Proposal On the Big Island Of Hawaii
Tristen & Hannah's Surprise Proposal On The Mountain Of Kohala
There’s something truly magical about capturing the moment two people decide to spend the rest of their lives together. When it’s a surprise proposal, that magic is amplified—especially when it’s set against the stunning backdrop of the Big Island of Hawaii.
On May 26, 2024, I had the honor of photographing one of the most memorable proposals of my career: the day Tristan asked Hannah to be his forever.
The Journey to the Perfect Proposal
Tristan and Hannah are not just clients; they’re dear friends of my wife and me. We’ve spent countless moments together, and when Tristan mentioned his plans to propose, I knew I had to be there to capture it. About two to three weeks before the big day, my wife and I met with Tristan to go over the details. We scouted various locations, walking through potential spots, and discussing how to keep the proposal a complete surprise. Tristan was determined to create a moment that Hannah would never forget, and we were all in to help him make that happen.
Initially, we had a spot in mind that seemed perfect, but on the day of the proposal, we realized it didn’t offer enough cover for me to remain hidden while taking photos. Flexibility is key in these situations, so we quickly adapted, finding another area with plenty of tall grass and ridges that provided the perfect hiding spots. This new location, nestled between Hawi and Waimea on Kohala Mountain, was ideal. The natural beauty of the grassy meadow, coupled with the stunning views of the Big Island landscape and ocean, set the stage for an unforgettable moment.
A Day Full of Surprises
The day of the proposal was a mix of anticipation and excitement. Tristan had planned every detail to perfection. That morning, he and Hannah enjoyed a thrilling helicopter tour of the Big Island, setting the tone for what would be a day full of memories. Meanwhile, Hannah’s friends had organized a girls’ day, which played perfectly into the plan. As they drove around, exploring the island, they suggested finding a good spot to watch the sunset and take some photos together. Little did Hannah know, the friends were in on the surprise, guiding her toward the exact location where Tristan was waiting.
As the golden hour approached, the colors in the sky became more vibrant, adding a romantic glow to the already picturesque landscape. The friends encouraged Hannah to freshen up, making sure she looked her best for what she believed would be a simple sunset photo. The moment they pulled up to the meadow, Tristan emerged, bouquet in hand, and a smile that could light up the entire island. Hannah was completely taken by surprise, her confusion quickly turning into joy as Tristan took her hand and asked her to take a walk with him.
Capturing the Proposal
From my hidden spot in the tall grass, I watched as Tristan led Hannah down the path we had scouted earlier. They were so caught up in the moment, completely unaware of my presence.
This was exactly what we had hoped for—a genuine, intimate moment between two people deeply in love.
When they reached the designated spot, Tristan paused, looked into Hannah’s eyes, and dropped to one knee. The world seemed to stand still as he asked her the most important question of their lives. Hannah’s reaction was everything we had envisioned—pure, unfiltered joy. As she said yes, I clicked away, capturing every second of their special moment from afar, ensuring that nothing disturbed their perfect moment of happiness.
A Session Full of Love
After the proposal, the three of us spent some time in the meadow, taking advantage of the beautiful light and the couple’s post-engagement glow. What made this session truly special was how natural everything felt. Tristan and Hannah were so in tune with each other, so caught up in the love they shared, that I hardly needed to guide them at all. They laughed, hugged, and just enjoyed being in the moment, which made my job incredibly easy. I gave them minimal direction—just enough to capture the stunning backdrop and their overflowing love.
One particularly touching moment was when Tristan pulled out a letter he had written for Hannah. He read it aloud, recounting their love story, his proposal plan, and the prayers he had sent up for this very day. It was deeply moving to witness this testament to their faith and love.
The Final Results
The images from this session are among my all-time favorites. The warmth of the setting sun, the rich colors of the Big Island landscape, and the undeniable connection between Tristan and Hannah made for a gallery that I’m incredibly proud of. I edited the photos with a focus on warm tones, adding a slight grain to enhance the nostalgic feel. The result is a collection of images that not only document a significant milestone in their lives but also capture the essence of who they are as a couple.
A Photographer’s Reflection
This proposal shoot was more than just a job; it was a reminder of why I love what I do. Being able to document such a pivotal moment for people I care about is a privilege that I don’t take lightly. This experience reaffirmed the importance of creating a relaxed, easy-going environment for my clients. When a couple is comfortable and in love, the photos practically take themselves. Tristan and Hannah’s natural chemistry made this one of the easiest and most enjoyable shoots I’ve ever done.
Looking back, I’m filled with gratitude for being a part of this day. These photos aren’t just for Tristan and Hannah—they’re a legacy, something their future children and grandchildren will look at and see the love that started it all. It’s moments like these that remind me why I picked up a camera in the first place.
