A Surprise Beach Proposal in Southwest Michigan: The Engagement of Natalia and David

Natalia and David’s love story began at church, where a young Natalia boldly declared that David—then an altar boy—would one day be her husband. Though their paths crossed many times growing up, it wasn’t until high school that they truly connected, seeing each other in the hallway and sparking something real. That connection led to a beautiful proposal at Cherry Beach, under a heart-shaped arch. What Natalia thought was a dinner date turned into a surprise engagement weekend she’ll never forget!

Natalia had a hand in designing her ring, choosing it a few years before the proposal to take the pressure off David. He still added his own thoughtful touch by selecting the center stone and incorporating hidden symbolic elements: two “peek-a-boo” diamonds representing each of them and a sapphire tucked into the band as her “something blue.”

Their engagement session was captured by Marissa Rae Photography, a photographer Natalia had long admired. David remembered how much she loved Marissa’s work and booked her as a surprise. The session took place at Cherry Beach—meaningful to them both from a past trip—and Natalia packed multiple outfits for what she thought was a dinner date, letting David ultimately choose her look for the big day. Natalia's sister also brought them outfits in a white color scheme for after the proposal.

Wedding planning is just beginning, with a date set for 2027. While Natalia has a running list of ideas, she’s holding off on major decisions for now, anticipating changing trends. The couple is currently focused on finding the perfect venue, acknowledging the stress but optimistic that once the big pieces are in place, the process will feel much more relaxed!

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