A Love Story from Wales to the Cliffs of Punta Sur | Jonathan & Caitlin’s Isla Mujeres Proposal Proposal and Engagement

Every proposal is unique, but some unfold with such tenderness and meaning that they linger in your heart long after the camera is put away. Jonathan and Caitlin’s engagement at Punta Sur, Isla Mujeres, Mexico, was one of those unforgettable moments—and I had the honor of capturing it all from a quiet distance.

Jonathan and Caitlin had traveled a long way for what Caitlin thought was just a relaxing getaway. They came all the way from Wales, UK, to this serene little island off the coast of Cancún. What she didn’t know was that Jonathan had been planning something incredibly special. This wasn’t just a vacation—it was the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

The cliffs at Punta Sur under a late afternoon sky were bathed in golden light. The waves crashed gently below, the breeze carried a hint of salt, and the moment felt wrapped in magic. From my vantage point, I watched Jonathan lead Caitlin to a quiet spot with the Caribbean stretching endlessly on one side and the limestone rock rising on the other.

But Jonathan didn’t drop to one knee right away. He took his time, speaking softly to Caitlin, his hands gently holding hers. I couldn’t hear the words from where I stood, but I didn’t need to. The emotion on Caitlin’s face said it all—there was love, surprise, and an increasing awareness that something beautiful was happening. Jonathan was pouring his heart out, telling her what she meant to him, and each word was visibly sinking into her soul.

Then, finally, Jonathan knelt.

From his pocket, he pulled out a small box and opened it, revealing a sparkling diamond ring. As he looked up at Caitlin with the sea wind tousling her hair, he asked her to spend the rest of their lives together and the expression on her face was priceless. She gasped, she laughed, and then her eyes brimmed with tears. The sheer joy radiating from her was enough to make even me tear up behind the lens.

After the big “yes,” I walked over to congratulate the newly engaged couple. Caitlin was still glowing with emotion when I shared that Jonathan had secretly arranged for me to photograph the whole proposal. Her excitement doubled when I told her we’d now be doing their engagement session right there among the cliffs.

As we explored the breathtaking paths and dramatic rock formations of Punta Sur, I had the chance to get to know Jonathan and Caitlin better. They shared the story of how they met—5 ½ years ago on a dating app. It was one of those rare connections that felt effortless from the very start. They both knew right away that they had found someone special.

And just when I thought this love story couldn’t get any more serendipitous, Caitlin shared something truly magical—her parents had honeymooned on Isla Mujeres back in 1997. Also from Wales, her parents had chosen this very island to celebrate the start of their marriage nearly three decades ago. To now be standing in the same place, on the edge of the same cliffs, where Caitlin herself was beginning her own forever love story—it was nothing short of incredible.

Photographing Jonathan and Caitlin’s engagement reminded me why I do what I do. These aren’t just photos—they’re time capsules of emotion, commitment, and love. To be a part of their story, to witness that incredible moment and then freeze it in time, was an absolute honor.

Jonathan and Caitlin, thank you for letting me in on your magical day. From across the ocean to the cliffs of Isla Mujeres, your love story is one I won’t soon forget.

Are you planning a surprise proposal or destination engagement? I’d love to help you capture it beautifully—wherever your love takes you.