A+B's Surprise Proposal in Moab | Moab Adventure Session

It Started with a Surprise Proposal in Arches, and Ended with a Sunset Celebration

When Austin first reached out to me, I immediately felt the excitement in his message. He was planning something big — and not just big like “let’s get good photos,” but big like “I’m going to ask the love of my life to marry me, in her favorite place in the entire world.”

Yeah. We were instantly on the same page.

Austin and Brianna are in a long-distance relationship — he’s in Michigan working through the wild world of medical school, and she’s in Georgia with their beloved pup, Mason. They’d been planning a Utah National Parks road trip for the summer, and Moab was a must-stop. Why? Because Arches National Park is Brianna’s happy place. So naturally, it became the place Austin would pop the question.

Planning the Surprise Proposal

After a fun call with Austin where we brainstormed a way to keep things low-key but special, we came up with the perfect adventure. Rather than photographing the actual moment of the proposal, we decided to let that moment be theirs and theirs alone — quiet, intimate, and spontaneous — with a celebratory sunset photoshoot to follow.

The plan was simple: we’d meet up after the proposal for an epic Moab adventure photo session, hiking into one of my favorite secluded canyons inside Arches National Park for golden hour. This is a special gem I love to share with my peeps — a quiet place where you can breathe deep and take it all in, without a crowd around.

That’s what Austin wanted: space, calm, and a little adventure to soak in the magic of what had just happened.

A Sunset Adventure in Arches National Park

We met at the Arches Visitor Center, then caravaned to our trailhead where the real fun began. It was HOT (welcome to Moab in June!) but thankfully, our route followed a shaded canyon wash, the perfect spot for an evening hike.

Going into a canyon in the heat of summer to a sunset rim is the perfect way to beat the heat and really soak up the desert adventure.

Austin and Brianna showed up ready to go: water bottles in hand, clothes to change into, and glowing with that just-engaged joy that made the whole evening feel electric.

We started with some casual photos in their hiking clothes. As the sun dipped lower, we took a break so they could change into their dressier outfits. Austin + Bri packed a backpack with an outfit change and wore real hiking shoes — bare feet came out once we hit the slickrock! After exploring the canyon, we climbed up to a rim just in time to catch the sunset.

The view from the rim felt like the perfect punctuation mark on a day full of love, heat, and happy tears. The sky painted itself in dusty orange and soft lavender while these two held each other close and soaked it all in.

Why Adventure Sessions Like This Matter

This wasn’t just a photo shoot. It was a celebration of connection, commitment, and the deep joy that comes from sharing something beautiful with your person. That’s why I do this. That’s why I’m so passionate about being a Moab elopement photographer and creating space for people to be themselves in wild, rugged, awe-inspiring places.

Tips for Planning a Surprise Proposal in Moab

If you’re dreaming up your own desert proposal or adventure session in Arches, here are a few tips:

• Timing is everything: Sunrise or sunset is best for lighting and for staying cool in the summer months.

• Choose a meaningful spot: Whether it’s a favorite trail or a hidden gem I help you find, having an emotional connection to the location makes the photos that much more powerful. And hey, if it doesn’t have meaning now, it definitely will by the time you’re done. 

• Keep it flexible: We built in space for spontaneity, and that allowed Austin and Brianna to truly enjoy their time together without rushing.

• Work with someone local: (Hi! 👋🏼) Knowing where the shade is, how far the hike really feels in the heat, and when the crowds thin out can make all the difference.

Austin & Brianna – Thank You

To Austin and Bri—thank you for trusting me with your story, for laughing in the heat, dancing barefoot on sandstone, and sharing your joy so fully. You two are real magic. I loved hearing about your adventures, your concerts and campouts, and, of course, your shared love for mozzarella sticks and ramen. 💛