A Sunrise Surprise: Whimsical Yosemite Proposal at Tunnel View

Okay, let’s talk about the most magical way to start a morning. As a Yosemite Photographer, Tunnel View is one of my favorite spots to pop the question - imagine watching the sun rise over Yosemite with your favorite person, followed by the most romantic surprise of your life. That’s exactly how Sam and Bre’s Tunnel View proposal went down, and let me tell you, it was just so dreamy!

Proposal Planning – Aka, Me Crying Over Sam’s Answers

Sam reached out to me through Instagram about a month before their Yosemite trip. Since they had never been to Yosemite before, he wanted someone who knew the area inside and out to help him find the perfect spot. (Smart man!)

As always, when a client books a Yosemite proposal, I send over a super in-depth questionnaire to customize their personal proposal guide. My favorite question? “What do you love most about your partner?” And ohhh my gosh, Sam’s response had me full-on sobbing. The way he spoke about Bre was so heartfelt, and by the time the big moment arrived, I felt like I had been rooting for these two my whole life.

The Big Moment – Sunrise at Tunnel View

Sam chose Tunnel View, one of Yosemite’s most iconic spots, and I suggested sunrise because it’s the best time to have the area all to yourself before the crowds show up. And lucky for us, the morning was quiet, cloudy, and oh-so-dreamy. Even with the clouds rolling in, Yosemite still looked absolutely stunning, as it always does.

Then, in the stillness of the morning, Sam got down on one knee. And Bre? Completely shocked, completely emotional, and completely over the moon. It was perfect. And yes, I teared up (again). I’ll link the video below! 🥲

Yosemite Valley Engagement Photos – Because Why Rush the Magic?

After the proposal, we weren’t just going to call it a day - we had a whole adventure ahead! We headed down to Yosemite Valley for their engagement photos, and let me tell you… it was pure magic. The quiet morning gave us the most peaceful moments to soak it all in, and to top it off, we even spotted deers in the meadow behind them. Like seriously, how does it get better than that?! 

The Key to Stunning Yosemite Engagement Photos? Taking Your Time.

If you’re planning your Yosemite proposal or engagement photos, I totally get that a 2-3 hour package might sound like a lot of time, but trust me - you’ll want it. Between delays, traffic, walking to locations, soaking in the moment, outfit changes and driving to the next spot, time flies. With a 3-hour package, we had the flexibility to explore Yosemite Valley at a relaxed pace, and honestly, why would you want to rush one of the most special moments of your life?

Ready to book your Yosemite Proposal Photographer?

This Tunnel View proposal was everything and more, and if you’re dreaming of your own Yosemite proposal, you’re in the right place. I’ve spent 27 years wandering this park, and I know exactly how to make sure your proposal goes off seamlessly. You show up and soak in every second - I’ll handle the rest!

Let’s make your proposal as magical as this place.