“She thought it was just a photoshoot. He had a ring in his pocket.”

Marietta believed she was simply having a romantic couple photoshoot in Santorini. Giannis knew better. For weeks we had been planning this secret proposal in Santorini together, and keeping it from her was half the fun.

We started in the bright island light, walking through whitewashed lanes, past blue-domed churches, bell towers and bougainvillea hanging over the walls. Marietta’s flowing cream dress against the white Cycladic architecture and the deep blue of the caldera made every frame feel effortless. She was relaxed, laughing and completely unaware of what was coming.

Then came the moment. On a terrace overlooking the caldera, a heart of candles was waiting, and Giannis stood in the middle of it holding a vintage-style emerald ring. Marietta turned around, saw him and covered her face with her hands. The tears, the laughter and that shaky “yes” are exactly why I love proposal photography in Santorini.

Marietta and Giannis, thank you for trusting me with such a secret. It was an honour to capture the start of your forever.

Photographer: Despina Kouloglou