Andy and Andrea


This is one of the most unique proposals we have ever had. We usually have a dynamic of pretending to do a couple photo session as a perfect excuse to cover the surprise. But Andy told us he had a big plan for the proposal, a dinner at Sentido Norte Restaurant in Casa Chameleon, a beautiful place with a stunning view of the Catalinas and Danta Beach.

Before Everything Started


I had arrived at the restaurant earlier as a regular customer, just like any one else. With my equipment on my backpack, I saw all the possible spots and looked for the best way to get closed at the moment of the surprise.

Romantic outdoor dining table set with wine glasses and rose petals on a balcony overlooking lush green hills.

They arrived with two other friends, a perfect way to make it less obvious. When he arrived, I tried so hard to let him know I was the photographer. He knew, and we met downstairs a few minutes before he was ready. Like any man in that moment, he was very nervous, but so excited to take the next step. I can also say from experience that NO ONE helps you get ready for that moment, you just have to be yourself.

And now, the surprise begins

First, Andy and Andrea went down to the pool with the excuse of taking selfies. I told them to take the selfies facing the pool so Andrea could not see me when I got close. Her friends knew they had to move. Andy took Andrea's hands and then...

Couple standing by an infinity pool with a stone statue, ocean views, and a fire bowl at a tropical resort. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Couple holding hands by an infinity pool with scenic green hillside and ocean backdrop during a proposal moment. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Man presenting a ring box to a woman by an infinity pool with lush hills and ocean in the background. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Man on one knee proposing to a woman by an infinity pool with tropical ocean and island views behind them. Guanacaste, Costa Rica

The Speech

Everyone has a few words planned, but don't worry if you don't get a chance to say them. The moment and the excitement get over your head, your mouth just says the question automatically. I think even though you know she will say yes, the nerves take control, but the feeling of happiness is irreplaceable. When she is your true love, in the way it happens, makes it unique. A moment for both of you, a moment you will never forget.

Newly engaged couple embracing joyfully by an infinity pool with lush green hills and calm water in the background. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Happy newly engaged couple smiling together with ocean and tropical hillside views at a luxury resort. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Smiling woman resting her hand on a man's shoulder, showing off her diamond engagement ring with a blurred outdoor backdrop. Guanacaste, Cos
Black and white photo of a laughing woman embracing a man outdoors near a lake. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Smiling couple showing off engagement ring outdoors near a scenic lake. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Couple posing together by an infinity pool with ocean and island views at sunset.
Couple standing romantically by a fire bowl with ocean island views at dusk. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Couple holding hands by an infinity pool with ocean views and tropical sculpture.
Man spinning woman in white dress by infinity pool with dramatic ocean backdrop. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Couple sharing a kiss near a fire bowl with stunning ocean and island views. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Close-up of tattooed man placing diamond engagement ring on womans finger outdoors. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Couple smiling nose-to-nose holding hands with cloudy ocean backdrop behind them. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Engaged couple kissing while displaying diamond engagement ring with palms behind them. Guanacaste, Costa Rica

We went down, around the green areas to take some photos in different places in Casa Chameleon.

Couple strolling past tropical plants and stone wall with tiki torch. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Couple sharing a romantic moment against a stone wall at night. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Couple holding hands by a resort sign with ocean views at dusk.
Smiling woman with tattooed man embracing outdoors near stone wall. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Couple walking hand in hand along a garden pathway at twilight. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Happy couple hugging and smiling outdoors with string lights behind them. Guanacaste, Costa Rica

After we took several photos, I told them to take a break so they could enjoy the moment without the photographer around, so they could feel their special moment privately with each other and their friends.

Two couples greeting each other with hugs at an outdoor resort event. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Group of friends socializing with wine near a mountain pool resort. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Black and white photo of four friends toasting with wine by the ocean. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Four friends laughing and posing together at a scenic sunset location. Guanacaste, Costa Rica

The sunset, the gong and the fire

For the last moment of coverage, I wanted to capture this ritual that Casa Chameleon and Sentido Norte Restaurant have for the sunset. As soon as the sun sets, they play the gong and turn the fires in the pool at each stroke. I wanted to take photos of them watching this moment and also some more photos as a couple.

Couple standing by infinity pool at dusk with fire pit and string lights at luxury resort. Guanacaste, Costa Rica

The fire was actually coming out of the pool.

Smiling couple holding champagne glasses by pool with fire pit and string lights at twilight. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Romantic couple embracing by infinity pool with fire torches and ocean view at dusk. Guanacaste, Costa Rica

The View


Then, they went to the Cabana for a dinner set prepared by the team from Casa Chameleon and Sentido Norte Restaurant. I think the twilight was the perfect ending to the photos.

I am sure they had a great night in there with this stunning view.

Dramatic tropical sunset with vivid pink and purple clouds over lush island and turquoise ocean. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Couple kissing under wooden gazebo by infinity pool during stunning purple sunset at resort. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Couple relaxing under wooden poolside gazebo with string lights during vibrant purple sunset.
Couple dining under wooden gazebo by infinity pool during breathtaking orange and purple sunset. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Romantic couple enjoying candlelit dinner under thatched roof pavilion overlooking ocean at night. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Couple sharing romantic moment on open-air terrace with vibrant pink and purple sunset behind them. Las Catalinas, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Couple embracing at candlelit dinner table under open pavilion with stunning purple sunset backdrop. Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Testimonial

Andy Ruiz

"10 out of 10 recommend the communication was very professional and responses for very promptly. I also love the photographer really help with different poses for our pictures as I am not that photogenic and I think he really helped with the pictures coming out perfect and addition we received our photos within two or three days with edits overall great experience and they were able to capture a very important moment in my life And I’m over the moon with the results"

Posted on June 26th, 2024.

Guanacaste Proposal Photo Shoot.

-Kev L. Brenes, Writer-Photographer.