As a photographer, I love being part of people’s special moments. There is something magical about witnessing and documenting the joy and emotion of a couple in love. That’s why I was thrilled when Josh contacted me in June 2023 to ask me to shoot his surprise wedding proposal to Bianca, his girlfriend of three years.
Josh had planned everything in detail. He wanted to propose to Bianca just before having a dinner at Il Pirata, a restaurant, lounge bar and beach club that offers a stunning view of the Amalfi Coast. He told me that he had chosen this place because it was a very unique and original spot for a surprise proposal on the Amalfi Coast, and he wanted to create something unseen before.
He wrote me this: “We will ask for drinks, then they will bring her some roses, (it’s her birthday a few days later and using this so she is not suspicious). Then I will ask.”
My job was to capture the moment without being noticed. I arrived at the restaurant before them and pretended to be a tourist taking photos of the scenery. I spotted them as they arrived by boat at the private docking of the restaurant. They looked happy and relaxed, holding hands and smiling. I followed them discreetly, keeping a safe distance.
They reached the restaurant and sat at a table near the edge of the cliff. The sun was setting in front of them, creating a warm and romantic glow. They ordered some drinks and chatted casually. I positioned myself behind the tables of the restaurant talking with the owner and waiters, ready to snap the photos.
A few minutes later, a waiter brought a bouquet of roses to their table. Bianca looked surprised and touched. She thanked Josh and gave him a kiss. He smiled and took her hand. He looked into her eyes and said something that I couldn’t hear, but I guessed it was the moment he popped the question. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. He opened it and showed her a sparkling ring. She gasped and nodded. He slid the ring on her finger and hugged her. She cried and laughed. They kissed passionately.
I clicked the shutter as fast as I could, capturing every expression and gesture. It was a beautiful scene, full of love and happiness. I felt a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. I was so happy for them.
They noticed me after a while and waved at me. I approached them and congratulated them. They thanked me for being there and for taking the photos then we started a 1 hour photoshoot to complete their gallery with some amazing pictures.
I left the restaurant feeling fulfilled and grateful. I had just witnessed one of the most romantic proposals ever, and I had the privilege of capturing it with my camera. It was an unforgettable experience, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
