Some proposals are special because of the place. Some are special because of the people. Daniel and Anthony's Varenna proposal was both.

When Daniel first reached out about photographing his proposal at the famous Lover's Table at the Hotel Royal Victoria in Varenna, he told me something that made me want to say yes right then. It wouldn't wasn't just a beautiful moment in a beautiful place. The guys were bringing their mothers along their big trip, starting in Paris and ending in a trip across Italy, with a sneaky proposal right there in the middle. As a Lake Como proposal photographer, I can tell you that doesn't happen very often, and I was so honored to be part of it. :)

The proposal at the Lovers Table

Hotel Royal Victoria is a historic hotel right on the water in the middle of Varenna, and it has a spot known as the Lovers Table. It's truly doesn't get any more Lake Como than this. Under a beautiful iron arch overlooking the lake sits a table with incredible views of the lake. It's gorgeous, truly the kind of place that makes a proposal feel like a scene from a movie.

Daniel didn't just stop at the gorgeous setting though, he personalised it to make it even more special for Anthony. He printed off photos of them with their family and friends.... and their precious dog back home! All the pictures were on a table filled with a gorgeous bouquet, champagne, and the ring.

Here's the part I love most. As the moment was happening and Anthony was making his way over to Daniel, he was completely focused on helping his mom down the steps and wasn't paying attention to what was ahead of him. When he finally looked up, there was Daniel, just standing there. Anthony was so confused. He was convinced someone else had something special planned in that spot, and he was worried Daniel had wandered into a moment that wasn't his. I love that his first instinct was to protect someone else's surprise, lol. Then it clicked. This moment was for him. :')

Once Anthony said yes and the champagne was popped, everyone was hugging, laughing, and tearing up. I love that Daniel knew a special detail like photos would mean so much to him, and they started calling their friends and family back home to share the news. Anthony showed everyone the table with photos on every video call!

A walk to Villa Monastero

Once the champagne was poured and everyone had finished hugging, we walked over to Villa Monastero, just a few minutes from the hotel. We spent an hour in the gardens, exploring and taking photos, including in the famous loggia overlooking the lake.

Villa Monastero started out as a monastery and became a lakeside villa, and its gardens run right along the water. It's one of the most beautiful (and popular!) places in Varenna, so I always plan around the crowds. That means choosing the right time of day and knowing which corners to head to first. The crowds are all for good reason, though. It's one of my favourite places on Lake Como.

A private boat tour of Lake Como

To finish the day, a private boat picked us up for a 3-hour Lake Como boat tour from the dock at Villa Monastero. We headed out on the water toward the famous Villa del Balbianello, the villa you've probably seen in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and Casino Royale. We admired it from the water while the guys popped open a bottle of champagne to celebrate with their mothers!

Seeing that villa from the lake, with the mountains behind it, is a completely different experience from seeing it on foot. The light, the moms, Daniel and Anthony's reactions... I don't know, it all felt like a moment the their families would think about for years to come. Anthony's mom shared how much family meant to her, and they were both so grateful to be there with their sons.

Private boat tours are one of my favorite ways to end a proposal day. You get more time together, more privacy, and the light on the lake is unreal.

Planning a Lake Como proposal? Here's what I'd tell you

If Daniel and Anthony's day has you thinking about your own, here's what I've learned photographing proposals in Italy:

Talk to the hotel or venue first. If you're proposing somewhere like Hotel Royal Victoria or Villa Monastero, reach out to them ahead of time so you're guaranteed that your time slot is available. Daniel arranged everything well in advance (about 7 months) to make sure they were available for the day.

Give the proposal its own moment, then let the day breathe. Daniel's plan had a nice flow: the proposal, then champagne, then gardens, then the lake. After a big emotional moment, people want to walk and laugh, not rush to the next thing.

Add small personal touches. Printed photos and champagne really added something to the moment. Details like that make a proposal feel like yours.

Book the boat and villa tickets ahead. Private boats and villa entries fill up in high season.

Plan your time. For Varenna, I'd set aside 1 hour for the proposal, champagne, and photos, plus extra time if you're adding the villa gardens and a boat tour. Generally, 2 hours is the sweet spot.

My favorite spots for a Varenna & Lake Como proposal

Hotel Royal Victoria – A romantic, historic hotel right on the water. Perfect for an intimate, elegant proposal.

Villa Monastero – Gorgeous gardens, lake views, and that famous loggia. (If you want to see another proposal here, check out Richard & Lucy's Villa Monastero proposal!)

Varenna's lakeside paths – Colorful houses and quiet corners made for a stroll after the big moment.

A private boat tour – The best way to see Villa del Balbianello and the shoreline villas, and to have some privacy after saying yes.

Congratulations, Daniel & Anthony!

Thank you for letting me be part of such a beautiful day, and thank you to both mamas for making it even more special. Love looks so beautiful on you both. :)

Planning a proposal in Lake Como or somewhere else in Italy? Get in touch here.