This proposal was at the top of the Empire State Building yesterday and caught attention around the world as the most public, epic proposal of modern time.
Let’s be honest…
Sometimes it takes saying something ridiculous just to get people to stop scrolling.
Don’t worry—I have nothing against beach proposals. In fact, we photograph hundreds of them, and they’re beautiful.
But here’s my point.
If you found Xina Scuderi Photography or Kyle Fleming Photography while planning your proposal, don’t automatically assume the beach is the best option.
If the beach is your dream—if you love sunsets, the sand, and that’s exactly how you’ve always pictured proposing—then absolutely do it.
But don’t choose the beach just because that’s what everyone else does.
Last week I photographed a proposal that really made me think. The couple arrived dressed like they were headed to a black-tie event. She looked absolutely stunning in an evening gown. He was in dress clothes with beautiful loafers.
Within minutes, she was fighting the wind blowing her hair everywhere. He was taking off his expensive shoes so they wouldn’t get soaked. Her heels were sinking into the sand.
They looked incredible…but in my opinion, they were in the wrong setting.
That couple would’ve looked amazing at an elegant rooftop, a luxury hotel, or somewhere with a little more sophistication.
Kyle has photographed some incredible proposals over the years. One was in a helicopter. Another took place in a barn surrounded by the couple’s own horses.
Personally, I’m still waiting for my dream proposal—a sailboat at sunset. I’ve already found the perfect sailboat. I’m just waiting for someone to say, “Let’s do it.” I am also wondering when I get called to luxury homes, or am asked to travel.
We’re not photographers who build fake portfolio shoots with models just to convince people to book elaborate ideas. We’d rather help create the real thing.
Another beach proposal we photographed recently really stuck with me. After the proposal, their entire family was waiting upstairs across town at The Birchwood rooftop to celebrate.
My first thought?
Why wasn’t the proposal on the rooftop?
The celebration was already there. The view was incredible. It would’ve been such a unique and unforgettable setting.
Maybe I think this way because we’ve photographed so many beach proposals over the years.
So here’s all I’m asking…
Be creative.
Think about your relationship.
Think about your favorite places together.
Think beyond the obvious.
Whether it’s a rooftop, a sailboat, a private chef, a museum, a helicopter, your family farm, or yes—even the beach—make it feel like your story, not someone else’s Pinterest board.
No more boring proposals.
We’d love to help you create something unforgettable.
I’ve photographed 6 proposals in the past 2 weeks.
Kyle has photographed 4 in the past 2 weeks, including my Sunken Gardens booking for a second angle.
If you’re getting ready to propose, check out our newest proposal work from the last two weeks to get your wheels turning.
One of my recent proposal locations is so special I’m not sharing it—because I really don’t want other photographers going there. And yes… we know you other photographers are watching us.
Xina was amazing to work with and helped me plan my engagement perfectly! She was very easy to communicate with and fast to respond. The photos look amazing!
Xina did professional headshots at an event for us. The experience was great, she took time and did several poses with everyone. The photos turned out fantastic, best headshots I've ever had!
Xina Scuderi Photography was amazing to work with! Very easygoing, professional, and incredibly creative. Everything was done on time, and I absolutely loved my pictures. Highly recommend!
Had the most wonderful experience being photographed by Xina with my family for a Fall photoshoot at Gallaghers. She is so easy to work with, makes everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera and is a ton of fun to be around. Highly recommend her for your next event or photoshoot. Her turnaround time was fantastic and the vast array of images presented to us was amazing. Can’t speak more highly of her, both in her technical skills/shooting/editing etc and also her as a person/artist/creative. Five stars all day long! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Just received the most incredible photos from Xina! She captured my beach yoga class so BEAUTIFULLY—the colors of the sky and ocean stood out in such a powerful way and truly elevated our presence. I was blown away by her dedication and artistic approach—she put so much passion and effort into shooting from different angles to capture the energy of our yoga and sound bath class. She even edited out a distracting sign in the background and enhanced the colors so everything looked even more magical. The turnaround time was so fast, and I felt completely supported by her throughout the process. Xina isn’t just a photographer, she’s an artist, and I’m so grateful to have her talent behind the lens. If you’re in St. Pete—especially if you’re dreaming of stunning sunset photos at Upham Beach—you absolutely need to connect with her!
We setup a sunset photo session, we like to have family photos every couple of years, and Xina made this session so special. We could not be happier with the pictures, and with her directions and her professional attitude on having fun while getting these bits of history inked in digital medium. If you want a great set of pictures during the sunset she is the one to call.
We booked a session while on vacation and really appreciated how easy she made the process. She met us right outside our hotel, which fit perfectly into our schedule and made it effortless on our part. She blended into our day without any stress or time-consuming planning. The photos captured our trip nicely and were a convenient way to get some family shots without having to arrange a big photo session.
Response from the owner 13:41 13 Aug 25
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I’m so glad the session felt easy and stress-free—that’s exactly what I aim for. While some photographers spend a lot of their clients’ time on outfit planning, props, and storytelling concepts, I keep my sessions simple so you can enjoy the moment without extra calls, consultations, or preparation. I want the process to fit naturally into your day, capture authentic memories, and give you beautiful photos without taking you away from your vacation. You are such a beautiful family, and your photos turned out absolutely spectacular—it was a joy to capture those moments for you!
Xina took our engagement photos in Clearwaters, on the beach, during sunset, and it went so well ! We were first timers and never had gotten our pictures done professionally, and she was very patient with us . She worked very well with our awkwardness haha . if we are ever back in Clearwater , we would book her again and I recommend her to anyone else interested in getting their pictures done
Response from the owner 01:49 07 Aug 25
You were awesome. Love a couple with beautiful eyes! So easy to direct. Thank you for booking.
Xina did an excellent job photographing our baby girl for her 1/2 birthday! We had family portraits taken with her at The Vinoy in the tea garden which was a perfect location! Xina was very professional and knew exactly where we should pose to get the best results. She even sang silly songs to our baby to get her to look at her and it worked!
We were so impressed with the quality of the photos we received. They came out better than we expected and will be treasured forever! We are going to have to get some of them printed to hang up in our home. They are worth every penny! We can’t recommend Xina enough for any of your professional photography needs.
Response from the owner 01:48 07 Aug 25
Cutest session ever! So glad I mentioned this location and we went with it.
