Surprise Proposal: With a Little Help from Friends, Arlington Garden

I recently had the absolute joy of photographing a surprise proposal at the beautiful Arlington Garden in Pasadena—and this one had a special twist: it involved the couple’s closest friends. I always begin proposal sessions discreetly, hidden away at a distance, quietly documenting the moment as it unfolds. There’s nothing quite like capturing that raw emotion and excitement when two people take the next step in their journey together.

Once the big question was asked and answered (with a joyful yes!), I stepped out of my hiding spot, introduced myself to the newly engaged couple, and we spent the rest of the session soaking up the love and excitement in the air. What made this one extra special was the amazing group of friends who helped pull off the surprise—and stayed to celebrate. The energy, the love, the champagne toasts—it was unforgettable.

This session truly felt like I was photographing my own close friends. The genuine laughter, tight hugs, and shared joy made it so easy to capture candid, beautiful moments. Watching the newly engaged couple, so full of love and excitement for their future, reminded me exactly why I love capturing proposals—they’re full of magic, heart, and unforgettable memories.

Planning a proposal? Your fiancé would LOVE it if you captured her special moment in stills. Let’s freeze time together!

 

xoxo,
Hiromi

WELCOME

I call myself a ‘people’ photographer, specializing in capturing the personalities of people through family, newborn and event photography. I’m originally German-Japanese and was raised embracing both cultures. I was raised in Japan and in many parts of Europe, until I finally settled in Los Angeles to call it my permanent home. My love for photography started at an early age. A fun hobby eventually turned in to a passion when I found joy in taking candid photos of my friends. Naturally, my love for photography turned in to a lifestyle and I was asked to photograph people’s milestones and celebrations. And so, my photography business was born in 2010.

Graduation: Pasadena City Hall

I recently photographed a graduation session at Pasadena City Hall for [J], who had just graduated from dental school. After years of hard work, she wanted to document this major milestone, and I was so

[ READ MORE ]

Event: 1st Birthday Party

There’s something incredibly special about photographing a child’s very first birthday, especially when it’s celebrated at home, surrounded by loved ones. Baby [T] recently turned one, and I had the joy of documenting this sweet

[ READ MORE ]