Sometimes, backup plans turn out to be for the best. That certainly was the case for this dreamy Maui cliff proposal.

THE PLAN:

Andrew originally got in touch with us for a Haleakala sunrise proposal. He and Katarina had already reserved one ticket to watch the sunrise at the summit of Haleakala, so he thought it would fit in perfectly with their plans to propose there.

The only problem – when we went to make a reservation for our photographer, the sunrise tickets were all sold out! Each vehicle needs a reservation to go up to watch the sunrise at the summit of Haleakala. Since they only had one ticket, there were a few options.

1. Wait until two days before the date to see if we could secure a second ticket for our photographer.

2. Our photographer would be able to get into the national park without a reservation after 7am. Andrew and Katarina would watch the sunrise together and stick around Haleakala until after 7am for the proposal.

3. Pick a different plan.

Andrew discreetly floated the idea of sticking around after sunrise but it wasn’t in the cards, so option #2 was out.

We decided to combine options #1 and #4. We waited to see if we could get another ticket but figured out a backup plan in the meantime. That way, if we weren’t able to secure a Haleakala sunrise reservation for the day they were going, we would already know the new plan and wouldn’t need to scramble to come up with something else so close to the date.

Andrew was going to be on a flight when the second batch of Haleakala sunrise reservation tickets were released and recruited some loved ones to help out. This was our only chance to get a ticket so we could make a Haleakala sunrise proposal happen. We were logged in and ready to reserve a ticket on our end. His team was in place as well. Even with 10 of us trying, we weren’t able to get a second reservation. We clicked to reserve a ticket as soon as they were available, but the system was processing for a couple minutes, saying it was trying to secure the reservation (which really gave us hope), and then finally said tickets were all sold out.

Andrew even called the recreation.gov office, which is where you buy the tickets from, to explain the situation and see if any exceptions could be made. They said the only way for our photographer to get in to the park for sunrise without her own reservation would be to ride with someone who did have a reservation since the tickets are per vehicle, not per person.

We had previously discussed the idea of our photographer pretending that her car broke down and for Andrew and Katarina to pick her up. But this seemed too suspicious and also potentially unsafe for our photographer. What if someone else stopped to help her first? What if Katarina (understandably) didn’t want to pick up a stranger on the side of the road in the dark? There were too many variables to go wrong, so this wasn’t really an option.

With the hopes of a Haleakala sunrise proposal dashed, we moved on to the plan for the cliff proposal. This worked because Andrew and Katarina already had dinner reservations at a nearby restaurant. They could conveniently stop at the cliff to take in the view on their way to dinner.

THE PROPOSAL:

With this location, the weather and lighting can really affect the colors of the cliff and sky in photos. It was beautifully sunny when Andrew brought Katarina to the cliff. The light sparkled off the ocean in the background.

Katarina looked gorgeous in her white dress, all ready for a nice dinner. She would not have been able to be dressed this way for a proposal on Haleakala. Up there, it’s more appropriate to be all bundled up for comfort and warmth, especially for sunrise.

She was so thrilled when Andrew asked her to marry him! Of course it was a huge yes!

THE ENGAGEMENT SESSION:

After all that planning (we basically planned two proposals), Andrew was relieved.

Our photographer Tenessa took them all around the area. They explored more of the cliff, found some greenery, and ended with sunset on the beach. Their gallery had a little bit of everything.

As soon as we saw the sneak peeks, we knew everything had worked out just as it was meant to be. Andrew knew Katarina would love hearing the backstory and all the effort that went into planning.

It’s truly a great reminder to those planning their proposal: even if your first choice doesn’t work out, your sweetie doesn’t know that. As long as you’ve put thought behind it being a plan they would like (even if it’s a Plan B or a Plan C to you), it’s going to be beautiful to them… and it will make for an even better story.

Andrew and Katarina wrote, “These photos are absolutely STUNNING. Thank you SO much for capturing one of the most important moments of our lives in such a beautiful and touching way. Ps – our moms are just freaking out about how gorgeous these are. Thank you again! This means everything to us.”

Andrew and Katarina: Thank you for trusting us to capture such a special moment and reminding us that everything works out in the end!

Photographed by Associate Tenessa | Perfect Proposal Package

Want to pop the question on Maui, but need some assistance figuring it all out?  Contact Engaged on Maui today to start planning the Maui proposal that’s just right for you and your sweetie!

The post Dreamy Maui Cliff Proposal | Andrew + Katarina appeared first on Engaged on Maui | Maui Proposal Photographer.

Sunset Cliff Proposal on Maui’s North Shore

Michael was originally thinking of a Haleakala sunrise proposal. However, we need at least one month to reserve Haleakala at sunrise and we only had about a week to plan. Michael and Erin are outdoorsy and love to hike. Michael said few spots would be off limits. We jumped at the opportunity to suggest this north shore cliff location, which fit perfectly into their existing vacation plans.

THE PLAN:

On the day of the proposal, Michael and Erin planned to drive the Road to Hana. Michael was able to get reservations at Mama’s Fish House to enjoy on the way back. Their reservation was for afternoon, between lunch and dinner, before sunset. The timing worked out so that they could have a leisurely meal and then Michael could suggest going to the proposal spot to watch the sunset.

THE PROPOSAL:

Michael led Erin to where they could look out at the Pacific Ocean. Since there was nowhere for our photographer Tenessa to hide, she followed them discreetly from behind and was poised and ready to capture the big moment. Erin looked surprised at first and then couldn’t stop beaming from ear to ear!

THE ENGAGEMENT SESSION:

The rocky terrain made a beautiful contrast to the blue water and the clouds added drama to the sky. The off-the-beaten path location was very fitting for an outdoorsy couple. Michael and Erin were so sweet! They couldn’t keep their eyes off each other and loved holding each other close.

Michael and Erin: thank you so much for trusting Engaged on Maui to help you plan your clifftop proposal. Congratulations on your engagement and cheers to the years to come!

Photos by Associate Tenessa | Simple Proposal Package

Ready to plan your custom Maui proposal?  Contact Engaged on Maui HERE to get personalized advice!

The post Sunset Cliff Proposal on Maui’s North Shore | Michael + Erin appeared first on Engaged on Maui | Maui Proposal Photographer.