Gavin & Lilly | Surprise Proposal at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Sometimes the best family photo sessions come with a little surprise! 💍

At least, that’s what Lilly thought she was getting when she arrived at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park in Palm Coast, Florida!

Gavin had been planning something much bigger. Under the disguise of family photos, he arranged for everyone to gather at the gardens, where he would surprise Lilly with a proposal beneath one of the park’s beautiful oak trees.

And I had a little undercover work of my own to do!

While everyone arrived, I was hiding in my truck in the parking lot, keeping an eye on the family and waiting for my opportunity to sneak into position. Once the coast was clear, I made my way into the gardens and waited beneath the oak tree for the big moment.

When Gavin dropped to one knee, Lilly’s reaction was absolutely priceless! Her family watched from the other side of the tree, ready to celebrate with hugs, laughter, and plenty of excitement once she said YES!

After the surprise, we spent some time exploring the beautiful gardens for their first portraits as an engaged couple. From the majestic oak trees to the lush greenery and winding pathways, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is one of my favorite locations for romantic engagement photography near St. Augustine.

But we weren’t finished yet!

We made our way to nearby River to Sea Preserve for a completely different setting, trading the gardens for the beach, ocean breeze, and playful moments along the shoreline. Gavin and Lilly weren’t afraid to get a little wet, which made for some wonderfully natural, joyful photographs.

As a St. Augustine proposal and engagement photographer, I love being part of these unforgettable surprises. From helping plan the perfect moment to capturing all the genuine emotions that follow, there’s something incredibly special about documenting the beginning of a couple’s next chapter.

Congratulations, Gavin & Lilly! What an incredible day to be part of!

A man kneeling on one knee proposes to a woman in a blue dress, smiling as she accepts the engagement ring in a lush garden setting.
A couple embracing joyfully in a natural outdoor setting, with greenery in the background. The woman is wearing a light blue dress and appears to be smiling as she hugs the man, who is wearing a dark shirt and holding a small box.
A happy couple walking hand in hand along a path surrounded by lush greenery. The woman is wearing a light blue strapless dress, and the man is dressed in a navy blue short-sleeve shirt and light shorts. Both are smiling as they enjoy their time together.
A couple embraces on a pathway surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees, with a wooden bridge visible in the background.
A couple embracing in a tropical setting, surrounded by lush green plants, with their foreheads touching and smiling at each other.
Close-up of a couple's hands holding each other, showcasing an engagement ring on the woman's finger and intricate tattoos on the man's arm.
A couple embraces in front of lush tropical greenery. The man wears a navy blue shirt, and the woman is in a light blue dress, smiling at the camera.
A couple sitting closely on a wooden bench in a lush green outdoor setting, with the woman in a light blue dress and the man in a navy shirt.
A couple sitting closely together on a wooden bench in a lush outdoor setting, smiling and looking at each other affectionately, with palm trees and a clear sky in the background.
A couple walking hand in hand on a sandy beach, surrounded by tall grass and palm trees, with a clear blue sky above.
A couple embraces each other on a sandy beach with rocks and ocean waves in the background, surrounded by a sunny sky.
A man and woman holding hands on a beach, with the woman in a light blue dress playing in the waves near rocky shore.
A couple enjoying a romantic moment on the beach, with the woman playfully kissing the man on the cheek, surrounded by a scenic coastal background.
A couple embracing on a beach, with the woman in a blue dress being lifted by the man. In the background, gentle waves and rocky formations are visible under a clear blue sky.
A close-up image of a hand placing an engagement ring on another hand, with a beach in the background.
A couple shares a joyful moment on the beach, with the man kissing the woman's cheek as she smiles, holding hands in front of the ocean.
A couple joyfully running along a beach, holding hands and splashing through the waves. The woman is wearing a light blue dress, and the man is in a blue shirt and beige shorts, set against a clear blue sky.
A couple playfully embracing at the beach, with the woman sitting on the man's shoulders and smiling while the man laughs.
A couple embracing and kissing on a shallow wave at the beach, under a clear blue sky.
A smiling couple stands together on a beach, with the ocean waves in the background. The woman is wearing a light blue strapless dress, and the man is wearing a dark blue button-up shirt.
A couple walking hand in hand along a sandy beach, with gentle waves lapping at their feet.

Category : Proposals
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