Lake Como Proposal Ideas: How to Plan a Surprise Engagement
There’s nothing quite like a Lake Como Proposal… such a life-changing question at one of the most beautiful places in the world. Over the past few years, we have helped capture the question for so many love birds. Therefore, we decided to put together a guide with all our favorite Lake Como proposal ideas, spots for engagement photos, and how to hire a proposal photographer to capture the moment!
Photo by LL Proposal Photographer, Brigil
What is the best place to propose at Lake Como?
There are many nice spots to propose under the Lake Como for an epic engagement. If you want to avoid crowds, early is best… but sometimes the crowd acts as a natural background and makes it easy for a photographer to hide among all the other people with professional cameras. Another plus to having more people around is that they will applaud and celebrate along with the couple the moment they hear the YES!
What is the best time for lighting and to avoid crowds?
The best time for the photos is definitely the golden hour which depends on the sunset time in the late afternoon.
Where are the best Lake Como proposal spots?
For a surprise proposal in Lake Como we usually recommend Villa Olmo. It is a villa with a park directly on the lake. The scenery is very beautiful and fascinating to visit.
Hiring a Lake Como Proposal Photographer
Adrenaline starts to rush the second you reach for the ring, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed with emotions… so much so, that some people can’t even remember their engagement moment. Hiring a photographer for your surprise proposal will allow you to capture and relive that moment again and again.
We asked our Lake Como proposal photographers to help answer a few frequently asked questions about capturing a surprise engagement. Below are their answers:
What do you think about surprise proposals at the Lake Como?
I have helped capture dozens of surprise proposals at the Lake Como. It’s a very fun job that I like because the challenge is to capture their surprise moment and expression that will always be with them forever.
How do you coordinate the proposal time?
In my opinion, there are 2 ways to pull off a Lake Como proposal:
- The other person knows that they hired a vacation photographer
- The other person doesn’t know about the proposal photographer, so the proposal photographer must hide.
Case #1 is very simple. We do a normal vacation photoshoot, and at the agreed spot I’ll give a secret hand signal so that he/she knows it is time and that I am ready.
Case #2 is we agreed on a spot. I’ll send my photo so he/she can recognize me. Then we’ll discuss where he/she should stand and where the photographer’s location will be. In Italy, it’s easy to follow people without being noticed since all the tourists are carrying professional cameras too.
How do you set up the meeting spot?
After deciding on the exact proposal spot, we usually discuss the details and logistics. The best way to keep track of our locations, especially if it is a surprise proposal, it to use share our live locations on WhatsApp to make sure we can find each other.
I usually ask for a photo of the couple and set the meeting point in front of the main fountain of Villa Olmo so we can recognize each other. We’ll also discuss how we will be dressed on that day so that we recognize each other easily.
After the proposal, Lake Como offers many different spots for beautiful post-proposal photos.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PROPOSAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
Is there a secret signal to give the proposal photographer?
As there are usually a lot of people with professional cameras, it is easy for me to blend among them. During the planning process, I ask for pictures of the couple so that I can recognize them on the day of the proposal.
One of my favorite options is the “stranger” photo. On the day of the proposal, I’ll make visual contact with the one who is preparing the surprise. He or she will then walk up to me and ask if I can take a picture of them as if we do not know each other. Then I tell them, “That is a nice spot over there!”
And that is the moment of the proposal!
Are there any additional costs to be aware of?
Good news: There are no additional costs!
Do you have any other general tips?
Take your time while proposing, tell her/him why you love her/him, and wait for the answer before standing back up. Wait for people to walk away from you so that you are alone in the frame. Also, dress well and try to avoid dark colors.
How much does a Lake Como proposal package cost?
High-resolution photos are professionally edited and delivered by email in a private online gallery within 5 business days. Choose between 3 different photo packages:
- 1 hour – Includes 30 digital photos
- 90 minutes – Includes 45 digital photos
- 2 hours – Includes 60 digital photos
How are the proposal photos delivered?
All photos are professionally edited and delivered in a free online private gallery where you can download your favorite photos in high-resolution jpg format. Additional files and high-quality prints from our professional partner labs are also available for purchase. You will receive an email with your gallery link within five business days, but usually sooner.
