Francis & Maryam

Helicopter Proposal to Bethells Beach

Francis and Maryam arrived at the heliport, both effortlessly elegant in light blue, a color that mirrored the sky and the ocean they were about to soar above. Their coordinated outfits made a statement—this was a couple stepping into a moment that would define their love story forever. Even before liftoff, there was a sense of anticipation in the air, a quiet excitement that hinted at the magic to come.

Unlike many surprise proposals, Maryam knew what was about to unfold. And yet, that knowledge didn’t make the moment any less emotional—it made it more powerful. She wanted every detail to be perfect, and perfection is exactly what we achieved. From the moment the helicopter lifted off, sweeping over Auckland’s dramatic coastline, to the breathtaking touchdown at Bethells Beach, everything felt like a scene from a dream.

The black sand dunes of Bethells Beach stretched endlessly beneath us, kissed by the golden glow of the setting sun. The waves crashed rhythmically, a natural symphony that set the tone for the proposal. Francis took a deep breath and turned to Maryam, his eyes filled with the kind of love that makes time stand still.

With the ocean breeze swirling around them and the endless horizon as their witness, he dropped to one knee. Despite knowing what was coming, Maryam’s eyes welled up with emotion. The reality of this moment, the depth of their commitment, and the sheer beauty of the surroundings made it feel almost surreal. As she said “yes,” the sound of the waves seemed to cheer for them, celebrating a love that was now forever sealed in this breathtaking location.

Capturing this moment through both photography and videography was an absolute privilege. Because Maryam was in on the plan, we had the chance to guide them through the entire experience, ensuring that every single shot told their story authentically. From intimate embraces by the cliffs to the joyful laughter as they twirled in the sand, their love radiated in every frame.

As the helicopter carried them back to the city, the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange. Their journey as an engaged couple had just begun, and they had already set the bar impossibly high for romance.

Bethells Beach, with its rugged beauty and cinematic charm, was the perfect place for Francis and Maryam to begin their forever. And I was beyond honored to capture every second of it.