Hillary Martinez Hillary Martinez

Rainy Day Proposal in Cambria

Hayden and Kirsten had planned a romantic weekend in Cambria, a chance to slow down and enjoy time together. What Kirsten did not know was that November 15 would become the beginning of a new chapter.

That afternoon, Hayden asked her to get ready because they were going out. They drove to Burton Drive and stepped out into a gentle rain before walking through town. Hayden then guided her up a staircase of a quaint shophouse and opened the door to a yoga studio that had been transformed for a surprise proposal.

The room glowed with candlelight. Over two hundred white roses framed a warm and intimate aisle that led to a cozy indoor picnic created for the rainy evening. Hayden held her hand as he walked her down the rose-petaled path. Once they reached the end, he knelt and shared what he loves about her before asking her to be his wife. He presented a timeless Tiffany and Co. solitaire ring that completed the moment with quiet elegance.

After she said yes, they popped prosecco and soaked in the joy of it all. Moments later, their families arrived along with Kirsten’s best friend and their dog Toto. The surprise filled the space with even more excitement and made the celebration feel even more personal.

It was a privilege to design and plan this proposal and to witness such a meaningful beginning.

A heartfelt thank you to Vyana Studio for welcoming us into your warm and inviting space when the rain changed our original beach plan. Gratitude as well to the talented vendors who helped bring this vision to life.

Cheers to Hayden and Kirsten and to a proposal story they will remember forever.



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Hillary Martinez Hillary Martinez

Morro Bay Proposal

A Love Story Comes Full Circle

Some love stories have a way of finding their way back home.

On their way down the Central Coast, Taylor and Imelda made what seemed like a spontaneous stop in Morro Bay. But this wasn’t just any stop. It was the same stretch of sand where, years earlier, Taylor first asked Imelda to be his girlfriend.

This time, he had something even more meaningful planned. As the ocean breeze drifted through the air and the waves rolled gently against the shore, Imelda arrived to find a soft white floral arch waiting for her. Each detail was carefully selected: her favorite flowers, the white candles, and rose petals on the sand, all set against one of the Central Coast's most breathtaking backdrops.

It was romantic and deeply personal. A moment that felt both beautifully planned and perfectly natural, like a stop at the beach that changes everything.

Planned by The Reverie, and captured by Capture Connect Photography.

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Hillary Martinez Hillary Martinez

‘Tis The Season

Proposal season has me reflecting on what I love about planning proposals. Why I’ve always been drawn to roles like helping someone choose the perfect engagement ring or assisting a bride in finding her dream wedding dress. These were some of the most pure and joyous moments I’ve had the privilege to be a part of, and they’ve stayed with me, shaping the way I understand my clients’ needs and approach planning one of the most important days in their lives. It’s these experiences that have given me a deep understanding of what makes these moments so special and how to create magic in a way that feels truly unforgettable.

There’s a special kind of happiness that comes from helping others celebrate their love—a secondhand joy that has always deeply resonated with me. It’s not just about creating a beautiful moment; it’s about truly understanding what makes it meaningful.

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Hillary Martinez Hillary Martinez

The Art of The Perfect Proposal

The perfect proposal…

Planning the Perfect Proposal

Planning the perfect proposal is no small feat. It’s the moment where everything, from the setting to the tiniest details, comes together to create a memory you’ll both cherish forever. A perfect proposal doesn’t need to be over the top or extravagant (unless that’s your style); it just needs to feel right. Here’s what I believe makes up the perfect proposal:

1. Uniqueness: A Reflection of Your Love Story

The perfect proposal is deeply personal and unique to your relationship. Think about what makes your story special, how you met, what you love to do together, or a quirky inside joke that always makes you both laugh. Use these moments as inspiration to create a proposal that feels like it could only be yours. Uniqueness doesn’t mean complicated; it means thoughtful.

2. The Right Location: Somewhere Special

Location sets the tone. It could be a place that holds sentimental value, like the park where you had your first date, or somewhere breathtaking that feels like a dream come to life. Whether it’s a mountaintop, a cozy beach, or your living room transformed into a wonderland, choose a setting that feels meaningful to both of you.

3. The Wow Factor

There’s nothing quite like the wow moment, the one that makes their heart skip a beat. This could be the element of surprise, a jaw-dropping backdrop, or a perfectly timed reveal. The wow factor doesn’t have to be big; it just needs to be memorable. Maybe it’s a musician serenading you two or a sunset that paints the sky as you kneel. It’s the magic that makes the moment unforgettable.

4. Personal Touches

Adding personal details is what makes the proposal yours. Think about incorporating their favorite flower, a meaningful playlist, or even a keepsake tied to your relationship. These little details show how well you know them and make the moment even more special.

5. The Perfect Heartfelt Speech

Your proposal words don’t need to be a Shakespearean sonnet. They just need to come from the heart. Speak your truth: why you love them, why you want to spend your life with them, and how they’ve changed your world. Practice a little if you’re nervous, but don’t be afraid to go off script in the moment. Authenticity is everything.

6. A Photographer to Capture It All

This is one of those moments you’ll want to relive over and over, and a photographer ensures you can. Whether you hire a professional or enlist a talented friend, make sure someone is there to capture the look on their face, the tears, the laughter, and that "YES!"

7. Don’t Forget the Nails!

This one’s for the details-oriented planners. If they’re the type to care about how their hands look, make sure their nails are clean or polished so they’ll feel confident showing off the ring. You can coordinate with a friend or subtly suggest a manicure date ahead of time. It’s a small touch, but it makes a big difference in how they feel afterward.

8. Make It a Surprise, But Not Too Much

Surprises are fun, but make sure they’re still comfortable. If they’re not into big public displays, maybe keep it intimate. If they’ve dropped hints about how they envision their proposal, listen to them. A perfect proposal balances surprise with understanding their preferences.

9. Celebrate in Style

The moment doesn’t end with the "yes!" Plan a little post-proposal celebration to keep the magic alive. Whether it’s a champagne toast, a dinner with loved ones, or a cozy night for just the two of you, think ahead to how you’ll mark the occasion.

The perfect proposal doesn’t come from perfection itself. It comes from thoughtfulness, love, and intention. When every element of the proposal feels personal and true to your relationship, you can’t go wrong. So take a deep breath, trust your gut, and go create a memory that will last forever.

You've got this.

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