photography
Yoshi on one knee proposing to Alice on a terrace on Lake Orta, with San Giulio island behind them
FV

Yoshi & AliceA marriage proposal on Lake Orta,
facing San Giulio island

A proposal on Lake Orta

Orta San Giulio,
Yoshi & Alice

Some moments last a few seconds and stay with you for a lifetime. A marriage proposal is one of them.

Yoshi chose Lake Orta: a terrace on the water, San Giulio island right in front, and the soft light of late afternoon. I was there, far enough not to be noticed, close enough not to miss a thing.

After the yes came a toast in the garden, a walk through the lanes of Orta San Giulio and the sunset on the jetty. A whole afternoon to tell the story of how it all began.

Place

Orta San Giulio, Lake Orta

The moment

A surprise marriage proposal

Then

A toast, the village and sunset on the lake

01

The moment

The question

On one knee, facing the island. Then hands on his face, a laugh, and a hug that goes on and on.

Alice touches Yoshi's face right after the proposal in Orta San Giulio
Alice laughing after saying yes on the Lake Orta terrace
Alice smiling with her eyes closed, holding Yoshi on Lake Orta

02

Right after

The toast

Champagne on ice, a little table by the lake and the urge to tell everyone.

Yoshi and Alice at a garden table on Lake Orta, ready for a toast
Yoshi pouring champagne for Alice in the garden on Lake Orta
Detail of clinking glasses and the engagement ring

The moment Alice looks at the ring up close.

Alice gasping at her engagement ring on Lake Orta

“The yes lasts a second. The photos are there to remember everything else.”

Federico

03

The afternoon

The village

Stone lanes, arches and little squares: Orta San Giulio is made for walking hand in hand.

The couple kissing in front of the lakeside villa's portico in Orta San Giulio
Yoshi and Alice walking hand in hand through the garden under the trees
The couple laughing as they walk along a stone wall in the village
The couple in front of a pink palazzo and its garden in Orta San Giulio
The couple embracing under a pergola with string lights in a lane in Orta
Yoshi twirling Alice in a lane in Orta San Giulio
Yoshi and Alice in a lane in Orta San Giulio, in the afternoon light
Yoshi and Alice walking among visitors in Orta San Giulio, black and white

04

The evening

Sunset on the lake

The jetty, the sun behind the mountains and the ring against the light.

Yoshi and Alice kissing on the wooden jetty at sunset on Lake Orta
The couple embracing on the jetty in the warm sunset light
Their hands and the engagement ring, backlit
Yoshi kissing Alice's hand and ring, black and white
Yoshi holding Alice from behind on Lake Orta at sunset
A kiss on the forehead by the lake, black and white
The couple on the jetty with San Giulio island behind them
Alice holding out her hand with the engagement ring, the lake softly blurred behind
Alice laughing as Yoshi kisses her by the gate on the lakefront
Yoshi and Alice from behind, looking out at San Giulio island from the lakefront
San Giulio island framed between the blurred couple

Thinking about a proposal?

A proposal
on Lake Orta

What I have learned photographing proposals and weddings on the lake, between Orta San Giulio and the island.

The surprise

I blend in with the people strolling by the lake, with a long lens. Whoever is being asked notices nothing until the right moment.

The light

On Lake Orta the best light comes in the late afternoon, when the sun drops behind the mountains and the water turns golden. We choose the exact time and spot together.

After the yes

Keep an hour free after the proposal: a toast, a walk through the village, portraits at sunset. That is when the most personal photos happen.

Kind words from couples

Planning a proposal?

Let's work together

Alice smiling back at Yoshi as she holds his hand, ring on her finger, on Lake Orta

I am a wedding photographer based in Alba, in the Langhe. Tell me where and when you imagine the moment: I will help you plan it without anyone noticing. I reply personally.

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