Dive into Love: Anantara Kihavah's Magical Underwater Proposal Campaign


Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and love is quite literally in the water. As an underwater photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing some truly breathtaking moments, but our recent collaboration with the luxury resort Anantara Kihavah Maldives stands out as something truly special. Alongside my partner, professional underwater model Abbey Blake, we set out to create an unforgettable underwater proposal campaign that would showcase the magic of love beneath the waves.

Figure in a flowing red dress poses underwater near coral reef formations as sunlight filters through blue ocean waters.
An underwater proposal scene with flowing red dress and coral reef in crystal clear blue tropical waters.
A professionally dressed figure kneels underwater on a coral reef while holding a camera in clear blue waters.

Behind the Scenes of a Dream Underwater Shoot


When Anantara Kihavah approached us with their creative vision, we knew this was going to be a shoot like no other. They had two unique concepts in mind. The first was all about adventure—two divers exploring the stunning underwater world together, culminating in a heartfelt proposal. The second concept embraced elegance and romance, featuring a proposal scene that was as ethereal as it was emotional.


For the elegant concept, Abbey slipped into a stunning red “flying gown” that billowed and flowed beautifully in the currents. She looked absolutely mesmerizing, like something out of a dream. Rey, one of the talented dive masters at Anantara Kihavah, played the role of the proposer, dressed in slacks and a collared shirt, effortlessly bringing a sense of sophistication to the scene. Just off the resort’s shore, surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and thriving marine life, the moment came to life in the most breathtaking way.


Behind the camera, I worked with my Sony Alpha camera in a Nauticam housing, framing each shot to highlight the interplay of light, movement, and emotion beneath the surface. Our approach to photographing this scene was all about timing for the most dramatic natural light. We spent several days prior to the shoot observing how the sun moved across the water, studying the way light filtered through the surface at different times of day. By scouting the dive site earlier in the week, we were able to pinpoint the perfect window when the light rays would pierce through the water in breathtaking beams. It was a delicate dance of light, movement, and patience, but when everything aligned just right, the result was pure magic.

Vibrant coral reef ecosystem with branching coral formations and tropical fish swimming in crystal clear blue waters.
Figure in formal attire poses underwater on ocean floor while holding camera equipment in clear blue tropical waters.
Two yellow and white butterflyfish swim near a coral formation in clear blue tropical waters.

The Heart of the Campaign: Teamwork


None of this would have been possible without the incredible team at Anantara Kihavah. Their dive safety team and marketing staff were instrumental in making this shoot a success. Not only was the staff professional, but they were also enthusiastic and passionate about the unique project. From scouting the perfect location to providing expert dive support throughout the entire process, their dedication and commitment made this collaboration seamless and unforgettable.


Rey, in particular, who had never modeled underwater before, embraced the challenge with remarkable enthusiasm. To ensure his comfort and safety, we conducted specialized training sessions where we taught him all the necessary skills and safety precautions for SCUBA-assisted underwater modeling. Rey quickly adapted to the environment, learning how to control his breath, maintain buoyancy, and pose naturally while submerged. This preparation paid off, as he delivered a performance that felt effortless and authentic, helping to bring our vision to life.


And, of course, the real star of the shoot? The underwater world itself. The Maldives boasts some of the most stunning coral reefs and marine biodiversity on the planet. The crystal-clear waters, vibrant fish, and pristine coral created a backdrop that felt almost unreal. As an underwater photographer, moments like these are why I do what I do—capturing the magic that exists just below the surface.

Scuba diver explores vibrant coral reef wall surrounded by tropical fish in clear blue ocean waters.
A snorkeler explores a coral reef while holding an underwater conservation awareness sign in blue tropical waters.
A scuba diver explores a deep blue reef wall while exhaling bubbles underwater in crystal clear waters.

Why Underwater Ad Campaigns Work


There’s something uniquely captivating about underwater storytelling. It’s more than just visually stunning—it’s a powerful way to connect with emotions and create unforgettable moments. For resorts like Anantara Kihavah, underwater campaigns don’t just showcase luxury; they transport viewers into an otherworldly experience that feels both intimate and extraordinary. The weightlessness of the water, the way fabric and hair move in slow, graceful motions, and the natural interaction between humans and marine life all add to the dreamlike quality of these visuals. These images don’t just capture a place; they tell a story of adventure, romance, and discovery—exactly what travelers crave when planning their next dream vacation. The magic of the underwater world has an undeniable ability to spark curiosity and inspiration, making it a perfect medium for brands looking to leave a lasting impression.

Vibrant red coral growing on rocky reef underwater with sunbeams streaming through clear blue ocean water.
Scuba divers take an underwater selfie while swimming near a coral reef in blue ocean waters.
A group poses on a tropical deck, with one person wearing a flowing red gown with a long train among palm trees.
Two underwater figures pose elegantly over a coral reef in blue ocean waters, one in a flowing red dress.
A dark camera silhouetted against a blue underwater backdrop, mounted on coral reef formations.

Let Submerge Bring Your Brand to Life


If you’re looking for a unique way to captivate your audience, Submerge is here to make it happen. Not only are we creative, collaborative, and professional, but we are uniquely resourceful. We don’t just deliver a stunning finished product; we also provide expert guidance and hands-on training throughout the entire process. Coaching talent on underwater modeling techniques, ensuring safety in extreme conditions, and adapting to unpredictable underwater environments are just a few of the ways we approach every shoot with a problem-solving mindset. No matter the challenge, we find creative solutions that allow us to deliver breathtaking results. From underwater ad campaigns and creative brand shoots to full-scale video productions, Abbey and I are passionate about storytelling both above and beneath the waves, making the impossible feel effortless.


Let’s create something unforgettable together. Reach out to us today to discuss your next project, and be sure to follow Submerge on Instagram and Facebook to see more of our work—including the full Anantara Kihavah underwater proposal campaign. Dive in with us, and let’s make some magic!