The Plan Nobody Knew About (Except Me)
When Chris first slid into my DMs, he had one very clear mission… propose to Reina at Casa del Mundo on Lake Atitlán, and make sure she never saw it coming. What followed were several video calls, carefully coordinated outfit photos, and a plan so detailed it could have been a small production. Chris thought of everything. I just had to show up and not give anything away. Casa del Mundo is one of the most breathtaking spots on Lake Atitlán, a boutique hotel built into the cliffside, accessible only by boat, with views that make you feel like you're at the edge of the world. It's become one of the most beloved proposal locations in Guatemala, and after photographing this one, it's easy to understand why.
What Reina didn’t know…
Reina knew that their day pass at Casa del Mundo included a mini photo session. So when she and Chris arrived at the dock and I was waiting for them, nothing seemed out of place. I introduced myself, asked if they were the couple coming in for photos, Chris said yes, Reina looked a little confused but went along with it.
We started with some relaxed shots on the dock. Reina was a natural. Chris was calm — remarkably calm for someone hiding a ring in his pocket.
Then I asked them to stand back to back.
That was the signal!!!
While they weren't facing each other, I quietly passed Chris the ring. I asked them to turn around and look at each other, and when Reina turned, Chris was already on one knee.
She didn't see it coming. Not even a little.
The moment…
Reina's hands flew to her face. The tears came immediately, the kind that aren't planned, that can't be performed, that only happen when something is completely, utterly real. She couldn't believe it. Chris was smiling so wide I could barely keep my camera steady.
After she said yes — and she absolutely said yes — we spent the rest of the afternoon wandering through the hotel, letting the joy settle in. At one point I asked them both a quiet, personal question about each other. Reina cried again. Chris held her hand the whole time.
That's the kind of love that photographs itself.
What they say after…
"Diana was AMAZINGGGG!!!! She did such a great job capturing our surprise proposal at Casa del Mundo. From the moment I booked a session with her she made the process super easy and comfortable. She really has a great eye for photography because she knew exactly the right spots to capture shots. She made the surprise proposal smooth and perfect. I would definitely recommend Diana to anyone looking for a photographer." — Chris & Reina
A few days later Chris also sent me a private message I'll never forget:
"You really made this proposal smooth and literally perfect. When you get a chance to come to New York, definitely hit us up." — Chris
Planning a Proposal at Lake Atitlán?
Casa del Mundo is truly one of a kind. I'll handle the coordination, the timing, and the signal, you just have to handle the ring!