Proposals

It's a once-in-a-lifetime feeling. Getting engaged in Amsterdam, and this one paralyzed the complete bridge.

Pedestrians, cyclists, cars, and boats stopped for a few minutes while she said yes, and the complete bridge started clapping and congratulating them in four languages. We couldn't stop smiling. It wa surreal, it was magic. And I must confess I have never seen, in my nine years of photographing engagement proposals, Amsterdammers that stopped cycling to let a couple live their moment in full, and this photographer to have a complete set of pictures without anyone crossing to make 45 final images within 30 minutes.

But let me tell you how it all started.

A month before, Nelson contacted me through Flytographer. He told me about having a picture in their house. Also, that Andrea came once to Amsterdam and loved it so much that she always wanted to return, and now they have this trip planned, and he intended to propose in front of the bridge.

First mission: Finding the bridge. Of course, as soon as I received the photo, I knew it was on Negen Straatjes on Prinsengracht, so the decision was between two bridges. It's not so hard, but due to the high traffic at Berensluis, I recommended Reestraat instead. The noticeable difference was that the Westertoren (the tower) was covered in blue due to the ongoing maintenance, but it was ok for him. He disagreed with the change, and we strictly set the time and meeting point at Berensluis.

If you live in Amsterdam, you will understand my concern. That crossing is hell at 3 pm, with dozens crossing by the minute, and it is also a preferred way for cars. Not easy, but the lucky part is that this was not a complete surprise proposal, but he told her they were having a picture on the bridge with a photographer, and that's it. So, I acted like I was only going to take posed photos on the bridge, and we started to do some cheese stuff, nothing that you will see as it was not the intention of the session.

When he was ready, I gave the sign and the proposal started.

"Joanna was great from start to finish. She took the most amazing photos and the surprise proposal went off without a hitch. She was so personable and friendly. She made an already beautiful moment even better with her bright personality! Highly recommended."- Nelson

PS: This session was possible thanks to Flytographer for connecting with their excellent travelers. Have a $25 discount on your session with the code JOANNAPANTIGOSO.

Enjoy the pictures, and if you need a photographer in Amsterdam, I'm only a DM away.

Joanna, your Amsterdam photographer

+31626567232