Capturing the Perfect Sunrise Proposal in Nice, France¶

There’s a certain magic to photographing a proposal—two people, one perfect moment, and, in this case, a sunrise over the Mediterranean that seemed made for them. When Kelvin reached out to me to photograph his proposal to Prerna, he knew exactly how he wanted it: just the two of them, the dawn light, and the Côte d’Azur as their backdrop. He was a planner, but also trusted me to make the moment feel organic and, above all, breathtaking.

Setting the Scene: Why Sunrise?¶

Nice, with its blend of French elegance and Mediterranean charm, is a dream location for any couple. But early in the morning, before the city wakes, there’s something particularly serene about it. The beaches are empty, the air is cool, and the light softens everything it touches. Plus, I knew the first hints of dawn would paint the ocean in shades of pink and gold, which would look incredible in their photos. By day, it’s crowded and bustling, but at sunrise, it felt like their own private paradise.

The Proposal¶

At 6:30 we arrived on location, setting up a good distance away with my zoom lens. The aim was to keep a respectful distance while still capturing the intimacy of the moment. I couldn’t help but feel a bit of a thrill—the only sounds were the gentle waves and the occasional early morning jogger passing by.

After the Big Moment: Portraits in the Golden Light

Once Prerna said “yes” (and she did, of course!), Kelvin waved me over. We spent the next half hour wandering along Promenade des Anglais and nearby Port Lympia, snapping a few candid shots as well as some posed portraits. The early morning light was perfect, giving everything a soft glow that only enhanced their joy.

Why Sunrise Proposals are Worth the Early Alarm

Photographing a sunrise proposal isn’t just about a beautiful background; it’s about capturing a quiet, intimate moment that feels untouched by the rest of the world. There’s something about that early morning calm that amplifies the emotions, making everything feel heightened and yet so peaceful.

Final Thoughts¶

Moments like these are why I love what I do. Being able to document such an important day in a couple’s life—especially in a place as stunning as Nice at sunrise—feels like magic. Here’s to love, to new adventures, and to the quiet beauty of a sunrise on the French Riviera.