A December Proposal at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island | Austin & Olivia

Proposal sessions almost always involve a little acting on my part. For Austin and Olivia’s December proposal at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, that meant blending in as just another guest enjoying the property (while very much not just enjoying the property).

Austin and I had talked through the plan ahead of time, including where he wanted to propose and how he’d let me know it was time. As he led Olivia down onto the Great Lawn, I stayed nearby, pretending to mind my own business, waiting for the signal.

Once he gave it, everything happened quickly and naturally. Austin pulled Olivia in, proposed, and she said yes without hesitation. The moment was sweet, genuine, and immediately followed by cheers from a few balconies overlooking the Lawn. Not something you can plan for, but always appreciated. A built-in cheering squad never hurts.

Afterward, we wandered around the beautiful grounds of the resort, keeping things relaxed and easy. It was a beautiful, sunny December day — the kind that looks warm until you realize your fingers are slowly going numb. By the end of the session, we were all a little chilly, but the smiles were absolutely worth it.

Austin and Olivia had the kind of chemistry that makes my job simple — calm, connected, and fully comfortable together.

We finished the session on the beach at sunset, with soft golden light and just enough warmth left in the day. Cold hands, big smiles, and a quiet end to a really good day.