Capturing joyful love stories in France as a professional photographer is a role I take seriously. Clients visiting from all over the world wish to become engaged to the one they love and it’s a moment most people dream about for a very long time. A lot of significance is placed on the perfect moment, the perfect setting, and the memories that will be made, because it’s so important for so many people. That’s why I was so thrilled to be contacted to photograph this surprise proposal photoshoot in Nice, France. Capturing memories for my clients makes me so happy.
Where to Propose in Nice, France
Most people when coming to France propose in the capital city of Paris, and 95% of those people propose with a view of the Eiffel Tower. For many couples, this is the ideal location and the epitome of romance. But, it’s not always much of a surprise as there’s a certain expectation there, one person often assumes the proposal will happen there.
I used to think Paris was the epicenter of France, but then, unfortunately due to the pandemic, Paris became less appealing to me, and I moved to the south of France part-time. I’d been to Nice before, but hadn’t really discovered it. But in the years since the pandemic ended, Nice has become more and more a place that I adore photographing clients. Matthew wanted a special place in Nice to propose to Adeleigh. He didn’t want anything that could resemble a typical tourist location, and he wanted to propose during their trip to the French Riviera. But, he was confused, what would be the best spot?
This is where I come in, I help my clients determine the very best spot for them. In Nice, it’s either some kind of view of the water, the Mediterranean Sea, or somewhere in the old town, because it’s colorful and charming. We work to narrow it down, and then decide on the best time of day.
Morning is perfect if your partner is a morning person and you like to get up to sightsee. Less people are out, so it’s often more private as well.
Late afternoon is better if you’ll want to ensure your partner is dressed up or feeling pretty, as some people are concerned with how they’ll look in photographs. Also, it’s easier to pull this off for some couples in the late afternoon as you’ll likely already have dinner plans. It’s more challenging in the afternoon, especially in the peak summer season, because there are a lot of tourists everywhere, and it can get quite hot and humid in the afternoon too. But for many, it remains the best plan.
In Matthew’s case, he liked the idea of something different and unique. He first thought of a sea view, but then changed his mind and decided a city neighborhood would be best. But not any old city neighborhood, the colorful and romantic buildings in the old town of Nice are a sight to see, and one of my favorite places to photograph my clients.
Where to propose in Nice is entirely individual, but the key question really is, do you want a sea view?
A Few Extras
Matthew had decided he’d propose in the old town of Nice, and he thought, being August, a nice early proposal would be ideal. He’d tell Adeleigh they had a group tour or something these lines, and she would be a bit dressed up as he would tell her they were going to a nice lunch afterward.
To make things extra special, he’s requested a bouquet of flowers in Adeleigh’s favorite flowers and colors, and a bottle of French champagne and two glasses, so they could toast each other.
The Morning of the Proposal
The morning of the proposal, which took place at 7:00 am on an August morning, was not yet too hot or humid. I placed the bouquet on the top of a set of stairs, the most perfect place for a photo in the old town. Matthew would approach the bouquet and give the bouquet to Adeleigh, but in this case, he got on one knee first, and then presented the flowers to her.
Most of my clients have a fear that their loved one won’t be surprised at all. Because, many couples have talked about getting married, maybe even looked at rings together, and then, well, you’re going to France, your loved one surely thinks you’ll propose in France.
The thing is, your partner has no idea where or when this may or may not happen. It’s always a surprise. Not the fact that you asked, but the moment itself. In this case, Adeleigh was really surprised and needed some time to process what had just happened. After all, she thought she was going on a tour! She was so surprised, and so sweet.
I so enjoyed talking to this couple from New Orleans, I’d never actually met anyone from this great American city, born and raised. After Adeleigh took a hold of her bouquet, they celebrated with a glass of champagne. I photographed them in the immediate area and then we walked up a hill to a more secluded area with a bench, so they could enjoy their champagne.
A Mini-Engagement Session Ending at the Sea
Matthew and Adeleigh didn’t finish their entire bottle of champagne, so we took it with us as we finished photographing their epic love story in the quaint and charming corners of Vieux Nice. Then, we headed to the beach, crossing the Promenade des Anglais.
Already the beach was filled with people swimming in the crystal blue waters, but we found a little space and captured the essence of the French Riviera, with the stunning blue water and this smiling, happy couple. We finished our time together with one last champagne toast on the beach.
I really didn’t want the morning to end, it was so much fun and this couple was so wonderful. I wish Matthew and Adeleigh every happiness in their married lives together, and thank them for choosing me as their photographer in Nice!
Karina Leigh Photography
If you’re considering popping the question in France, take a good look at Nice. Great weather, beautiful view points, great places to stay and restaurants–it’s an ideal place to become engaged, and I’ll help you every step of the way!
