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Fabio Zito
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Surprise proposal in Ortigia: the newly engaged couple sitting by the sea at the Marina of Syracuse, a yacht behind them

A real story 路 Ortigia, Syracuse

Surprise proposal in Ortigia,
she thought it was just a photo.

Kenny and Sara came from Chicago. Kenny wrote to me because he wanted to propose in Ortigia, without Sara suspecting anything, and then have couple photos together. Their flight was delayed because of Etna, so to be on the safe side we moved the session to the next day.

Where
Via Pompeo Picherali, the little street from Piazza Duomo down to Fonte Aretusa, with the sea at the end
When
30 September 2026, late afternoon into sunset
Session
Surprise proposal, then a couple photoshoot
Afterwards
Lungomare Alfeo, Fonte Aretusa, the Marina and Piazza Duomo
They came from
Chicago

Choosing the spot

I sent Kenny a few options: Piazza Duomo, Lungomare Alfeo, the Marina with the yachts and the street by Fonte Aretusa. He walked around Ortigia that afternoon and chose Via Pompeo Picherali, the little street that runs down from Piazza Duomo towards Fonte Aretusa, with the sea at the end.

The plan: a photo for a stranger

I waited at the exact spot, like any other tourist. When I saw them arrive, I asked if they could take a photo of me. Then, to return the favour, I offered to take one of them. Kenny said yes, of course, and instead of posing he got down on one knee. Great job, Kenny: Sara didn't suspect a thing.

Surprise proposal in Ortigia: he kneels with the ring on Via Pompeo Picherali, Syracuse, the sea at the end of the street The couple hugging right after the proposal in a street of Ortigia, Syracuse

Via Pompeo Picherali, with the sea at the end of the street.

A walk, not stiff poses

After the yes I introduced myself and congratulated them both. They were worried about stiff, posed photos, so I promised them a walk instead, with lots of spontaneous photos. And that's how it went: Lungomare Alfeo at sunset, Fonte Aretusa, the Marina with its yachts, and the glances between them the whole way.

Engaged couple hugging at sunset on the Ortigia seafront, Syracuse Couple photoshoot at Fonte Aretusa, Ortigia, with papyrus and the sea Engaged couple at sunset by the railing of Lungomare Alfeo, Ortigia Engagement ring close-up by the sea in Ortigia, Sicily Close-up couple photo by the sea in Ortigia after the proposal

Lungomare Alfeo, Fonte Aretusa and the Marina.

Piazza Duomo, in a vintage style

And of course Piazza Duomo. In front of the baroque cathedral I took a few shots in a vintage style: warm light, the old stone, two people who had just got engaged.

Vintage-style couple photo in Piazza Duomo, Ortigia, the baroque cathedral of Syracuse behind Engaged couple walking hand in hand across Piazza Duomo, Syracuse

Piazza Duomo, Ortigia.

Vintage-style kiss on the cathedral steps in Piazza Duomo, Ortigia, in the evening light

A kiss on the cathedral steps, as the evening came.

If you're planning a proposal in Ortigia

Walk the spot before, like Kenny did: you'll feel calmer when the moment comes. Pick a quiet corner rather than the busiest stretch of the seafront. And leave the excuse to me: nobody suspects a tourist asking for a photo.

Planning a surprise proposal in Ortigia?

Tell me your date and where you're staying. I reply within 24 hours, and we'll choose the spot, and the excuse, together.

Keep reading

Surprise Proposal Photographer in Ortigia: Spots & Timing → A Real Surprise Proposal at a Winery near Siracusa → Editorial & Vintage Photoshoots in Sicily → The Best Photo Spots in Siracusa & Ortigia → Photoshoot Prices in Sicily →
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