From Amalfi Coast to Nice
There are jobs that fill your calendar. And then there are those that fill your heart.
Back in 2023, I was booked for a surprise engagement in Ravello, at the Giardini della Principessa di Piemonte, one of the most peaceful and scenic corners of the Amalfi Coast. The plan? Yashar was going to propose to Nikki, and three other close friends were in on it: Romina, Kimia, and Jamie.
Everything went smoothly. The emotion was real, the setting was perfect, and once the moment passed, the whole group just… stayed. For an hour, we laughed, took more photos, shared stories. Before I knew it, they invited me to dinner like we’d been friends for years. No forced smiles, no client-vendor dynamic. Just warmth, laughter, and a table full of connection.
And honestly? That evening meant more to me than I could explain. It might sound simple to some, but that small gesture—inviting me in, making space for me—was something I’ve carried with me ever since.
Fast forward one year.
A Message from Nikki… and a New Adventure
I get a message from Nikki again:
“Hey Peppe, Jamie wants to propose to Kimia… would you be available?”
This time, the proposal wouldn’t be in Italy. It would be in Nice, France. A place I’d visited before, but never for work.
Without hesitation, I said yes.
Why? Because this wasn’t just a booking. It was a chance to reconnect with people I now considered friends, to live something meaningful together, and yes—let’s be honest—to step away from the Amalfi Coast for a breath of fresh air. Because sometimes, to really love a place again, you need to miss it for a bit.
So on August 12th, 2024, I boarded a flight from Naples to Nice.
Scouting, Sweating, and the Perfect Spot
The second I landed, I dropped my bags and started scouting. I had done some homework, and one place stood out in all my research: the Parc du Mont Boron.
It checks all the boxes:
- Panoramic views over Nice
- Lush greenery and open spaces
- A killer sunset
- Peace and quiet for a moment like this
The only “problem”? It wasn’t super accessible. A 15-minute uphill walk, in the middle of August, with intense heat and zero breeze. But sometimes you’ve got to suffer for the magic, and trust me—it was worth it.
At 7:30 PM, everyone was in position. Jamie popped the question. Kimia said yes. And I got to witness another unforgettable moment in their story, now part of mine too.
More Than Just a Photographer
Here’s the thing people don’t always realize: this job goes way beyond photos.
You’re there when someone takes a leap. When they cry. When their hands shake. When they laugh through tears. And if you’re lucky—if you stay open—you don’t just leave with memory cards. You leave with memories.
We spent the rest of the night celebrating, telling stories, dancing in the dark. And somewhere between the sunset and the midnight toasts, I stopped feeling like “the photographer” and just felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be.
Why I’ll Always Remember This
Because sometimes, in the middle of a packed season, you get a reminder of why you started.
Because sometimes, a client becomes a friend.
Because sometimes, a little heat, a little hike, and a whole lot of heart turn a simple gig into a core memory.
And that’s what this was.
So yeah, I’ll tell this story again. Maybe too often. But it’s one of those that stays with you.
Planning a destination proposal or engagement in Europe?
Let’s create something real, intimate, and unforgettable—wherever your story takes us.
📍 Proposal photographer in Italy, France & beyond
📷 Based on the Amalfi Coast, but always happy to follow love
Let’s Make it Happen
Already have your travel dates? Let’s talk and plan a proposal you and your fiancee will never forget.
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