Engagement Photography
surprise beach proposal in Tamarindo
CostA Rica
Shanell + Victor
Five years ago, Shanell and Victor met while working at Starbucks. Little did they know that five years later, Victor would be planning a surprise beach proposal in Tamarindo Costa Rica. With the help of his dad’s coordination, they picked the date and the whole family hopped on a plane for their family beach vacation. And coinciding with the Martinez’s family trip, a low pressure system decided to camp out offshore Costa Rica in the Pacific Ocean, delivering a week of almost non stop rain. Typically in May in Rainy Season, the weather is blue skies in the morning and a passing afternoon shower. This was like a leaky faucet. So we went to plan B, crossed our fingers the low pressure system would finally move out, and postponed the proposal three days.
Finally, the rain cleared out and the blue skies moved in just in time for proposal take 2. After grabbing a sunset cocktail from Pangas Beach Club, Victor suggested to Shanell they take take a stroll down the beach. Once they got to the water’s edge, Victor slyly suggested to Shanell to walk a little ahead so he could take a photo of her looking at the ocean. With Shanell a couple paces away, Victor took out the ring, dropped to one knee, and started telling Shanell how much he loved her. That’s when Shanell turned around and was completely surprised. Giddy with excitement and disbelief, she of course said yes.
Congrats you two!

Pura Vida,
Kristen
P.S. Love these surprise beach proposal in Tamarindo Costa Rica? Check out my Lifestyle Photography portfolio!
P.P.S. You’re ready to chat? YESSSS!!! – – I’m so stoked 😁😎🙌🏻!! Fill out the form below & my assistant Gidget the Chihuahua will let me know it’s time to catch a wave in from surfing!
Let's chat!
I would love to hear what photographic ideas you have cooking, whether it be playing on the beach with your family, wandering the Spanish Moss squares in Savannah, hiking up to a beautiful waterfall, or capturing the intimate love at your wedding. I know there are countless other awesome photographers to choose from, so how about we grab a cup of delicious Costa Rican coffee and get to know each other? If the fit is right, I can’t wait to welcome you and your loved ones to the Samba to the Sea familia! Fill out the contact form or email me at hola@sambatothesea.com — you can count on me to get back to you within a day!
P.S. my clients love working with me as much as I love working with them; be sure to read their beautiful words of praise!
Recent Work
Sneak Peek: Esther Olario Design
So many photos, not enough time! This week I did a photo shoot for Esther, who designs and makes custom wedding dresses here in Costa Rica. Here is the sneak peek! Photos taken at Cala Luna Boutique Hotel and Langosta Beach Club.
Tamarindo, Costa Rica Honeymoon Photos: Melissa & Francis
During the early morning, the lighting in Tamarindo is magical. However, there is a small window before the sun gets too strong and the light loses its glow. So when I suggested to Melissa and Francis to start our photo shoot at 6:15AM, I was stoked that they were...
New York City Engagement: L Squared
Click here to read and see images from the full blog post posted on my personal blog, Samba to the Sea. Last year, the day after my cousin's wedding, I roamed the streets of New York City with my brother and his fiancé Luciana for their engagement shoot. Then, almost...
