The Setup

Anastas contacted me with a brilliant plan. He and Valeria were visiting Hacienda Pinilla with ten friends to celebrate her 35th birthday. The cover story? A group beach photo session while in Costa Rica. What Valeria didn’t know was that during this seemingly casual photoshoot, Anastas would propose.

A couple walks hand in hand along a serene beach at sunset, possibly scouting for their perfect photo session spot. The man wears a light shirt and pants, while the woman is dressed in a short white dress. The ocean waves gently lap at the shore under a clear blue sky.

The Moment

We gathered everyone on Hacienda Pinilla’s pristine beach as golden hour began. While positioning the group for photos, I gave Anastas our secret signal. As Valeria posed with friends, he dropped to one knee behind her.

When she turned around, her expression transformed from confusion to pure joy. Tears streamed down her face as he asked the question. Their friends, who had kept the secret perfectly, erupted in cheers when she said “yes.”

  • A person kneels on the pristine sands of Hacienda Pinilla, holding an open ring box. The standing partner smiles with open arms in delightful surprise. Its a magical beach proposal as the sun sets, casting a warm glow over their intimate photo session.
  • As the sun sets, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, a person kneels on the sandy beach proposing with a ring. Their partner stands emotional and surprised, captured perfectly in this unforgettable beach proposal against the backdrop of an endless ocean.
  • A couple embraces joyfully on a beach at sunset, surrounded by friends cheering them on. The group is casually dressed, and the backdrop features trees and a clear sky, perfect for their surprise beach proposal in this festive outdoor atmosphere.
  • A black and white photo captures a couple embracing during a surprise beach proposal at Hacienda Pinilla. The man, smiling, wraps his arms around the woman whose back is turned to the camera, with the serene ocean and sky as their backdrop.
  • During a photo session, a woman with long hair embraces a man on the beach, revealing her engagement ring. She gazes softly toward the camera against a backdrop of sand and calm sea under Hacienda Pinilla’s clear sky.

The Celebration

Immediately after, Valeria video-called her parents, sharing the news through happy tears. I captured this beautiful extension of the moment – family celebrating from afar.

  • A group of women hugging and laughing joyfully on a beach during a lively photo session. Clad in casual summer outfits, they radiate happiness against the backdrop of green trees and sandy shores, reminiscent of a perfect day at Hacienda Pinilla.
  • A group of women in dresses laughing and chatting outdoors, one holds a camera. They appear to be enjoying a casual gathering at sunset, capturing the golden glow under a bright sky.
  • A group of people on a beach, with two women hugging in the foreground during a heartwarming beach proposal. Others around them are smiling and clapping. Its a sunny day with the ocean in the background, capturing a perfect moment of happiness and togetherness.
  • A group of people on a beach at Hacienda Pinilla, dressed in colorful attire, gather around one person proudly displaying a ring. They are all smiles, celebrating what seems to be a joyful beach proposal, with the bright sky serving as the perfect backdrop.
  • Four women in colorful dresses laugh and gather closely as they look at the camera during a vibrant photo session. The sun shines brightly, casting natural light over the scene, enhancing their joyful expressions on what feels like a perfect day.
  • A man with long hair and tattoos joyfully embraces a woman at the beach during a stunning sunset at Hacienda Pinilla. Beside them, another man with short hair and facial hair smiles, while the ocean waves gently lap against the shore.
  • A group of people in casual and beachwear stand on a sandy beach at Hacienda Pinilla. Trees sway gently in the background under a cloudy sky. Some are talking while others look around, capturing the relaxed, social atmosphere of this picturesque photo session.
  • A woman stands on a beach, beaming as she holds up her phone, capturing the moment. In her light off-shoulder top and gold accessories, she embodies joy against sand and trees under a clear sky during a surprise beach proposal.
  • A couple stands close together, smiling as they look at a smartphone the woman is holding. The clear sky in the background hints at a serene beach proposal setting. Both appear happy and relaxed, perfectly capturing the joy of this special moment.
  • A group of eleven people posing on a beach at sunset during a picturesque photo session. They are dressed in light, summery clothing, with some wearing dresses and others in casual shirts and pants. The ocean waves roll gently in the background under a clear sky.

As sunset painted the sky, we photographed the newly engaged couple walking hand-in-hand along Hacienda Pinilla’s shoreline. Valeria’s ring occasionally caught the golden light as they strolled against Costa Rica’s stunning coastal backdrop.

  • A black and white photo from a beach proposal at Hacienda Pinilla captures a couple. The woman smiles, looking downward in an off-the-shoulder dress, while the man embraces her from behind, gently kissing her head. They appear happy and relaxed during the memorable photo session.
  • A couple stands closely on a beach, smiling at each other amidst a romantic photo session. The woman gently holds the mans face while he embraces her waist. Both wear light-colored outfits, framed by the blurry greenery of Hacienda Pinilla under a clear sky.
  • A couple stands smiling and holding hands on a serene beach, as if savoring the moment of their surprise beach proposal. They wear light-colored outfits, and their reflection shimmers in the wet sand. The calm sea and blue sky at sunset create a peaceful atmosphere.
  • A couple strolls along a deserted beach at sunset, their smiles reflecting the oceans calm embrace and clear sky. Dressed in light summer attire, theyre captured in a spontaneous photo session that immortalizes this perfect moment.
  • A silhouette captures a couple embracing during a sunset photo session on the beach. The sky bursts with warm orange and yellow hues as the calm ocean whispers in the background, setting a perfect scene for a surprise beach proposal.

Your Hacienda Pinilla Photo Session

Hacienda Pinilla offers the perfect setting for milestone photography – pristine beaches, spectacular sunsets, and luxurious surroundings create an ideal environment for proposals, engagements, and celebrations.

Planning your stay at Hacienda Pinilla? Contact me to schedule a photo session that captures your special Costa Rica moments.

Congratulations to Anastas and Valeria – it was an honor to document your Hacienda Pinilla proposal!

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Engagement Proposals in Costa Rica

Want to learn more about having your engagement proposal in Costa Rica? Check out my full resource page.