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A Surprise Napa Winery Proposal at Castello di Amorosa

  • Aug 27
  • 2 min read
  • newly engaged couple admiring ring
  • a moment of laughter
  • the new bling

Arwaan had planned a day in Napa for Prabhleen, with one fairly important detail left off the itinerary: a surprise winery proposal at Castello di Amorosa. The winery events team had diverted the couple from their wine tour with the news that they had somehow “won” a special raffle and a tasting on the north tower. I was introduced as part of the marketing team, there to photograph the lucky winners. She suspected not a thing!


Arwaan had reserved the North Tower at Castello di Amorosa weeks prior. It is a private spot overlooking the vineyards and surrounding hills, and the winery had adorned the tower with champagne and roses (Prabhleen's favorite).


Once they were outside, Arwaan did not keep the ruse going for long... he dropped to one knee. Lena truly had no idea it was coming. There was a wonderful few seconds of surprise before the answer, followed by the sort of happiness that makes photographing a proposal particularly fun: lots of laughing, kissing and looking at the new ring.


  • Will you marry me in napa
  • yes, I will
  • engagement kiss in napa
  • close up of hands and wedding ring after proposal
  • north tower of castello di amarosa where couple was engaged
  • cheers in napa
  • couple leaves the castle after engagement

After champagne and a little time to take everything in, we wandered downstairs for a few relaxed portraits around the castle. Then I left them to call their families and continue the day Arwaan had planned, ending with dinner together in Napa.


Planning a Napa Valley proposal?

I photograph proposals throughout Napa and Sonoma and can help with the details that make the photographs work such as where to stand, timing, light, and how to keep the plan from giving itself away. The goal is to have a plan in place and then let the moment happen naturally.



About Jody Holman

Jody is a San Francisco Bay Area photographer with more than twenty years of experience photographing proposals, intimate weddings and people. Her approach is natural and unobtrusive, with an emphasis on real moments, beautiful light and minimal posing.


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