Planning a marriage proposal in Granada always has an element of adventure about it. You have to think about the location, the time, the light, how to make everything seem natural and, above all, how to stop the other person from suspecting what’s about to happen.
This couple had been planning their engagement in Granada for several weeks.
He is American and she is Canadian. They had been in a long-distance relationship for a year and a half and, whilst on a trip to Spain to attend a friend’s wedding, they decided to visit Granada.
For him, Granada was the perfect place to start a new chapter together.
Planning a surprise proposal in Granada
For several weeks, we spent time discussing and organising all the details of the engagement.
His plan was to pop the question at the Mirador de San Nicolás, one of Granada’s best-known spots and one of the best places to enjoy the views of the Alhambra.
They’d then planned a visit to the Alhambra at 6.00 pm, so the plan was to meet at the Mirador de San Nicolás at 4.30 pm and, after the pre-dinner drinks, take a taxi to the Alhambra.
There was one small problem: it was July, and 4.30 pm is a very sunny time of day in Granada.
As a photographer, it wasn’t my favourite time of day for a shoot. The light was very harsh, and it wasn’t the ideal situation for achieving soft, warm lighting.
But there was one thing that worked in our favour.
At that time, the San Nicolás Viewpoint was practically empty.
This place is usually packed, especially at sunset. However, we were very lucky that day and were able to enjoy a much more intimate moment.
And when it comes to a marriage proposal, privacy is also very important.
The marriage proposal at the San Nicolás Viewpoint
I arrived early and blended in discreetly as just another tourist so that she wouldn’t suspect a thing.
And then the moment arrived.
He knelt down in front of her, with the Alhambra behind him.
It was a very moving moment and, above all, a very intimate one.
For me, one of the loveliest things about photographing marriage proposals is precisely that reaction which can never be replicated.
The surprise, the excitement, the tears, the laughter and the hug after saying «I do».
It all happens in a matter of seconds.
That is why it is so important to get the planning right beforehand.
A couples’ photoshoot at the Alhambra
After the proposal, we had some time to savour the moment before getting on with our plans.
We took a taxi to the Alhambra, where we had booked our special tickets to visit the Nasrid Palaces and the Generalife.
After the surprise, having a couples’ session was the perfect way to round off the afternoon.
The nerves had gone.
There was no longer any need to hide anything.
Now they could simply enjoy being together and celebrate the fact that they’d just got engaged.
During the visit, we took photographs as we went along, exploring the Nasrid Palaces and the Generalife whilst they enjoyed the Alhambra at the end of the day.
I really like combining a proposal with a couple’s photoshoot because it allows the whole story to be told.
We don’t just have the photographs of the moment the question is asked.
We also have pictures of what happens afterwards: the joy, the hugs, the glances and that feeling of starting a new chapter together.
Are you thinking about getting married in Granada?
If you’re planning a surprise proposal in Granada, I can help you organise all the details: choosing the venue, finding the best time, considering the lighting and coordinating the surprise so that your partner doesn’t suspect a thing.
We can also combine the proposal with a couple’s photoshoot at the Alhambra, the Albaicín or any other special spot in Granada.
Because a marriage proposal doesn’t have to be complicated.
It just has to be yours.
If you’re thinking of getting engaged in Granada, tell me your idea and together we can organise the perfect moment.