An Unforgettable Engagement Photo Session in Riva del Garda

A Rainy Afternoon, a Brilliant Surprise, and a Dive into Love (and into Lake Garda)

I already knew it was going to rain that afternoon. So did Petru.
But there was no way we could reschedule: the moment he had planned was set, and it would happen no matter what. We agreed to move forward with the engagement photo session at Lake Garda, rain or shine.

I arrived in Riva del Garda well in advance, as always. The traffic around the lake can be unpredictable, and when it comes to photographing a surprise proposal, you don’t want to leave anything to chance. That day, I was lucky: no delays, no stress. I had enough time to scout the area and get ready for the big moment.

It was drizzling lightly when I got there…nothing serious. But as soon as I parked the car, the rain came down in torrents. For the next 40 minutes, I waited inside my car, hoping for a miracle. Petru was about to propose to Maria, and everything had to be perfect. I watched the rain hammer the windshield, wondering how this would play out.

And then, as if the universe had been listening, the rain stopped. Just like that. I stepped out into the damp air and made my way to our meeting point with ten minutes to spare. The best part? The rain had scared off most of the tourists. The lakeside, normally buzzing with people, was pretty calm and quiet: ideal for an intimate moment.

Petru had a brilliant plan to keep the surprise intact. Since photographing a proposal discreetly in a crowded place is nearly impossible, we had decided to make my presence obviou, but natural. As they strolled along the promenade, I approached them like a street photographer, asking if I could take a few pictures. Maria didn’t suspect a thing. I snapped some casual shots, then asked them to stand back-to-back for a fun little pose.

As Maria looked ahead, Petru got down on one knee behind her, the ring in his hand, heart pounding. Their cocker spaniel Mango, who had been coached perfectly for the moment, settled between his legs, patiently waiting.

When I asked Maria to turn around, time stood still.

The look on her face was everything. Surprise. Joy. Tears. And above all, love.

After she said yes, we continued the engagement session along the lakeshore. The sky was still heavy and grey, threatening more rain, but the couple glowed. You could feel the warmth they shared radiating through every photo.

Eventually, we reached the beach, almost completely deserted thanks to the weather. Distant thunder echoed over the mountains. I knew we had only minutes before the next downpour. I jokingly told them they were about to get soaked, and maybe it was time to make the most of the moment.

To my astonishment, they took my words literally.

Without a second thought, hand in hand, Petru and Maria stepped into the lake. The scene was unreal: this contrast between the dramatic stormy light and the pure, carefree joy of two people completely in love.

It was the perfect ending. Soaked and laughing, they walked back toward their hotel in the rain, fingers intertwined.

Like a scene from the most romantic film ever made.

And this is exactly what I love about my work.

When I get to photograph couples like Petru and Maria—so in love, so deeply connected, so present in the moment—they almost forget I’m even there. That’s when the real magic happens: when their expressions, movements, and emotions are completely genuine, natural, and unposed. Just the way I love to capture love stories.