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Beautiful views in Austria as the backdrop for this wedding proposal! Deyvid surprised Lucy by popping the question with photographer Irina nearby to document it all. We asked both Irina and Deyvid some questions on how this proposal in Hallstatt came together.
Who chose the location? You or the couple?
Irina, the photographer: I’d say we did it together. Deyvid shared with me his vision and wishes, I chose the location based on the view and the amount of tourists. No permits or permissions are needed for this location either.
How easy is the location to access? Is it quiet or crowded?
Irina: It’s very easy to access. It’s the least crowded location that can be in the whole overcrowded town. Still it’s a part of a famous spot and therefore people are coming and going all the time.
How did you approach capturing photos of the proposal and still keeping it a surprise?
Irina: I arrived early, scouted the exact spot, and pretended to be just another traveler enjoying the view. Beforehand, the proposer and I agreed on a simple plan – where to walk, where to stop, and a tiny signal so I’d know the moment was coming. This way, I could stay completely invisible while still being close enough to capture every real emotion. Nothing staged, nothing interrupted – just the two of them, fully in their moment, while I quietly documented it from the sidelines. No other people were involved in planning the proposal, just Deyvid and myself.
What are your top tips for planning a proposal in this area? Is there a best Time of Year?
Irina: Absolute top tip – come early, maybe even very early, to avoid crowds. From 9 o’clock on, big tourist buses bring lots of visitors. It’s great at all times of the year.
Why did you choose this location to propose?
Deyvid: Hallstatt is beautiful, I wanted the proposal to be in a place she would not expect and the whole vibe and scenery there is impressive! not everyone knows it from abroad and also gave me the winter magic feel I wanted for that occasion, as I know how much my fiance loves winter and snow.
Was the proposal a surprise?
Deyvid: Yes it was! What started as a surprise holiday for my birthday that was perfect by itself, turned into one of the moments in our lives that we are not going to forget ever!
What were the biggest challenges you faced planning a proposal abroad?
Deyvid: The biggest challenge was to find someone to capture the moment, also I was not aware of what plans she had and where we were going, not only that, until we started the trip from Sofia, I didn’t know even the country we are going. She also didn’t give up any information about what she planned there! I had the opportunity to choose where in Austria as I kinda imagine that we were going there but not Salzburg or Bad Gastein. If we were in Vienna, as we talked that we both wanted to go there, also would have taken a trip to Hallstatt, that was my plan. But as I found out where are we going I started searching for a photographer also searched prior just Hallstatt located but not having any answers, that turned to be a mission impossible for that dates and in that short time frame… Contacted almost every photographer I found searching by all the posible tools and ways imaginable. Instagram Facebook TikTok Chat GPT traditional web search, location wise. I also wrote to some hotels in Halstatt to give me a hand if possible but… Until last day, at night when I had given up the idea for the proposal. I saw a message from Irina! Managed to get a time, a spot and what I expected for 1h chat in Instagram while my now fiance was by my side in bed talking on the phone.
What advice would you give to others thinking of planning a proposal in this location?
Deyvid: If you know you want to do it in Hallstatt, be prepared ahead of time, think well your spot as it was full of tourists and that moment is not for them to interrupt. I think we got very lucky that got someone to be there for the moment of the surprise proposal in such a short period of time. If you want to surprise her truly and she isn’t expecting anything I think is a beautiful place for doing so.
What advice would you give to others planning a proposal abroad?
Deyvid: Don’t be shy to ask whoever can help you with anything, most people are welcoming and would give you a tip or contact or what they can, if you have time… But don’t try to rush it at the last moment because that can go very wrong. The proposal is a one time thing, so don’t be shy to organize it as you want and spend a bit more as to keep a good memory it needs to be as perfect as possible. Luckily I had everything on my side for this surprise proposal to happen.
Did you already have a ring? Was it a surprise or did you buy it together?
Deyvid: I had a ring, I choose it and from the moment i saw it, thought that she would definitely love it. It was very hard to choose as I didn’t want something standard as most of the rings are almost identical, one main stone. I wanted it to stand out but be wearable everyday, for her to be able to keep it on forever. This ring and the way it was made also gave more light to go through it, so it shines like no other, that combined with the special cut from “EPL Diamond’s” for the diamond’s make it unique.
Any fun stories you’d like to share about the proposal?
Deyvid: As the spot I chose for the proposal was at the steps up to avoid tourists, we were already late because the traffic and the parking places available in Hallstatt. So when we managed to park and we had to go for a 15-20 min walk to the place of the proposal, it was a problem for me to rush her, as she was continuously stopping to take pictures. Almost had a fight until we got there. Had her go all the steps up while she was dressed like a penguin because of how cold it was. And me not feeling a damn thing as I knew where we are heading and for what. Got there a bit late, but got her to the spot, even I don’t remember what could I have possibly said for her to not doubt for a second what is going on. And also just before heading out from the hotel to Hallstatt she burned her hand! Her left hand! with the hair straightener. We had to rush to a pharmacy to get something for the burns and the 1:30h trip there asking continuously how was her hand. Luckily it was not deep and she was fine for the ring!
The Vendors:
Photography: EverWildHeart Photography
RIng: EPL Diamond
