Choosing a beautiful, enchanting location for a marriage proposal is one of the most thrilling—and daunting—decisions a person can make. Beyond the inevitable nerves and excitement, the realization that this is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, shared with the one he loves, brings with it a mix of emotions. Everything must be just right: the atmosphere, the energy, the words he chooses, his attire, the timing, and the place where he stands face to face with his love, ready to offer her the ring. It’s no small task, and every detail feels essential to creating a memory that will be treasured forever. Three Proposals to Forever in Florence—a journey that defines a lifetime of love and commitment.
As a photographer, I’ve been fortunate enough to witness many such beautiful moments, each one unique and filled with emotion. From surprise proposals where the bride-to-be had no idea what was coming, to couples who were already engaged and simply wanted to capture the sentiment of this iconic moment, each story has its own magic. Honestly, these moments are breathtaking—even for me, and I’ve seen quite a few! I’m grateful that in all the proposals I’ve photographed, I’ve never once witnessed a “no.” Each time, I hold my breath, hoping for that resounding, joyful “yes.”
This particular story is about a wonderful couple, Ross and Liana, whom I met in Florence. Liana was here for a work trip, just a brief four-day visit, and Ross joined her for two days to turn her business trip into a romantic getaway. They had been engaged for a while, but they wanted to capture this moment in Florence with a few photos that would forever remind them of this romantic city. This was their Three Proposals to Forever in Florence moment, revisiting the magic that kept bringing them back together.
Ross is a filmmaker, an artist with a discerning eye and a heart for storytelling. He’s someone who notices the details, who can find beauty in even the smallest moments. Working with him, I learned so much; his eye for detail was inspiring, and I could see how his passion for his craft shaped his outlook on life.
A year prior, Ross had made his first proposal in a unique, unforgettable way. He had taken a stone, carved Liana’s name into it, and created a ring. With that simple yet meaningful gesture, he proposed to her. But Liana’s response was unexpected. She didn’t say yes, nor did she say no! Instead, she playfully told him, “Come back to me when you have a diamond ring!” It was a charming story they laughed about when we met. For Ross, that playful remark became a mission—a promise that he would return with the diamond ring she teased him about. And he did just that; a month before they arrived in Florence, he bought a diamond ring and, for the second time, proposed to her. This time, he received the joyful “yes” he had hoped for.
Now, here they were in Florence, and for the third time, Ross was ready to propose, adding another layer of romance to their journey. As he knelt down, I was ready with my camera, feeling a sense of urgency. Time was slipping away, and the light was fading. I wanted to capture this moment from every angle, so I asked them to keep the moment short, thinking we could recreate it to get all the shots we needed. But then, as I looked through my lens, I saw something that made me pause. Ross and Liana were so completely absorbed in each other, lost in their words and in the magic of the moment, that they paid no attention to me.
After a few minutes, Ross finally slipped the ring onto Liana’s finger, looked at me, and said, “I’m sorry it took a while, but I wanted to speak my heart in this place, in this very moment—not for the photo, but so that my words would forever stay here, in Florence.” His words touched me deeply, and suddenly, my sense of hurry vanished. Here was true love—a love that wanted to be present, to be felt, to be remembered in every detail.
It was like witnessing a story unfold, as though they were experiencing this moment for the very first time. Their joy and excitement were palpable, so fresh and so genuine. Florence, with its rich history and romantic aura, seemed to come alive around them, wrapping them in its charm.
As they walked away, hand in hand, I found myself hoping that they would carry this same love, passion, and spontaneity with them always. I believe they will. True love has a way of staying timeless, like the city of Florence itself. May they continue to live their beautiful life together, always as deeply in love as they were in that moment under the soft, fading Florentine sky.
If you plan to travel to the beautiful city of Florence and want to capture your unforgettable memories beautifully, don’t hesitate! Book your photography session today!
