It went PERFECTLY. Could not have asked for anything better. We stopped at one of the 'berms' right before the river section connects to the oceon, on the non-protected side, and were not bothered at all.
I made a little clamshell 'ring box', and hid it in the sand when she wasn't looking. Then, after a romantic lunch, me and the pup were digging and just so happened to "find" a little shell while she was watching.
She ran over excited, right as I dropped to one knee, took her hand, and opened up the shell to show the ring. Did my little speech, she said yes while crying happy tears. Spent some more time resting/playing on the beach and rowed on back.
So happy to have sowal be a part of our life. We are going to have our wedding in seagrove/watercolor area as well.
Thanks again for the help, everyone!