Your Proposal Experience
Full Proposal Planning, Photography & Cinematic Video in Bocas del Toro
Real couples. Real emotions. All captured in the beauty of Bocas.
You’ve got the ring. You’ve got the one.
You’ve picked Bocas del Toro, now you just need someone to make it all happen.
From surprise planning to timeless photos to a cinematic film, I’ve got you covered.
You bring the intention. I’ll handle the rest.
From secluded beaches to sunset boats.
I plan and capture your proposal, so you can simply live it.
Why I Do This, and Why it Works
A Space Born from Real Need
After working with a few couples, I started noticing a pattern.
People were showing up in Bocas with the ring and the dream, but no real way to pull it off. No local planners. No setup help. No one to handle the logistics or bring the vision to life.
So I stepped in. I started scouting hidden spots, pulling together boat captains and musicians, timing everything around the light, designing décor scenes, and capturing it all from behind the lens.
What began as filling in the gaps turned into something bigger, a space where someone could arrive with an idea and intention, and walk away with a moment they’ll never forget. Fully planned. Fully captured.
And the truth is… I love it.
I’ve always told love stories through weddings, but there’s something different about a proposal. There’s a split second where everything shifts. Where one person decides, and the other has no idea what’s coming.
Being part of that edge, that transformation, and a moment so important, it is a privilege.
And the surprise? That’s its own kind of magic. Whether I’m hiding under a sand mound using a mirror to catch her approach, pretending to be a tour guide, or pacing out the exact area like a choreographed dance. I live for that challenge.
Making it effortless for you, and unforgettable for them. That’s the sweet spot I aim for every time.
There’s a second before the yes, where the world shifts,
and I get to capture it.
Choose the Proposal Experience
That Fits Your Vision
Whether you’re planning a big surprise or just want the moment captured, here’s how I can help.
Full Planning & Capture
You dream it. I make it happen.
You want a completely handled experience. From location scouting and setup to coordinating everyone involved, I help plan the proposal with you, coordinate the timing, communicate with vendors, and make sure everything runs smoothly. Then we capture it all, delivering a cinematic film and photo set you’ll never forget.
Includes:
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Planning & logistics
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Location scouting & setup coordination
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Creative direction
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Photo and/or video
The Guided Experience
Partial Planning Support & Capture
You’ve got most of it, I’ll help you make it smooth, timed, and beautiful.
Maybe you’ve picked the location or got advice from the hotel, but you still need help with timing, lighting, positioning, and the best way to make it flow. I guide you through the moments, then capture them as they unfold.
Includes:
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Light logistical support (timing, light, coordination)
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Setup advice if needed
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Proposal walk-through & communication
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Photo and/or video
The Essential Experience
Capture & Create Only
Just tell me when and where, I’ll be ready.
You’ve already worked out every detail and just need someone to show up, film it beautifully, and stay out of the way. I’ll connect briefly before, and then show up with a camera and deliver a cinematic edit.
Includes:
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Minimal communication
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No planning support
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Just photo, video, or both
The Complete Experience
Full Planning & Capture
Everything handled. You just show up.
Bocas Sunrise Surprise Proposal
A Complete Experience – Bocas del Toro
Secluded beach. Fully organized, set up, and captured...under the guise of a “tour guide.”
We started at 4am. My photographer colleague and I headed out in the dark, loading roses, a picnic hamper, a table, candles, and more into a buggy. After a boat ride to another island, we hiked 20–30 minutes up and down jungle hills to reach a quiet, hidden spot.
I left my colleague to finish setting up while I returned to the main island to meet the couple.
In my best tour guide voice, I welcomed them, threw in some historical facts about Bastimentos, and casually mentioned I’d be taking photos along the way, just in case they wanted to buy them later.
As we made our way down the path to the beach, I wasn’t sure who was more nervous — him, or me.
I slip him the blindfold just as we’d agreed, and then…
It takes more than a camera to make this happen. Here’s what’s behind it.
The Complete Experience includes:
Location scouting
Planning & logistics
Vendor coordination (boats, music, decor)
Set up on the day
On-the-day guidance
Calm, clear communication throughout
Full cinematic video
And/or edited photo gallery
You are in safe, stable hands. Let's chat.
Most couples investing in The Full Experience spend between $1450 and $2250 depending on the level of planning and coverage.
(Full pricing breakdown below.)
The Guided Experience
Partial Planning Support & Capture
You’ve got most of it, I’ll help you make it work.
La Coralina Surprise Proposal
A Guided Experience – Bocas del Toro
He was considering an island beach proposal at first, something a little further out. But in the end, he chose La Coralina: a Balinese-inspired hotel just outside of town. Refined, open, and private enough to let something meaningful happen without needing to overcomplicate it.
He didn’t need a full production, just someone to bounce ideas off, feel reassured, and get a bit of quiet guidance on timing, location, and how to make it all land well without drawing attention.
We met up about half an hour before the proposal, just enough time to mic him up and ask a few quick questions about their past, their story, and what this moment meant to him. It gave me the voice I needed for the narrative, and gave him enough time to slip back without raising suspicion.
Meanwhile, I was running through my part: from the bushes, to a bench, to the back of a chair (hoping it would hold like a makeshift ladder), then around for the side angle. Bit of a workout, and you wouldn’t know from the footage, just how precarious some of it was.
Because of the distance from the wireless mic, all I could hear in my headphones was static...until suddenly, a soft gasp, a “wow,” and a kind of laugh that hinted at wonder and suspicion. Her eyes moved from the flowers, to him, back to the setup. You could watch her putting it together, piece by piece.
And even if she saw it coming a few seconds before he said anything, it didn’t dull the reaction. If anything, it made it even better.
You don’t need a full plan, just the right support at the right time. Here’s what I offer in this experience.
The Guided Experience includes:
Location advice based on light, beauty, and timing
Help refining the plan (when, how, and where to do it)
Calm, clear communication throughout
Presence on the day to guide and capture
Full cinematic video
And/or edited photo gallery
You’re in steady hands. Let’s talk.
Most couples investing in The Guided Experience spend between $850 and $1550 depending on whether they choose video, photo, or both.
(Full pricing breakdown below.)
The Essential Experience
Capture and Create Only
Just tell me when and where, and I will be ready.
A Simple Plan, A Powerful Moment
Essential Experience at Bambuda Lodge, Bocas del Toro
He knew exactly what he wanted: a quiet walk, her eyes covered, and a proposal on the dock as the sun began to fall. He’d planned it all himself, from the printed photo frame to the perfect timing. My role was simple: help position the shot so that the moment landed with the composition it deserved.
The only hiccup? The hotel staff who helped him build the frame were too invested in the story to leave. They stood back, smiling, waiting to see what would happen next. And they weren’t alone, the entire upper deck of the hotel quietly gathered too.
When she said yes, a cheer erupted from above. Strangers clapped. Staff beamed. It reminded me that we are love to witniss these moments, and I am not the only one.
For clients who already have everything organized . The plan, the location, the timing, and you just need someone to show up and capture the moment with
cinematic visuals and calm, professional energy.
The Essential Experience includes:
You send the plan. I’ll confirm the details.
I arrive on the day, ready to film and/or photograph it beautifully.
Includes full cinematic videoand/or edited photo gallery.
No planning or setup support included in this tier
You’ve got the plan. I’ve got the lens. Let’s capture it.
Most couples investing in The Essential Experience spend between $600 and $1150 depending on whether they choose video, photo, or both.
(Full pricing breakdown below.)
"Ainsley helped plan the perfect engagement, and the photos were better than we ever imagined.
My fiancé and I loved the photos and are highly impressed with the work Ainsley provided.
I live outside of Panamá, but felt calm knowing my engagement was in good hands through constant communication.
If you’re looking for high-quality service, great photos, and need help getting things organized, Ainsley is your guy. Would highly recommend!"
Ernesto Rodriguez–USA
Packages & Pricing
Every proposal is different, and that’s the point. These are starting prices based on recent bookings. I’ll always help tailor the experience to your vision, your timing, and your priorities.
The Complete Experience
Full Planning, Creative Direction & Cinematic Capture
Starting from $1,450 – $2,250
Prices vary based on level of planning and whether you choose video, photo, or both.
Typical breakdown:
Full planning support – $700
Cinematic video – $750
Edited photo gallery – $600
Combo pricing available with a $100 discount.
The Guided Experience
Support, Direction & Seamless Coverage
Starting from $800 – $1,550
Depending on what support you need and whether you choose video, photo or both.
Typical breakdown:
Partial planning support – $200
Cinematic video – $750
Edited photo gallery – $600
Combo pricing available with a $100 discount.
The Essential Experience
Just the moment. Captured and told beautifully.
Video only – $750
Photo only – $600
Both – $1,150
All pricing reflects typical bookings, but each proposal is unique.
Custom quotes available after a quick chat.