There is perhaps no place more scenic in France than the French Riviera, and it’s the perfect place to become engaged. I love photographing couples in Nice, France and especially engagement sessions. That’s why I was so thrilled to be contacted to photograph this amazing surprise proposal photoshoot for a wonderful couple visiting Nice.
Nice, France Offers Many Options for a Surprise Proposal
While Paris gets all the press, what with the Eiffel Tower and all, those in the know, know that a marriage proposal on the French Riviera is super special and often unexpected. Some of the most famous coastline in the world is found here, along with all the great things that go along with it. Wonderful sea sports, yachting, boating, swimming, delicious food from all over the world, and cute-as-can-be towns that will charm the socks off of anyone. Who wouldn’t want to become engaged in Nice, France?
The beauty of Nice is its accessibility. As the fifth largest city in France, it has excellent train connections from Paris and Marseille and all along the Riviera, so you can use Nice as a base and explore until your heart’s content. As it’s also a larger city, there are a lot more restaurant and lodging options, whether you’re looking to treat your special person to a 5-star hotel experience, or a quaint Airbnb.
Jordan had contacted me about his surprise proposal in Nice. He wanted to ask the love of his life, Kimberly, to marry him, but he wasn’t sure where. He knew he wanted a view of the Mediterranean Sea when he proposed, but wasn’t sure exactly where.
There are many sea view options in Nice, most of them from a big hill on a rock called Castle Hill or the Colline du Chateau in French. Yes, there used to be a chateau here, but is long gone. What remains is a picture perfect park, complete with lots of shade needed on hot summer days, and a place to relax and enjoy the views of the city and sea from above.
There are multiple locations within this park for a proposal. Proposals in the morning are ideal if you want to avoid tourists. Because Castle Hill is a major tourist attraction in Nice, who wouldn’t want to see Nice from above? In the morning, it’s a bit less crowded. In the evening, it’s often ideal because you’ll probably be going to dinner and your loved one will be dressed nicely and probably perfectly for photos (even though it’s a surprise). This choice is individual, but just know that in the summer months especially, there are thousands of tourists that descend on Nice, so you’ll have to be patient and flexible.
While Castle Hill is the most popular spot for a surprise proposal in Nice, there are other spots, such as the marina, which is way less crowded, and a few other spots along the water. Some couples also love the colorful buildings of the old town, and so that is an option as well.
Meeting the Couple
I sat on a tree stump waiting for Jordan and Kimberly to arrive. It was a hot day, and I was starting to melt a bit, but then I thought, how dare I complain about sitting here in the beautiful sunshine, with a gorgeous view of the sea, waiting for a couple whose life is about to change, it doesn’t get any better than this!
Finally, the couple arrived, and walked to the fence, with a magnificent view. Jordan asked me if I minded taking a photo of them on his cell phone. Now, why would someone do that when they’re paying a professional photographer?! It’s just a ruse, a way to connect, make sure Jordan knew I was the photographer, and in very crowded areas, it also helps to establish a zone between us that people usually don’t walk through (which could ruin the moment when you’re on one knee). After I took their photo, Kimberly thanked me, of course not knowing who I was, and Jordan got on one knee.
The look on Kimberly’s face said it all, she could not believe it. Clearly a bit stunned, she was also delighted and it was such a pleasure to see. I photographed Jordan on one knee, and then the moment he slipped the ring on her finger, and then catching the two of them admiring it. I was loving this moment!
Then, Jordan introduced me and Kimberly was as lovely as can be! I photographed them a bit more in the area, until we moved on for our mini engagement session.
A Mini Engagement Session in Old Town Nice
Some couples don’t have the time, but if you have a bit of time, I highly suggest a mini engagement session after the proposal. It doesn’t last too long, and gives you time to really bask in the glow of your happiness, allows the guy to get calm again, as the pressure is now off, and is a celebration of a special day. We walked around the charming old town of Nice, with its pastel buildings and captured some wonderful moments, I hope they’ll treasure forever!
After the mini engagement session, many couples go for a drink, maybe an ice cream before dinner, and then finally, to dinner itself. The most popular restaurant in Nice is often the very unique Le Plongeoir, just outside of the center of Nice and offers incredible views of the sea. But make reservations in advance, as this restaurant is very popular!
Karina Leigh Photography
I’m Karina Leigh, an American in France, a professional photographer and documentarian of love stories for couples visiting France. If you’re planning to propose to the one you love, and you’d love it captured by someone you can trust to be there for you, advise you, and then deliver to you unbelievable images you’ll love the rest of your lives, I’m your person!
