Farhan & Mahek | Magnificent Engagement Session in Nice, France

nice engagement photographer karina leigh photography

Farhan & Mahek | Magnificent Engagement Session in Nice, France

Wow! This was an incredible surprise proposal and engagement session in Nice, France. Quite a bit outside of what I normally do too, but glorious.

Farhan lives in Houston, Texas and has been in love with Mahek since high school. They dated throughout high school, and each went to college in different places so they had a short break, but they came back together and have been together ever since. Because of their long history together, Farhan wanted to make sure he got it absolutely right. He knew Mahek had a dream and he wanted to make her dreams come true.

When we first started speaking, Farhan explained that they would be in Paris first, but that he wanted something different and not in Paris. They love Paris, but he wanted to surprise her with something unique. Being as that they had plans to travel to Nice, and then on to Portugal, he thought Nice could be the perfect spot.

Originally we discussed a proposal on the Colline du Chateau, also known as Castle Hill. This is one of the highest spots in Nice, overlooking the marina on one side, and the famous Promenade des Anglais and the Mediterranean sea on the other side. It’s a simply magnificent spot, but it’s also incredibly busy with tourists. Being that Farhan and Mahek would be in Nice in February, the crowds weren’t as excessive, even though the very popular and grand Carnaval de Nice was going on at the same time.

Most of my clients are interested in a very simple, very elegant, and as private as possible proposal, with the background of Nice or Paris. Farhan really had his heart set though on some big Marry Me letters, flowers, and a violinist. Being that Castle Hill is a public park, it really isn’t permitted to have those types of things set up in a public space.

Therefore, Plan B was activated. Farhan hired NKT Events, a luxury destination wedding planner for his proposal. The proposal would happen on the rooftop deck at the splendid Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel, overlooking Place Massena. On the one side you have views of the sea, on the other side, views of the city and mountains in the background. The staff was exceedingly helpful and kind.

In addition to the beautiful Marry Me sign, there were impressive bouquets of gorgeous flowers, and a beautiful violin to serenade, playing songs such as the French classic, “La Vie en Rose” and “My Heart Will Go On”, the theme from Titanic.

Farhan told Mahek they were going to the rooftop bar to have a drink and a view over Nice. Which they were. But when they arrived, they were shown to the patio and that’s where the magic happened. With the sweet tones of the violin in the background, Farhan got on one knee and asked Mahek to marry him. Despite the fact they’d discussed marriage before, she was so surprised and so emotional. She grinned from ear to ear and was incredibly kind and welcoming to all of us.

I continued to photograph them during their celebratory glass of champagne, and from there, we did a late afternoon walk around Old Town Nice. Unfortunately, the characteristic Nice sun wasn’t out on this day, however, the colorful buildings in Old Town made up for it.

I learned so much about this dynamic couple as we walked around Nice. Still bathed in the glow of this magic moment, we laughed and had so much fun, I showed them some of my favorite spots. When we finished our epic engagement session, Farhan and Mahek sat down to a little cafe in a super cute square, complete with fountain, and toasted their engagement before their dinner.

What a complete joy this afternoon was! My hearty congratulations to Farhan and Mahek, a match made in heaven!