Surprise Proposal at The Resort at Pelican Hill

We’ve seen those #SHESAIDYES posts on our Instagram feeds with long captions detailing the HOW of the story. Today, I’m excited to share this surprise proposal that took place at The Resort at Pelican Hill in a cozy villa overlooking lush greenery. Steven and I started touching base prior to the proposal so that I could get to know his vision for the day and how the whole proposal would unfold. I love the sentimental touches included, that showed the years long relationship that Cindy and Steven shared—all the adventures, fun, food, travels summed up in hanging photos scattered across the main entrance trailing to the balcony outdoors where Steven would get down on his knee…

Surprise Proposal at the Villas at Pelican Hill Anna Ger Photography
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surprise proposal resort at pelican hill
Surprise Proposal Resort at Pelican Hill Anna Ger Photography
surprise proposal resort at pelican hill
Surprise Proposal Resort at Pelican Hill Anna Ger Photography

Family arrived early in the morning to set the scene and with excited anticipation, await the soon to be engaged couple.  The Italian style villa in Newport was tastefully decorated with beige colored furniture. For the surprise proposal, pictures were tied to the ends of strings that were held up my colorful balloons. A trail of pink (Cindy’s favorite color) roses created a path from the entrance to the outdoor patio where a beautiful arch was set up and a “Will You Marry Me” banner made of cutout letters. A collage of pictures was also set up, filling up a large glass frame. 

Surprise Proposal at the Villas at Pelican Hill Anna Ger Photography
Surprise Proposal Resort at Pelican Hill Anna Ger Photography
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Surprise Proposal Resort at Pelican Hill Anna Ger Photography
Surprise Proposal Resort at Pelican Hill Anna Ger Photography
Surprise Proposal Inspiration

As the morning continued on, we got word that the couple was on their way, so everyone scrambled to duck and cover! When they arrived, Cindy saw the hanging photos through the glass doors and immediately screamed with excitement.

Surprise Proposal Resort at Pelican Hill Anna Ger Photography

I sensed the butterflies in the air as Steven led Cindy through the villa to the balcony and with an eager grin, got down on one knee to say “Cindy, will you marry me?” to which Cindy replied “YES!” 

Surprise Proposal Resort at Pelican Hill Anna Ger Photography
Surprise Proposal at the Villas at Pelican Hill Anna Ger Photography

In a matter of minutes, their family came out from hiding to congratulate the two with warm hugs and laughter. They began recounting the days’ events and how they had managed to pull off the surprise proposal.

Surprise Proposal Resort at Pelican Hill Anna Ger Photography
Surprise Proposal at the Villas at Pelican Hill Anna Ger Photography
Surprise Proposal at the Villas at Pelican Hill Anna Ger Photography
Surprise Proposal at the Villas at Pelican Hill Anna Ger Photography
Surprise Proposal at the Villas at Pelican Hill Anna Ger Photography

After celebrating over champagne and a traditional Taiwanese dessert called “tangyuan,” we ventured off to sneak in a few photos near the dome at Pelican Hill. We ended the day taking in the views and basking in the present moment.

Surprise Proposal at the Villas at Pelican Hill Anna Ger Photography
Surprise Proposal at the Villas at Pelican Hill Anna Ger Photography
Surprise Proposal at the Villas at Pelican Hill Anna Ger Photography

Cindy and Steven, thank you for including me in such an unforgettable moment of your lives! Wishing you all the love and joy for many more years to come! 

With Love,

Anna