By the day of the shoot the storm was over, but the forecasts were still uncertain. So we kept the plan: in that room the proposal would happen whatever the weather. Michael brought Kiersten in, they paused for a moment among the roses and candles while the violin played, and then Michael got down on one knee. The ring box, her reaction, a hug: it all happened within a few seconds.
Kiersten said yes, and Michael put the ring on her finger. She still could not quite believe it: her hand went to her mouth, then came the laughter and a kiss. The violin kept playing, and then came a big bouquet of red roses.
The light in the room came from the chandelier and the candles, warm and soft, just right for the dark wood and the red roses. After the first emotions there was no rush: close-ups of the ring and their hands, portraits with the bouquet, embraces.
A walk through the palace
The weather allowed it, so after the proposal we walked through the palace and used both its interiors and its views. First a long corridor, a round gallery and gilded salons with chandeliers, mirrors and antique armchairs. Here the photos come out lighter and softer than in the wood-panelled room.
Next, a dark carved doorway and a balcony behind heavy curtains, with a view of the palace tower. Then the marble staircase under stained-glass windows and the main entrance with its wrought-iron gates.
Then we went outside, onto the terrace with its stone balustrade: no rain, just a grey sky. The palace tower is visible in almost every frame here, so even the close portraits show where they were.
A few more steps along the garden paths, and back inside: the hall with the grand staircase and the stained-glass dome above the gallery.
An uncertain forecast does not have to cancel a proposal: all you need is a place where everything can happen in any weather. If you are planning yours in Lisbon, I can help you find one.
