A Year Later at Doran Beach… He Asked Her to Marry Him

From Worship to “Will You Marry Me?” – Luke & Bella’s Faith-Filled Proposal at Doran Beach

Some love stories begin with a simple spark—and for Luke and Bella, that spark was music and shared faith. Their journey started at church, grew through late-night phone calls, shared songs, and meaningful conversations, and led to a proposal that was heartfelt, personal, and filled with intention. Their day at Doran Beach wasn’t just romantic—it was a reflection of everything they’ve built together.

How They Met

Luke and Bella’s story began at church, where Luke had just wrapped up a worship set. Bella—bold, sweet, and a little starstruck—walked up to him and said, in the least creepy way possible, that she had been following his music and would love to hang out and sing together. Luke took the chance and asked her out for coffee after church, right before he had to head back to college in LA. That coffee date turned into regular phone calls, Bible studies, and prayers shared long-distance.

“There was never really a lightbulb moment,” Luke said, “but over time, Bella kept confirming she wasn’t too good to be true.”

The Proposal Location: A Sentimental Return

Luke chose to propose at Doran Beach in Bodega Bay—specifically, at the same spot where Bella had joined his family on a beach day nearly a year earlier. They had walked along the sand, read the Bible together on a bench overlooking the water, and spent one of their favorite days there. He wanted to recreate that memory, down to the little details, as a foundation for the next chapter in their story.

Bella didn’t suspect a thing.

He told her they were going to film a TikTok cover at the beach—which explained why they were dressed up and why he brought his guitar. They did sing a cover together… but then, Luke handed Bella a surprise.

Ready to pop the question?

A Song, a Bible, and a Question

What came next was straight out of a love story. Luke began singing a song he had written just for her. What he didn’t expect was for Bella to start bawling halfway through, overwhelmed with emotion. It caught him off guard—he had to focus just to keep from cry-singing the rest of the way through.

After the final note, Luke gave Bella a custom Bible with the words “1 Corinthians 13” etched into the leather cover and her new name—Bella Poppinga. As she opened it to read, Luke got down on one knee behind her. When she turned around, the tears quickly turned to pure joy. She jumped up and down, beaming with excitement, and said YES!

Capturing the Moment

After the proposal, we spent time playing along the shore and taking lighthearted engagement photos that reflect exactly who they are—joyful, grounded, and completely in sync. Luke’s eyes hardly left Bella the entire time, his expression full of awe, devotion, and excitement for what’s ahead.

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Looking Ahead: Music, Photography, and a Wedding to Plan

Together, Bella and Luke are looking forward to building a life centered on faith and creativity. With dreams of pursuing music and photography side-by-side, they’re embracing a future filled with purpose and partnership. They’re currently venue shopping and planning a wedding between April and June of next year—and if their proposal is any indication, it will be full of meaning and heart.

One of the most beautiful aspects of their relationship is how deeply rooted it is in worship. They not only fell in love through their shared love of music and ministry—they get to live it out together every week.

Thinking of Proposing at Doran Beach?

Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate moment with faith at the center or a grand gesture by the sea, Doran Beach offers the perfect backdrop. If you're ready to plan a proposal that tells your story, I’d love to help you capture it with care and authenticity.

Luke and Bella—thank you for allowing me to witness your beginning. Your story is full of light and love, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.

—

Planning a proposal or engagement session in Sonoma County? Let’s create something unforgettable—together.

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A Year Later at Doran Beach… He Asked Her to Marry Him

How They Met

The Proposal Location: A Sentimental Return

A Song, a Bible, and a Question

Capturing the Moment

Looking Ahead: Music, Photography, and a Wedding to Plan

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