A Breathtaking Narragansett Beach Proposal at Scarborough

A Breathtaking Narragansett Beach Proposal: Aidan & Erin
When Tina, Aidan’s mother, first contacted me about capturing a Narragansett beach proposal, I was actually in the middle of a bike-packing trip from Pittsburgh to D.C.! Despite the remote trail, I managed to send a quick response to Tina, and we hit the ground running as soon as I returned.

The vision for this magical moment was Scarborough Beach just before sunset. While an east-facing beach can be tricky for lighting, we were aiming for that breathtaking golden hour glow.

The Logistics of a Surprise
The plan was simple yet high-stakes: dinner at Spain restaurant, followed by a stroll to the beach just 100 yards from their condo. Logistically, this Narragansett beach proposal was a challenge. With no street parking available, my wife—a total trooper—dropped me off at 6:45 PM so I could scope out the “lay of the land.”

Surprise proposals after dinner always make me a bit nervous; with three parties involved and one (Erin) completely in the dark, timing is everything. If dinner runs late, we lose the sun. Despite a forecast of thunderstorms, the skies cleared just in time for this magical evening.

The “Undercover” Photographer
Hiding on an open beach is no easy feat. As Aidan and Erin arrived, a group of people walking their dogs appeared—the perfect cover! I “joined” their group, chatting away while keeping an eye on the couple. I eventually tucked into the dune grass, sharing my hiding spot with some very hungry sandflies.

A Breathtaking Moment at Twilight
Aidan took his time—the longest I’ve ever waited during a Narragansett beach proposal! As the light dropped, I adjusted my settings, fighting off the sandflies and watching the ISO climb. Finally, at 7:49 PM, Aidan dropped to one knee.

I emerged from the dunes, capturing every second of their magical reaction. Erin was a complete natural in front of the camera (thanks to her mother being a photographer!), and we made the most of the final 20 minutes of light.

Congratulations to Aidan and Erin on their stunning Narragansett beach proposal! Scroll down to view the full gallery of this unforgettable Scarborough Beach evening.