Who Are the Best Savannah and Hilton Head Surprise Proposal & Engagement Photographers?
Let’s take a closer look at that question—and discover what makes Coastal Chic Studios a leading choice for capturing life’s most unforgettable moments.
There’s nothing quite like the moment you drop to one knee and ask the love of your life to marry you. Having a professional photography team there to discreetly capture every emotion and reaction—from multiple angles and perspectives—turns that once-in-a-lifetime event into a timeless story you’ll cherish forever.
As a husband-and-wife team, Todd and Angela work seamlessly together to ensure your proposal is beautifully documented from every angle. Pulling off a surprise proposal takes careful planning (and a little stealth!), and that’s exactly where Coastal Chic Studios excels.
Below, you’ll find our step-by-step guide to help you plan, execute, and choose the perfect photography team—one that captures genuine, unscripted moments without ever giving away the surprise.
1. Choose the Right Photographer
Why hiring a pro is worth it
An experienced professional photographer knows how to read light, frame emotion, and anticipate moments that less experienced eyes might miss. In surprise proposals, there are no retakes, this makes working with a seasoned professional essential.
At Coastal Chic Studios, we tailor each client’s proposal plan based on several key factors such as location, time of day, lighting, and, most importantly, your vision. Once we understand your plan, we’ll create a detailed custom PDF map and timeline so every detail is perfectly coordinated and nothing is left to chance.
Afterward, you’ll receive a beautifully curated gallery of edited images that tell your complete story, from the moment you pop the question to a short mini engagement session celebrating all the excitement that follows.
What to look for in your photography team
Stealth and discretion.
You’ll want a photographer who can blend in seamlessly, work quietly from a distance, or coordinate naturally with friends and family. This is something we pride ourselves on at Coastal Chic Studios.
Experience with surprise proposals.
Your tailored plan will leave you confident, calm, and ready for the big moment! Don’t just take our word for it, our Google reviews are filled with stories from happy couples who loved the experience.
Style match.
We approach every proposal with a mix of candid storytelling and refined editorial artistry, warm, natural, and timeless.
Reliability and strong reviews.
Our clients consistently rate us 5.0 out of 5, praising our professionalism, flexibility, and dedication to capturing genuine emotion.
How to “sell” the idea (without giving it away)
The trickiest part of planning a surprise proposal is getting your partner to the right spot, without them catching on. Here are a few believable, natural excuses that align perfectly with the Coastal Chic style and our favorite Savannah backdrops:
- “Let’s take an evening stroll before dinner.”
Perfect for downtown Savannah proposals in Lafayette, Monterey, or Forsyth Park. You’ll be “waiting for your dinner reservation,” which just happens to line up with golden-hour lighting. - “I heard this spot has the prettiest mossy oaks—photographers love it for golden hour.”
Great for Wormsloe, Forsyth Park, or Savannah’s historic squares surrounded by sweeping oaks. - “Let’s catch the best sunset at Tybee (or Hilton Head). I read the view is incredible.”
Simple, timeless, and ideal for a beach proposal. The soft coastal light makes for breathtaking photos. - “I found this local photographer offering mini sessions—thought it’d be fun while we’re in Savannah.”
Your partner thinks it’s just a quick keepsake session, while you get the perfect moment and lighting for your proposal.
2. Scout and Lock In the Location & Timing
Pick a meaningful or visually stunning spot
Whether it’s a beach at sunset, one of Savannah’s iconic squares, or a sentimental downtown location, your proposal setting should feel meaningful to both of you.
At Coastal Chic Studios, we frequently photograph at Tybee Beach, Hilton Head Beaches, Historic Downtown Savannah, Wormsloe Historic Site, and several of Georgia’s beautiful state parks. Each location offers its own charm and visual appeal—whether it’s romantic Spanish moss, ocean sunsets, or historic architecture.
Check the lighting & plan for golden hour
Once your location is selected, we’ll review lighting conditions, angles, and weather forecasts to ensure your proposal happens under the most flattering light possible. Timing around golden hour (roughly an hour or two before sunset) creates the dreamy, glowing look our couples love.
3. Planning the Logistics (Without Spoiling the Moment)
Within your personalized PDF proposal plan, we’ll:
- Communicate exactly where, when, and how you’ll approach the spot.
- Coordinate your cue to let us know when you’re about to get down on one knee (for example, “Give her a hug”).
- Map your route to ensure a seamless approach.
- Position ourselves strategically—either hidden or casually posing as a tourist, bystander, or small group.
We use professional zoom lenses, allowing us to stay far enough away to remain discreet, yet close enough to capture every emotion.
While we do our best to plan sessions when fewer people are around, public spaces can vary. We’ll discuss crowd levels, timing, and backup options in detail during our call together.
4. On the Day: What to Do
Do your homework
Review your custom PDF plan carefully, everything you need to know will be included.
Be yourself
Relax and enjoy the moment. The best images come when you’re simply being you, natural, in love, and present.
Capture the “after” too
Don’t stop at the moment she says “Yes!”, that’s just the beginning. Allow time for hugs, laughter, and all those just-engaged reactions. Once she says yes, we’ll slowly approach and continue capturing those raw, joyful moments. She’ll be thrilled and even more touched knowing you hired a professional team to document it all. A win-win!
5. How Coastal Chic Studios Helps You Nail the Proposal
At Coastal Chic Studios, we believe in creating imagery that feels warm, authentic, and beautifully refined. As a husband-and-wife team, we bring connection and ease to every experience, from the first consultation to the final gallery delivery.
By working closely with you, anticipating obstacles, and blending in gracefully, our goal is simple: to help you look back on images that feel genuine, timeless, and full of emotion.
Our clients often describe their experience with us as “authentic, joyful to be around,—always willing to go the extra mile to get that perfect shot.” – Google Review
“They are fun and energetic … extremely organized … we are so thankful for the effort they put into helping us plan our special day.” – The Knot Review
6. Questions to Ask Before Booking
Before choosing your photographer, make sure to ask:
Have you photographed surprise proposals before? Where can we view your gallery?
Experience matters—especially when timing, lighting, and genuine reactions are at play. [View Our Gallery →]
Can we plan together ahead of time?
A good photographer will want to discuss logistics, mood, lighting, and timing. With Coastal Chic Studios, you’ll schedule a planning call to review your vision, followed by a PDF proposal plan to ensure everyone is perfectly aligned.
What gear and lenses do you use?
We both shoot on Nikon D850s with a variety of professional lenses (wide and telephoto), allowing us to capture sweeping scenes and intimate moments beautifully.
What happens if something changes—weather, timing, or location?
Since every proposal plan is customized, we’ll walk through all possible scenarios during your planning call and make sure you’re prepared for any adjustments.
How long will you stay after the proposal?
We don’t just capture the “Yes”, we continue with a short mini engagement session afterward to celebrate and showcase that just-engaged glow.
What’s your gallery delivery timeline?
We prioritize our proposal sessions, guaranteeing delivery within 2 weeks but our goal is 5 days or sooner!
Final Thoughts
A surprise proposal is a once-in-a-lifetime moment—one you’ll want to relive for years to come.
If you’re looking for a team that truly cares about your vision, helps you strategize every detail, and delivers imagery that feels authentic, emotional, and timeless, we’d love to chat.
The quickest way to get started is to fill out our [Surprise Proposal Inquiry Form]. From there, we’ll schedule a quick call to start planning your perfect Savannah proposal story.
We can’t wait to help you make it unforgettable.
Warmly,
Todd & Angela Barnett
Coastal Chic Studios
📞 (912) 321-1031
