When Danielle first messaged me about photographing her and Devon in Italy, I was beyond excited. She shared that Devon is stationed there, and she’d spend part of the summer visiting him. The trip alone sounded special enough—but then, Devon reached out privately with even bigger news.

Devon was planning to propose.

Together, we set the plan in motion, choosing a hidden garden that overlooked Florence. Danielle had no idea her dreamy Italian photoshoot was about to become even more memorable.

When the moment finally arrived, the proposal was intimate and perfect. Danielle’s expression of pure joy was everything I’d hoped for, and capturing it felt genuinely magical.

A Love Story to Make Your Day

Danielle and Devon’s story made all of this all the more special. Danielle shared how they initially met in high school but barely spoke then. Years later, a funny Snapchat mishap (thanks to Devon’s cat, Kage!) brought them together again. A simple swipe-up message was all it took, and conversations quickly grew into something more.

Their first date was charmingly imperfect: sushi dinner (Danielle wasn’t a fan but wanted to impress him), delicious mochi, and a kiss that sealed the deal. From then on, March 6th became both Devon’s birthday and their anniversary.

Their relationship, which has always been long-distance, proves that distance means little when love is strong. Danielle had mentioned to me how clearly she saw her future with Devon—marriage, family, and definitely more cats.

Little did she know at the time, those dreams were about to become reality in a secret garden in Florence.

Dreamy Lala Land Vibes in Florence, Italy

After the proposal (and emphatic “yes!”), we took our time exploring Florence together. Strolling through the city streets at sunset and stopping to savor breathtaking views from the bridge made the evening unforgettable.

I’d always wanted to capture Florence at night with the romantic streetlights glowing. We grabbed slices of authentic Italian pizza while waiting for darkness to fall—casual, fun, and relaxed.

When night came, we turned the streets into our own private movie set. Inspired by one of my favorite films, La La Land, we recreated those romantic movie moments beneath around the street lamps. It was such a perfect way to end the evening before parting ways.

Congratulations, Danielle and Devon! It was an honor capturing your story, your joy, and your unforgettable night in Italy.

Why Hiring a Photographer for Your Proposal Is Worth It

Planning your proposal is exciting—but also a bit nerve-wracking! You’ve probably thought about the location, the ring, and what you’ll say. But have you considered hiring a photographer?

Here are a few reasons why hiring a professional photographer makes a big difference on this special day:

Capture Genuine Reactions

The moment you propose, emotions run deep. A pro photographer can discreetly capture your partner’s true reaction in the most authentic yet photogenic way possible. That wide-eyed, joyful expression is priceless—and nearly impossible to recreate later. 

Relive the Moment

Your proposal goes by fast. Having high-quality photos means you can revisit your special moment anytime. You’ll have lasting memories of the excitement, surprise, and happiness. Trust me, your partner will want these. As fast as the moment will go for you, it’ll be more of a blur for your partner due to the surprise factor. They’ll appreciate the documentation.

Sharing the Big News Becomes Easier

Family and friends will want to see your special moment. Professional images make it easy to share your joy clearly and beautifully. They become keepsakes your loved ones cherish. Your photos will also make beautiful announcements, save the dates, invitations, or wedding displays, too! (Don’t forget to share these with your story on your wedding website if you create one.)

Take Pressure Off Yourself

Planning how you’ll propose is enough work. Letting a pro photographer handle photos means one less thing on your mind. You can focus entirely on your partner, confident the memories are safe. Depending on your plans and location, your photographer may be able to help with logistics. It’s nice to have another person to plan with (who has experience with proposals) so you can go forth with confidence!

Get Creative and Personal Photos

It’s not just about the portraits after you pop the question. Photographers know how to frame scenes beautifully and naturally as they unfold in the moment. That means you’ll get artistic, personal shots that reflect your unique relationship and special moment (without the awkward mid-blink shots that friends or family always manage to take).

Investing in Memories That Grow More Valuable

As years go by, these photographs will only become more meaningful. You’ll cherish the smiles, tears, and emotions captured in that perfect instant. Hiring a photographer transforms a fleeting moment into lasting memories.

Your proposal deserves more than blurry phone images. Hiring a professional photographer ensures those precious seconds are beautifully preserved. You’ll be so glad you did.

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