Michael & Lilli | A foggy, rainy Paris After Dark engagement
It was a magical night, much like a movie, an old movie in Paris, capital of love. On this night, in the rain, Michael asked Lilli to marry him, on the Pont des Arts, and she, of course said yes! Part of my Paris After Dark collection, offered in the darker months of winter, and in black & white only, I captured the magic of these two lovebirds, in one of the world’s most romantic cities.
The forecast was for rain, and there was a bit of concern about it. Who wants to propose in the rain, get all wet? The truth is, Paris is its most beautiful in the rain. A fresh coat of rain on the pavement and sidewalks adds a sparkle and at night, creates a magical scene. Plus, when it rains, there are fewer people out, all hunkering in cafés.
But I say, embrace the rain, it’s incredibly Parisian, as it rains all the time, and all you need is some clear umbrellas and a sense of adventure, and you’ll have the time of your lives! Michael chose Pont des Arts (the former love lock bridge) for his Paris surprise proposal. As a Paris surprise proposal and engagement photographer, most clients choose a location to propose close to the Eiffel Tower for a close-up view. But in this case, Michael was taking his love to Le Grand Colbert for dinner, and a walk across the bridge was a great idea.
This bridge is so popular in nice weather, as it’s a footbridge with no cars allowed on it, that people have picnics, play music and enjoy the views of the Seine River and Eiffel Tower in the far distance. Therefore, it’s a pretty difficult place for a proposal, but in the winter, especially when it rains, it’s much easier, as there are fewer people around. Michael got down on one knee, she said yes, and then the fun began! I photographed their love story in Paris, their Paris engagement, on the bridge, and then we went on a route that took us along the cobblestones next to the river, to the most charming square in Paris, Place Dauphine, to another romantic riverside spot made famous in the movie, Midnight in Paris, by Woody Allen.
In winter, at night, everything is in shadow, making an engagement session mysterious, and utterly romantic. Stolen kisses walking on the cobblestone streets, pure joy as he twirls you and you erupt into laughter. These are the precious moments I capture for couples coming to Paris.
You’ll see that this engagement session is all in black and white. Black and white is timeless and classic, at night, the colors become more exaggerated with a lot of yellow emanating from the street lamps, which isn’t so attractive on skin. But black and white? The images end up looking like film, and literally a love story from the cinema.
I so enjoyed meeting Michael and Lilli, and capturing their sweet love in Paris. I wish them the very most happiness in their lives together, and they’ll always have Paris!
