Some love stories just fit in Florence. Maybe it’s the timeless architecture, the golden Tuscan light, or the way espresso and emotion seem to swirl together in the air. But for Lex and Monica, it was all of that—and something more.

Because this wasn’t just a Florence couple's photoshoot.

It was the day they both proposed to each other.

We began early at Piazzale Michelangelo—arguably one of the most iconic views in all of Italy. The streets were still quiet, the city below glowing in the bright morning light. It’s always a breathtaking place to start, but the real beauty wasn’t the skyline—it was the way Lex looked at Monica. A mix of love, nerves, and the knowledge that today was the day.

Before the big moment though, we stopped into a local bar for the necessary coffee and a cornetto. That quick pause turned into something special—space to breathe, laugh, get to know each other a little more, and for Lex to quietly steel herself.

From there, we wandered to Boboli Gardens. It’s secluded but unmistakably Florentine—lush, elegant, and full of possibility. We walked, they played, we chatted, and then turned a corner, Lex gave me the smallest look. She was ready.

I guided them into what I played off as a casual “photo walk,” giving us the moment we needed to retrieve the ring from my camera bag. Then we made our way to the tucked-away corner she had scouted minutes before.

To keep the surprise intact, I gently placed them into a lighthearted pose, just enough to have Monica looking the other way, while I discreetly slipped the ring box into Lex’s pocket. Still chatting, still clicking the shutter as if nothing out of the ordinary was happening, I framed the moment from my angle and gave Lex the nod.

And just like that, it happened.

Lex dropped to one knee. Monica turned, stunned. And the rest… were tears, laughter, and a moment suspended in time—even as a stranger accidentally wandered straight through the scene. Nothing could dim their joy.

There was so much emotion, in fact, that it took a beat before anyone remembered the script.

Eventually, Lex grinned and asked, “Did you even say yes?”

Monica laughed: “Did you actually ask?”

And we all burst out laughing again. It was perfect—not rehearsed, not polished—just real and overflowing with love.

After taking time to take it all in, we captured some essential ring shots, and with hearts racing, stopped a couple more times on our way out to celebrate and to capture all the emotions they were feeling.

But the story didn’t end there.

The girls spent the afternoon calling family and friends back in the U.S. announcing their engagement, and taking time to embrace this special day with each other.

That evening, as the sun dipped low, we met again—this time at Divina Terrazza Rooftop Bar at the Grand Hotel Cavour. With the Duomo rising just beyond the terrace and glasses of bubbly in hand, the atmosphere was charged with joy and possibility.

Lex had arranged everything, so Monica hadn’t had the chance to share her plan with me. After capturing their rooftop celebration photos, I put the camera down but Monica casually asked if we could take just one more shot and suddenly (with my back turned to them!) Monica surprised us all by dropping to one knee. Ready or not, the moment was there—and we captured it beautifully.

With grace and love, Monica proposed back to Lex.

Surprise rooftop proposal Florence — *I was absolutely not ready for this second proposal! And Lex was equally as surprised!*

Lex said yes, of course, and they both wore their engagement rings proudly.

Afterward, Monica quietly told Lex, “This is your day.”

Monica’s words said so much: she wanted Lex to have the moment to propose—the moment she had been excited for all day. But Monica also wanted to make sure Lex experienced the magic of being proposed to, too.

Two proposals, two promises, two rings, and a day full of love made all the more special by their care for each other’s happiness.

Open Love in Italy: A Note to LGBTQI+ Folks, People of Colour, and Anyone Who’s Ever Felt Othered

Lex chose Classico Portraits because the diversity in my portfolio and inclusive approach made her feel seen and supported as a gay woman. As always, it was important that she and Monica felt completely comfortable—and that sense of ease showed in every moment of their day.

As we wandered through Florence, they shared that they’d wondered how people might react to a public proposal from a lesbian couple. It’s a quiet uncertainty that many of my friends in marginalized communities—whether LGBTQI+, people of colour, or members of religious minorities—can carry when travelling or celebrating openly. But the soft smiles and kind congratulations from strangers that day were a gentle, reassuring reminder: love—of every kind—is welcome here.

Best rooftop bars in Florence for your post-proposal toast:

Divina Terrazza Rooftop Bar – Romantic, intimate, and perfectly placed for sunset views of the Duomo.
La Terrazza Lounge Bar at Hotel Continentale – Chic, with a boutique vibe right near Ponte Vecchio.
B-Roof at Hotel Baglioni – Classic, elegant, and perfect for a celebratory cocktail.
Grand Hotel Minerva - Home to a rooftop pool and bar, this lesser known option is my absolute favourite!

Thinking of planning a marriage proposal in Florence?

Here are a few tips from behind the lens:

✨ Start early & allow plenty of time.
Sunrise brings dreamy light, quiet streets, and a calm energy that helps ease those pre-proposal nerves. It’s truly magic.

🌿 Choose a place that reflects you.
For Lex and Monica, the Boboli Gardens offered just the right mix of privacy, grandeur, and that unmistakable “Florence” feel. But Tuscany is full of options—from lively piazzas to hidden gardens—and together, we’ll find the perfect spot that feels like your love.

📸 Use the photoshoot as a natural cover.
Worried that booking a photographer will give it away? Trust me—I have a few clever tricks to keep the surprise safe while setting the scene for something unforgettable.

🥂 Celebrate in style.
Whether it’s a rooftop toast, gelato by the river, or a Vespa ride into the hills, make time to savour the moment. And choose a photographer who’ll be there for all of it—no clock-watching, no rush.

💛 Work with a professional.
This might be your first proposal—but it’s not mine. I’m here to guide you through every detail, answer your questions, and help create a moment as memorable as the love behind it.

Tuscany couples photoshoots are always special—but this one? This one reminded me why I do what I do. It wasn’t just the views, the laughter, or even the yeses. It was the quiet in-between moments: the shared coffee, the way they steadied each other, the softness in their hands.

Lex and Monica—thank you for inviting me into your story. Watching both of you take that leap (twice!) was a privilege I won’t forget.

And if you're reading this with a ring hidden in your suitcase and a heart full of hope... Florence is waiting. And so is your story.

Learn More About Couples Photoshoots

Hi, I’m Kirstie

Photographer and Australian expat living her best gelato life

Love of my husband (but mostly of cheese) brought me to Italy in 2020. He was desperate to be back with his Italian family. And honestly, what Aussie girl could pass up the chance to move to the land of pizza and gelato?! (Seeing a food theme here?)

My decade of photography experience was inspired by a trip of a lifetime. My grandparents took me on a trip to Europe when I was a teen, then gifted me an album so I’d never forget it. That album quickly became a staple of family visits and storytime.

When I moved to Italy, I was surprised how rare that type of printed keepsake is for the locals. It’s quite literally a foreign concept - tourists won’t find that type of session here.

It inspired me to recreate an experience for others as deeply meaningful to them as my grandparent’s infamous vacation album has been to me.

So that’s my mission with Classico Portraits: to provide the same timeless centrepieces for families like yours visiting Italy.

Are you coming to Tuscany with your spouse or family? Let’s customise a photoshoot experience to suit you and your personality!

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