Luis Melendez Chuello Luis Melendez Chuello

A Surprise Proposal at Playa Combate, Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico

Some proposals are planned months in advance.
Others come together quietly—with intention, trust, and a little faith.

This surprise proposal at Playa Combate in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico was one of those moments where everything aligned.

A perfect engagement ring for the perfect occasion



Planning a Surprise Proposal in Cabo Rojo

The person who contacted me wasn’t the groom—it was his sister.

She wanted to help create something meaningful and personal for her brother and his partner. The bride had no idea what was coming, which meant every detail mattered. We talked through several locations across the southwest coast of Puerto Rico before choosing Playa Combate, a beach known for its open views, soft light, and calm energy.

Once the location was set, we focused on the execution.

We chose the exact spot for the proposal, planned where I would be hidden, and agreed on one simple cue. When the time came, the groom would gently turn her toward the ocean—just enough for me to capture her face.

Then we waited.

The surprise and the “yes!”

The Moment She Said Yes

Hidden between trees and bushes, I watched as the moment unfolded.

When he dropped to one knee, her reaction was immediate and real—pure surprise, emotion, joy. These are the moments you don’t direct. You simply witness them.

She laughed. She cried. She said yes.

And everything after that felt lighter.

The happy hug, the happy eyes

After the Proposal at Playa Combate

Once the proposal was over, we let the moment continue naturally.

They walked along the shore, held each other as the sun lowered, and soaked in what had just happened. The sky reflected off the water, giving us one of those soft Cabo Rojo sunsets that make Playa Combate such a beautiful place for proposals and engagement photos.

Nothing was rushed. Nothing was forced.

Just two people, newly engaged, in one of the most peaceful corners of Puerto Rico.

The attention is on the ring

Why Playa Combate Is Ideal for Proposals in Puerto Rico

Playa Combate is one of my favorite locations for surprise proposals because it offers:

  • Open space and privacy

  • Beautiful natural light near sunset

  • A relaxed atmosphere, even on busy days

For couples planning a surprise proposal in Puerto Rico, it allows room to plan quietly while still feeling intimate.

A playful, passionate moment

A Thought on Photographing Proposals

Being a Puerto Rico proposal photographer isn’t just about showing up with a camera. It’s about anticipation, discretion, and respect for the moment.

There are no second chances with proposals. My role is to stay invisible, ready, and fully present—so the story is preserved exactly as it happened.

A tender, joyful hug

Planning Your Proposal in Puerto Rico?

If you’re thinking about proposing in Cabo Rojo, Playa Combate, or anywhere in Puerto Rico, I’m happy to help you plan the moment with care—from choosing the location to timing and positioning.

Some moments only happen once.
They deserve to be remembered well.

An union made for forever

Read More
Luis Melendez Chuello Luis Melendez Chuello

From Family Photos to “Yes”: A Beautiful Proposal on a Puerto Rico Beach

A family photo session turns into a great moment for that family: an engagement

As a family photographer in Puerto Rico, I’ve captured all kinds of moments—but this session on the west coast took me by surprise in the best way. 

Como fotógrafo de familias en Puerto Rico, he visto de todo, pero esta sesión en la costa oeste tuvo una sorpresa que nadie esperaba. 

A diverse family dressed in white face the ocean on a beach in Puerto Rico.

We started with a joyful and relaxed rhythm, the kind families bring when they’re enjoying a beach photo session in Puerto Rico. The parents were a little stiff at first (totally normal when a stranger points a camera at you), but the warm light and ocean breeze helped everyone settle in. Little by little, authentic moments began to unfold—the kind I love to bless with my camera. 

Comenzamos con un ambiente alegre y relajado, como suele pasar en las sesiones de fotos en la playa en Puerto Rico. Los padres estaban un poco tensos al principio (muy normal cuando un extraño te apunta con una cámara), pero la luz cálida y la brisa del mar ayudaron a que todos se soltaran. Y así empezaron a surgir esos momentos auténticos que tanto disfruto capturar. 

A diverse family dressed in white looking at the camera and smiling on a beautiful beach in Puerto Rico

And then came the twist. 

Y luego llegó el giro inesperado. 

A man kneels in front of her girlfriend and shows a ring while the rest of the family watches in disbelief and awe on a beach in Puerto Rico

Just as we were wrapping up, one of the sons suddenly dropped to one knee and proposed to his girlfriend. No warning. No hints. Just pure emotion. I had half a second to pray the photos were in focus—and thankfully, my camera and lighting were ready. 


Justo cuando estábamos terminando, uno de los hijos se arrodilló y le propuso matrimonio a su novia. Sin aviso, sin señales, sin nada. Tuve medio segundo para asegurarme de que las fotos estuvieran enfocadas y por suerte, la cámara y la luz ya estaban listas. 

A man proposes to her girlfriend in front of their family and she says yes on a beach in Puerto Rico

The family’s reaction was priceless: shock, laughter, cheering, and happy chaos. A perfect mix of love and excitement, framed by the beauty of Puerto Rico’s beaches

La reacción de la familia fue maravillosa: shock, risas, aplausos y una energía hermosa. Un instante lleno de amor, enmarcado por la belleza de las playas de Puerto Rico

A happy couple celebrate their love while the family cheers and celebrate on a beach in Puerto Rico

Moments like these remind me why couples and families trust me with their stories. Because when something unexpected and magical happens, you deserve a photographer who can capture it with heart, care, and a steady hand. 


Momentos así me recuerdan por qué tantas familias y parejas confían en mí. Porque cuando ocurre algo inesperado y mágico, necesitas a alguien que pueda capturarlo con corazón, cuidado y una mano firme. 

A couple kiss in celebration after she accepts his marriage proposal and the family cheers and celebrates on a beach in Puerto Rico

If you’re planning a family session, couple session, or even a surprise proposal in Puerto Rico, I’d be honored to photograph it—and bless that moment through my lens. 

Si deseas una sesión familiar, una sesión de pareja, o estás planeando una propuesta sorpresa en Puerto Rico, sería un honor fotografiar ese instante y bendecirlo con mi cámara. 

A happy family all dressed in white pose on a beach in Puerto Rico
Read More