Surprise Sunset Vineyard Proposal at Raffaldini
A gorgeous sunset, a madly-in-love couple, scheming siblings, super8 film… what could be better?
As a portrait photographer who loves capturing those dreamy, timeless moments, there’s something incredibly special about being part of a surprise proposal. One of my absolute favorite shoots of 2025 was a surprise sunset proposal at Raffaldini Vineyards for Ting and Anneliese. The entire day was filled with emotion, joy, and a little bit of magic, and I’m so excited to share it with you.
a dreamy surprise proposal at raffaldini vineyard for ting & anneliese <3
lovers that met in college and moved to a new state to start their life together :)
Planning & Location Scouting
Ting had been planning this moment for months. I cannot stress enough how impressive her planning was, all dedicated to sweeping her beloved Anneliese off her feet. Ting was determined to make a magical moment that they would remember forever. Through months of planning and scheming, Ting had organized everything down to the smallest nuance, including creating a spreadsheet (mysteriously titled ‘Project X’) to coordinate the surprise. She even enlisted the help of her younger siblings, Andrew and Lily, to ensure everything went off without a hitch.
Unbeknownst to Anneliese, Ting had rented out the stunning Raffaldini Vineyard, a picturesque vineyard nestled in the mountains, just for the surprise. Anneliese thought she was just meeting up with Ting and her siblings for a relaxing family weekend in the mountains. Little did she know, her family had been secretly helping Ting plan the perfect proposal. Ting’s sister Lily had traveled to the vineyard months prior to stake out the area, get to know the staff, and make sure everything would meet the approval for her older sister’s big day.
Photographing the Surprise
In order to stay in the ultimate incognito-mode and not ruin the surprise, I planned to use equipment that I knew would capture every detail from far away, or, in my case, hidden in some vines. I even color-coordinated my outfit to match the environment of the vineyard (possibly overkill, but anything for the perfect shot, right?). With my zoom lens attached to my camera, I was ready for anything.
Ting’s siblings and I had arrived early to the location to set up the picnic area. We had some fun with it and even acted out the scene to make sure I could see all the action from my hiding spot.
In addition to my usual photography, I decided to film the proposal on Super 8 film to capture the vintage, nostalgic feel of the moment. The grainy texture and soft, dreamlike quality of Super 8 footage added a timeless charm, creating a beautiful contrast to the crisp, digital photos. The result? A cinematic blend of memories in both stills and motion that felt like something out of a vintage love story.
The Surprise Continues…
When the moment finally came, we held our breaths as everything fell into place. Ting and Anneliese walked toward the picnic area, where Ting, on bended knee, read a love letter she had written ahead of time. As she asked Anneliese to marry her, the joy and emotion were overwhelming—Anneliese said yes through tears and laughter, a moment I was honored to witness and capture.
But the magic didn’t end there.
As Anneliese was still reeling from the surprise proposal, familiar voices rang out congratulations from the private balcony, where Anneliese’s family had secretly been watching the proposal. We all moved to the balcony for wine and charcuterie, celebrating the beautiful sunset over the valley. The soft, golden light of the setting sun created the perfect backdrop for more candid and posed photos, preserving the memory of this unforgettable day.
A Swoon-Worthy Destination Location (Why I’ll Always Travel For Clients)
When Ting mentioned the proposal would be taking place at a wine vineyard in the mountains, I knew we were in for something special. Proposals are always special; they’re a defining moment in a couple’s history, a story told over and over and passed down to future generations. But proposals that harness the magic of pastel sunsets and awe-inspiring views of nature, that’s when everything blends into something almost spiritual. At least, that’s how this perfect evening with two women in love felt.
Capturing this destination proposal at Raffaldini was a dream and a moment I’ll never forget. As a photographer, I specialize in creating images that not only capture the beauty of the moment but also forever evoke the emotions and memories tied to it. Ting and Anneliese’s proposal was a perfect example of how love, family, and deeply intentional planning can come together to create a magical experience that lasts a lifetime.
If you’re planning a proposal (or any special moment!) and want it captured with loving intention and that dreamy, vintage vibe, I’d love to help create something beautiful and unforgettable for you. Send me a note here, and we’ll make it happen.
