A Secret Proposal at Santa Maddalena in Val di Funes

When Henler contacted me from Miami to plan a surprise proposal for Eli, he knew exactly what he wanted: the iconic Santa Maddalena church with the dramatic Dolomite peaks rising behind it. Val di Funes delivered everything we could have dreamed of—snow-dusted mountains, that picture-perfect alpine church, and a quiet winter afternoon that felt like it was made just for them. As a photographer who specializes in capturing authentic moments, I stayed discreet in the background while Henler got down on one knee, preserving Eli's genuine surprise and joy against one of the most breathtaking backdrops in the European Alps.

This Miami couple's proposal is a beautiful reminder of why the Dolomites are the perfect destination for life's most romantic moments. Whether you're planning a surprise proposal, celebrating your engagement, or simply want to capture your love story in an unforgettable setting, the Italian Alps offer organic beauty that needs no staging—just two people in love and mountains that have witnessed countless perfect moments. Scroll through their gallery below to see the magic unfold.

Marissa & Kyle

Secret Proposal in Florence

Aycan & Semih

Secret Proposal at Limone sul Garda

Sarah & Joe Jannone

Secret Proposal in Venice

Preethi & Andre

Secret proposal of Preethi and Andre in Cinque Terre

Surprise Proposal in Florence

Rediscovering a place

We know that doing the same things over and over again is creating a routine. For work this often helps us. We save time and effort. For creative work, however, leaning on the guaranteed outcome of a routine can be quite dangerous. It may work for a while, but we know that our clients trust their moments to someone who - besides good photos - will guide them through some paths a little different from common sense, always looking for a beautiful, pleasant result that reflects the feelings involved in that occasion.

As we work in many cities, I often don't know anything about the place where I'm travelling to photograph. I end up studying and researching as much as possible about the city and its points of interest.

But when it comes to a big city in Italy, like Milan, Venice, Rome or Florence, we tend to think we already know almost everything. To do a 30 minute, 1 or 2 hour photo session it helps a lot, but we can't always have the same photos and the same poses in the portfolio. We need to create something different in those same places and whenever possible get to know new ones.

I've been researching more about Venice, a city that is so requested for photos. And I've realized that there's still a lot to see. And even though most of the clients will ask for photos in front of the Basilica of San Marco, besides the different angles that we can create there, it's always nice to include in the photo shoot a different place from the path through which everyone passes and come back with photos in the suitcase much more dynamic and creative.

In August we already have some photo shootings scheduled for Venice, and I can't wait to explore new perspectives in this enchanting city.

Venice for fun!

It's no secret that Venice has carried a magical atmosphere for centuries. The scenic is part of Venetian culture, with Carnival, the masks and the most famous Film Festival in Italy.

It was in this fun atmosphere that I met Sherry. She came from Phoenix, USA, where she lives, to get to know Italy and wanted to record this moment with a photo shoot in Venice.

She was travelling alone. It is always an honor to collaborate with someone to portray their image in a city far from their home country.

It rained a little that day, but we did a beautiful and fun photo shoot.

Yesterday the New York-Venice route was resumed with Delta Airlines. We hope it will be the return of those dear American travellers.

Surprise Proposal Florence

What a background for a surprise proposal!