From Staci and Michael Photography:

When we started putting together the styled elopement, Miguel reached out to Michael and I to inquire about modeling. Normally, inquiries are flooded by female models, so it was so sweet to receive an inquiry from the guy. He said he wanted to surprise his (soon-to-be) fiancé! Just three days prior to the styled session, Miguel took Monica out to the coastal rocks for a romantic seven year anniversary and got down on one knee. There was no hesitation! Monica said yes! Not only were we able to document their special proposal, but we were able to see their love through the styled session.

Miguel said: "Probably the craziest thing I could do in my whole entire life. Asking the woman of my dreams to be with me for the rest of our lives. As fate would have it again...it worked out perfectly." Fate showed Miguel, him and Monica were meant to be. "The very first time I laid my eyes on Monica I wanted to know more about her. She was the cutest girl I’d ever seen. Unfortunately, she didn’t feel the same way. I gave it a shot to try and talk to her. So I walk up to her...there was no reply, no looking at my direction, not a single acknowledgment. I was bummed, but at the same time, felt like I gave it a good shot. Till this day she still says she didn’t hear me..." Miguel didn't give up, "I’ve always had this thing, kind of a superstition that if people are meant to be in my life, I would run into them more than once. Somehow fate would have it that I run into Monica for the third time in three weeks."

Seven years later, they are starting a new chapter in their lives. Monica explained how she fell in love with Miguel as: "I knew he was the one because he could put up with my grumpiness. No matter how grumpy I was, he made sure he would always find a way to make me smile and just laugh. Miguel was also my handyman. He would always have solutions when something was wrong, either it was the car, replacing a door handle or any type of DIY project. The man even built a motorcycle! How many people can do that? He surprises me everyday."

This beautiful session was inspired by the lovely coastal nature we call our backyard. We used weathered woods, petite cacti, and the colors of the sunset to create an airy, natural, and free style.

Venue: Montana de Oro State Park | Photographer: Staci and Michael Photography | Florist: EverAfter Wood Floral | Bakery: Bri’s Sweet Treats | Signage: The Blue Farmhouse | Groom’s Attire: Express | Jewelry: Green Lake Jewelry Works, Maui Divers Jewelry | Design and Décor Elements: Pier 1 Imports | Makeup: Makeup by Madisen Wickliffe