A surprise Heidelberg Proposal!
When Sergio reached out to me about proposing to Robert in Heidelberg, we knew we had to come up with a plan that would keep Robert clueless. Because I photographed a proposal in Lake Como under the same circumstances, I thought we could use the same tactic for this session! I’d pretend to be a new photographer looking for a couple to help me “practice” for my portfolio. All the photos I would therefore take would be given to the couple at no cost, it was just a chance to get some proposal photos for my website and instagram page!
So, on a sunny morning in Heidelberg, I casually approached them at the castle gardens and asked if they’d be willing to spend 10 minutes taking a few photos with me. Robert (being the sweet human he is) agreed. He thought he was just doing me a favor. Little did he know that Sergio was about to flip the script on him in the most beautiful way!!
But before I get to the big moment, here’s a little backstory that makes this whole thing extra meaningful:
Robert spent a year in Germany as an exchange student during high school. He picked up the language quickly and spent most of his free time hopping trains, exploring as much of the country as possible. Those adventures left a huge mark on him, and ever since he started dating Sergio six years ago, he’d dreamed of coming back and sharing it all with him.
Fast forward to now: the two of them flew all the way from California to Heidelberg so Robert could revisit and share all of his favorite places as an exchange student.
We wandered through the castle gardens, laughing and swapping stories, with Robert still thinking this was just a quick “practice shoot.” And then… as we got to one of the most gorgeous panoramic views of the castle, Sergio dropped to one knee and said yes.
We popped the champagne and celebrated by exploring more of the city together, already talking bout wedding plans (lol!), if anything gave the proposal away (lol x2), and Robert saying "oh is THAT why you were acting so nervous?!?) (hahaha). Heidelberg, which already held so many memories for Robert, now became part of their shared story as a couple.
Sergio & Robert—thank you for letting me play undercover photographer and capture such a sweet moment. Congratulations on your engagement!! ✨
