Anniversary Adventures & A Surprise Proposal



There are moments you plan for, and then there are the ones that catch you by surprise in the most beautiful way.


My husband and I took a trip to the Oregon coast to celebrate our first wedding anniversary, and one of our favorite stops was Crescent Beach. We hiked the winding trail down to the shore (I fell along the way and have a scar to prove it!) and were met with views that quite literally took our breath away. Towering cliffs, dramatic waves, and that moody Pacific Northwest light... it’s the kind of scenery you don’t forget. As a Florida photographer, I couldn’t help but marvel at how different the beaches are compared to the East Coast. There’s a wild beauty to the Oregon coast that left me in awe.


Of course, I had my camera with me to capture some scenic shots (photographer brain never turns off), but I never expected I’d get to photograph something so special.


As we walked along the beach, we noticed a sweet couple (Tanner and Mikayla) sharing a quiet moment. Then, right there in the middle of that stunning landscape, he got down on one knee. A private proposal, tucked away on a peaceful stretch of sand, surrounded by rocky cliffs and crashing waves. It was pure magic.


Being a wedding photographer, I had to ask if they’d like a few quick photos afterwards, and to my joy, they said yes! We took some sweet shots of their newly engaged joy, and it was one of those spontaneous, serendipitous moments I’ll never forget. They were so kind and full of happiness, and I felt so honored to be able to freeze that memory for them.


Whether I’m capturing proposals on the West Coast or couples and families back home with my St. Pete photography work, it’s moments like these that remind me why I love what I do. Love is worth celebrating—wherever it finds you.


Tanner and Mikayla, thank you for letting me be a small part of your story. Good luck with all of your wedding planning!!


And to the Oregon coast: you were unforgettable.


Lead Photographer | Tara Zimmerman

Location | Cannon Beach, OR