As I am writing this, it is still a Covid-19 reality. In Los Angeles several typical proposal spots like the popular El Matador beach are closed for most activities, including proposals. Ben thought outside the box for a romantic, secluded and appropriately social distanced location for his proposal to Ariel. He found an rental property up in the hills with a tent and lights all included.

His plan was to pick up dinner from a fancy steakhouse, take the food to this beautiful location and have a little date night. We met the morning of to get a layout of the grounds as his friends help set mini candles and tidying up for the big moment. He had more than a few surprises up his sleeve with a mini replica of her car made from Europe [reading ‘ENGAGED’ on the license plate], a cheat sheet code of all the hints he had dropped her the past few weeks and a personalized video from an Instagram account she loves.

The backyard was only a few miles from my apartment but felt like a remote oasis in another country. The layered backyard property was lush + the canvas tent set the perfect scene.

Proposals are always the most exciting because I get to go full rouge mode. For this one I hid in some bushes, popping out just when the time was right. There are no do-overs. It’s all truly captured in the moment and how wonderful. The reactions are always so priceless, whether there is suspicion or not. Ariel kept saying ‘I can’t believe this is real, this can’t be real life’.

I hope you enjoy these, happy engagement to these two darlings!

-t