St Kilda Suprise Proposal

Some proposals feel carefully planned.
Others feel deeply felt.
Mikayal and Courtney’s St Kilda Surprise Proposal was both — thoughtful down to the smallest detail, yet overflowing with heart.

Mikayal really had thought of everything.

A beautiful garden setting tucked inside St Kilda? Check.
Her grandmother’s ring, heavy with history and meaning? Check.
Courtney’s beloved dog Olive — the true love of her life, at least according to Courtney herself — very much check. (She jokes that Olive comes first… and honestly, watching them together, it’s hard to argue.)

The finishing touches came from Mikayal’s mum, who owns an event styling business and lovingly curated the backdrop props. Every piece felt intentional, personal, and quietly elegant — not loud, not staged, just right.

Reuben and I arrived early at the gardens to help Mikayal choose a spot with soft, flattering light and to set everything up before Courtney arrived. There’s always a gentle nervous energy in those moments — the calm before the biggest question of your life. While we waited, I was lucky enough to spend some time with Olive… and I can confidently say she stole a piece of my heart that day. The sweetest little soul, full of trust and warmth, padding around as if she knew she had an important role to play.

When Courtney arrived with her best friend, her surprised smile said everything. That split second — the pause, the recognition, the joy rushing in — it’s the moment I live for. Mikayal, Olive by his side, waiting exactly where he was meant to be.

The proposal itself was perfect in that quiet, real way. No performance. No pressure. Just love, laughter, a few happy tears, and a resounding yes.

Afterwards, we wandered through the gardens together, soaking up the golden light as it filtered through the trees. Courtney and Mikayal glowed — that post-proposal kind of glow where everything feels lighter, softer, possible. Olive, of course, stayed close, keeping watch over her people as we captured a series of relaxed, heartfelt portraits to mark the beginning of this next chapter.

This St Kilda Surprise Proposal was a beautiful reminder that the best moments aren’t about perfection — they’re about intention, connection, and letting love lead the way.

Mikayal & Courtney, thank you for trusting us to witness and document such a special moment. And Olive… you’ll always have a little piece of my heart 🐾✨