This wasn’t just any engagement, or what is also know as a “pre-wedding”, shoot. This was a real, live, surprise “will you marry me” moment, and my romantic client had brought his gorgeous girlfriend all the way from New York City to ask her to be his wife. To keep things private and intimate, I suggested that a good place might be the stone balcony at Malcesine Castle. I could hide behind one of the castle turrets and climb over the railing at the big moment (yes, with a 50 metre drop to the lake edge below with about 10 kilos of camera equipment around my waist) to take the shots without being seen. All went well – she said yes with a huge smile on her face, I didn’t drop either of my cameras and didn’t fall off the castle wall, and didn’t get spotted until after the big moment!

The couple then had a walk around the castle and the town of Malcesine, then stopped to relax on the jetty at the Porto Vecchio next to the castle. We then hid in a side alley for a sneaky portrait session where the light was soft and beautiful.