Woody + Kacie » Proposal » Puerto Vallarta, Romantica Zone & Playa Rosita Beach

I absolutely love it when I get to include good friends on my photo blog! Kacie and Woody came all the way to Puerto Vallarta to visit for a week of delicious food, swimming, snorkeling, beaching, and exploring Mexico.

Kacie is a talented photographer herself, so of course, vacation plans included a couple’s portrait session. But what she didn’t know (wink, wink) is that the session would also include a surprise proposal and a very sparkly ring! What better time and place for a proposal than sunrise, overlooking the Romantica Zone. Just look at these cuties!

We had initially planned a late afternoon and sunset session, but based on the heat and humidity of Puerto Vallarta in the summer, we agreed that sunrise and early morning would be far more comfortable! The cool morning gave us plenty of opportunity to explore the Romantica Zone, walking from high up on the mountainside, down the narrow cobble-stone streets, through colorful houses, buildings, and tropical flowers. We walked towards the historic church ‘Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe’, and the nearby ‘Plaza de Las Armas’, which Kacie delighted was reminiscent of the ‘Place d’Armes’ (Jackson Square) in the New Orleans French Quarter, her hometown. We ended by walking the Malecón de Puerto Vallarta and getting in the waves at Playa Rosita Beach.

Here’s Kacie’s generous review:

I can’t recommend Dani enough as a photographer wherever in the world you (or she) may be! We recently did a trip to Puerto Vallarta where I wanted some professional photos taken during our trip. Little did I know (ok, maybe I had a small suspicion) that my boyfriend would propose to me during our photo session, to ensure it was captured while everyone had nice outfits on. These pictures came out PHENOMENAL. She got the exact moment he dropped on one knee and everything. We then did an entire shoot following the proposal. I am a professional photographer myself, so let me tell you, I am extremely picky. Honestly, photographers probably make the worst models. Dani did a wonderful job of both posed portraits looking and smiling but also including cute, candid, and intimate moments. She was excellent at picking spots right on the street as we walked by them. She’s very communicative on how to pose, and she’s super kind to all the locals of the area, to make sure you aren’t impeding on where they live. She delivered a full gallery of images that we will cherish forever. It was so nice to be able to share with family and friends, since they weren’t present for the actual proposal. If you are wanting photos while you travel, or even as a local to a beautiful area, contact Dani now to book a session. You will not be disappointed!

Please join me in sending a big, happy “congratulations” to Kacie and Woody!

We started off like any normal portrait session; the rooftop view from our rental gave us an amazing view of the city and the ocean. Since moving to Mexico in late-2021, Evan has been training to be my permanent second-shooter. More on that later. But, having mentioned this to Kacie, it seemed to make it a little less suspicious as to why he also had a camera… In actuality, he was waiting to capture a second angle of the proposal, focusing on catching Kacie’s expression, and a closer perspective. He’s actually done this a handful of times before, at some of my New Orleans ‘paparazzi style’ surprise proposal sessions.

He got down on one knee, and of course, she said “Yes!”.

After giving them a moment to soak up their memories-in-the-making, we set out for the rest of our portrait session, which had now turned into an engagement session. What a beautiful ring, and a beautiful couple!

I really appreciate Kacie and Woody for being a little patient with my manual-focus tilt-shift lens. I’ve been practicing with it on landscapes, but my intention in purchasing the lens, has always been for portraiture! Woody, being a photographer’s boyfriend (now fiancée!) was understanding and trusting with the creative process.

It’s hard to pick favorites, but I think their portraits at this white wall, with the flowers peeking over, would be my favorite. Love!

We really lucked out with the weather, for their whole vacation, but also for their session. We enjoyed a cool, overcast morning, which gave us soft shadows. As soon as we got to the beach, the sun came out from behind the clouds, giving us some sunny ocean shots! Thank you, Mexico, for a great combination, and perfect timing.

Bonus Photo #1: A trip to any Mexican city isn’t complete without a silly shot by the letters!

Bonus Photo #2: Here’s a look behind-the-scenes, at my hard-working light-tester and second-shooter.

Woody + Kacie » Proposal » Puerto Vallarta, Romantica Zone & Playa Rosita Beach

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