Being an engagement photographer, I was eager to see this well planned surprise proposal flow well. Joe and I met when he was an undergraduate student at the local university. He returned to the Bay Area after graduation. I remember when he said he met this amazing woman, but that was all. We continued to follow each other on Social Media over the years. He remembered that I was a wedding photojournalist. Thank you Joe for letting me take part in your special event.

Joe decided that he would propose to his then girlfriend Simone in the San Luis Obispo area. He and a friend, Kindra planned a destination trip so that Simone could see the beauty of San Luis Obispo and Joe’s college hangouts. They decided on the Terra Mia Paso Robles venue for the proposal.

Surprise Proposal | Renoda Campbell Photography | Paso Robles vineyard | Engagement photographer

Terra Mia Paso Robles is a beautiful venue. The Paso Robles vineyard had waterfalls, a small lake, and willowy trees. There is a large Oak tree in the vineyard that is popular phot spot for most wedding photographers in the area photographing at Terra Mia Paso Robles. As I walked around, I plotted my locations to photograph the surprise. Lastly, I needed to figure out where I could hide paparazzi style. The trees were very thin and narrow, but after thinking about it strategically, it all worked out!

Joe and Simone walked hand in hand to the “spot”. He asked for her hand in marriage and she said Yes! The surprise proposal was a success. They saw me from afar and gestured me to move closer. I was able to be the engagement photographer that I needed to be. Best wishes Joe and Simone!