A large palm in the middle with a smaller one to the left, a couple is small in the frame leaning against the base of the large palm tree

Sanibel Lighthouse Proposal | Jordan + Kayla

Jordan told me he waited his whole life for this moment. He was ready to propose to the love of his life, Kayla, and he knew it had to happen somewhere meaningful. Growing up in Fort Myers, it felt right to propose during their vacation back home to visit his parents. When we met on a Zoom call to talk through the details, Jordan made it clear just how important it was for him to have me there. His excitement made me feel incredibly valued and honored to be their proposal photographer.

Man is proposing to girlfriend to the left of the Sanibel Lighthouse

A Proposal at the Iconic Sanibel Lighthouse

For the location, we settled on the Sanibel Lighthouse, an iconic Southwest Florida landmark that would be the perfect backdrop for this Sanibel proposal. A few days before the proposal, I met Jordan’s parents at the lighthouse to walk the location and plan for positioning. We talked through where Jordan and Kayla would walk, where I could stay hidden, and how everything would unfold. Having that time to scout and prepare made the day itself feel seamless.

Man proposes to girlfriend in front of the Sanibel Lighthouse

Couple hugs after proposal at the Sanibel Lighthouse Beach

On the day of the proposal, I set myself up as a “casual tourist” and waited for them to walk onto the beach. From afar, I secretly captured their private, intimate moment as Jordan got down on one knee. Kayla was completely unaware of me until I walked up afterward to congratulate them. That’s when the next surprise came out. Butterflies are a significant symbol in their relationship, and Jordan’s parents joined us with a box of butterflies to release. They released them together under the shade of the trees.

Couple holds a white box full of butterflies and smiles at the camera

Couple holds two butterflies as they release them after their proposal

As golden light filtered through the greenery and butterflies fluttered around us, we wrapped up their engagement photos. We laughed and moved quickly as the no-see-ums reminded us this was a very real Southwest Florida evening. The butterflies slowly scattered across the island, settling into their new home, marking the end of a beautiful Sanibel proposal.