Jake & Kylee’s Post Ranch Proposal | Big Sur, CA
When Jake reached out about proposing to Kylee at Post Ranch Inn, the plan was already thoughtful and clear. He knew the exact time he wanted the light, the right overlook for the view, and how to make the moment feel intentional without distractions. This wasn’t a spontaneous proposal — it was carefully staged, and honestly, I think there’s real meaning in that level of preparation.
There’s this idea that real moments can’t be planned. But in my experience, that’s not true. With Jake and Kylee, everything was lined up — and still, something authentic happened. The way his voice softened when he spoke. The split second she realized what was happening. The hug after. Those weren’t planned. They were real.
As a photographer, I don’t pretend I’m invisible. My presence shapes the moment. But what I try to do — especially with something as intimate as a proposal — is create space where something true can unfold, even when everything else has been set up to support it.
Post Ranch Inn is the kind of place that makes that possible. Quiet cliffs, wide open sky, the kind of light that doesn’t need editing — it strips away everything except what matters. And on that day, what mattered was Jake asking, Kylee saying yes, and both of them stepping into something new.
Proposals like this one remind me why I do this work. Not just for the photo, but for what happens in between.
If you’re planning a Post Ranch proposal and want it documented with care and intention — I’m here for it.
// Shot with the Leica SL2-S and Leica 28-70.
And if you want to see all the photos from this shoot instead of just some of my favs, feel free to check them out here.
Lastly, if you’re wondering what time of year to propose (or elope) in Big Sur, I wrote this Big Sur elopement guide you can check out too.
