Pratik & Anshita's Oceanfront Proposal at Castle Rock | Marblehead, MA
When Pratik reached out about capturing his proposal to his girlfriend, Anshita, I knew it was going to be a special one. These two love exploring scenic lookouts throughout New England and beyond, and Pratik had the perfect spot in mind: Castle Rock in Marblehead — a stunning cliffside that overlooks the ocean and offers one of the most breathtaking views on the North Shore.
He wasn’t planning to do it alone — Pratik enlisted the help of three friends to bring his vision to life. These three were an absolute joy to work with. We arrived early to scout the location, brainstorm the best spot for him to pop the question, and carefully set up candles in layered glass tumblers to add a romantic touch to the moment.
Once everything was ready, we all climbed up onto the tall rocks surrounding the lookout to find the perfect hiding spots. I tucked myself into a place that allowed me to document the moment while staying hidden from view.
Then came the moment.
With their sweet dog in tow (and a surprise bandana that read "I do too"), Pratik got down on one knee and proposed — and Anshita was completely surprised. After the big "yes!" he pointed me out, and just moments later, their three friends popped up from behind the rocks like a movie scene, full of laughter, hugs, and congratulations. One of them handed Anshita a beautiful bouquet of red roses, and you could feel the love radiating all around.
Afterward, we spent some time taking engagement portraits along the cliffs and down by the water. The overcast skies created the perfect soft light, giving us a dreamy, coastal feel as we captured these first newly-engaged moments with their pup tagging along.
Thinking of proposing? Here are a few quick tips for hiring a photographer to capture the moment:
Plan ahead. Photographers book up quickly—especially during peak seasons—so reach out early to reserve your date.
Have a location in mind. Think of somewhere meaningful to you both, or let your photographer help scout the perfect backdrop.
Set the scene. Candles, flowers, or sentimental props go a long way and can be set up discreetly with a little help.
Don’t go it alone. Enlist a few trusted friends or family members if you need help pulling it off!
Schedule a quick call. Meet your photographer via Zoom or phone to talk through logistics and make sure you're comfortable.
Have a plan to dress up. Try something like, “Let’s grab dinner after the beach”—it helps to be photo-ready without raising suspicion.
Capturing proposals is one of my favorite parts of this job—there’s something so electric about witnessing and preserving the raw emotion of a moment like this. If you're ready to pop the question, I’d love to help make it unforgettable.
