A Surprise Proposal at The Ocean Course on Kiawah Island
Allie & Matt’s Sunset Engagement Session
There’s something about a proposal on Kiawah Island that just feels like magic. Maybe it’s the way the sun sinks over the dunes, casting everything in golden light. Maybe it’s the hush of the waves and the peaceful rhythm of the island that makes time feel like it slows down. Whatever it is, it set the perfect stage for Matt’s surprise proposal to Allie at The Ocean Course.
Matt first reached out to me a few months ahead of their trip from Florida. He was planning a vacation to Kiawah Island with Allie, and he knew he wanted to propose while they were here—but more than that, he wanted it to feel natural, thoughtful, and completely unforgettable. We worked together to come up with the perfect plan: he’d propose just before dinner at The Atlantic Room, when they were already dressed up for the evening, and I’d be there to capture it all.
The evening arrived, and it couldn’t have been more beautiful. The weather was calm, the sky soft and golden. I arrived early to scout the light and tucked myself into the landscape, camera ready. As Matt and Allie strolled onto the beach, hand in hand and laughing together, I could feel the excitement building. He gave me a quick glance—our signal that it was time—and I followed casually behind them as they made their way toward the shoreline.
They paused near the edge of the water, and that’s when Matt turned to her. One deep breath, a few words, and he dropped to one knee.
Allie’s reaction was immediate and full of joy. Shock, then laughter, then the kind of tear-filled yes that makes the whole world fade out. I could see the emotions wash over her face—surprise, love, maybe a bit of disbelief that it was really happening right then and there, in this quiet, sacred little corner of the world.
Afterward, we stayed on the beach for a mini engagement session. The light was golden, soft, and warm—one of those perfect Kiawah evenings you can’t plan but are lucky to catch. They were still in that post-proposal glow, full of laughter and energy, and the photos reflect it: the way he looked at her, the way she held his hand just a little tighter, the way the wind lifted her hair as they walked barefoot along the tide line.
We wandered around The Ocean Course, stopping for a few quiet portraits by the sea grasses and paths before they headed off to dinner—giddy, newly engaged, and holding hands the whole way.
These are the moments I live to document. The ones that mark the beginning of something new, captured just as they unfold. Real, emotional, full of meaning.
Planning a Proposal at The Ocean Course on Kiawah Island?
If you’re thinking of proposing at Kiawah—especially at The Ocean Course—here are a few tips:
- Choose a meaningful setting. Kiawah Island is full of breathtaking spots, but the beach near The Ocean Course offers privacy, views, and easy access before or after dinner.
- Keep it personal. Whether it’s dressing up before a dinner reservation or choosing a spot that reminds you of your first vacation together, little details go a long way.
- Hire someone who knows the island. I’ll help you pick the best time for light, stay out of sight until the moment is right, and capture it all without intruding.
- Plan for a mini session. That post-engagement glow makes for some of the most joyful, natural photos—and you’ll be so glad to have that moment documented.
Looking for a Kiawah Island Proposal Photographer?
I specialize in photographing surprise proposals and engagement sessions on Kiawah Island and throughout the Charleston area. Whether you’re planning a destination proposal or a local celebration, I’ll help guide you through the process—from picking the perfect time and spot to creating timeless images you’ll treasure forever.
Let’s plan a moment that feels like you.
