He chose Monserrate for one particular frame: the view towards the palace, with its distinctive domes and romantic architecture rising above the gardens. When they reached the right spot, Hussayn got down on one knee and asked Natacha to marry him.
She said yes.
After that, the nervousness disappeared and the real photoshoot began. It was soft, emotional, and very romantic. They held each other, kissed, laughed, and took their time. There is something special about photographing a couple immediately after a proposal. The happiness is still new, the emotions are real, and there is no need to create a mood because it is already there.
We used the park around Monserrate as part of the story. The paths through the gardens, the old stone details, the lush greenery, and the quiet atmosphere gave us many different scenes without having to rush anywhere. We also photographed near the ruins, where the texture of the old walls added a more intimate and timeless feeling to the photos.
Then we returned to the views of the palace itself. From a distance, Monserrate feels almost like a dream, hidden among the trees of Sintra. Its domes, arches, and detailed façade made a beautiful backdrop for Hussayn and Natacha, while the garden kept everything soft and natural.
Monserrate Palace is much more than a beautiful building. Its history began with a chapel built on the site in 1540, while the palace as we know it today was created in the 19th century for the British art collector Francis Cook. The architecture combines Gothic, Indian, and Moorish influences, and the surrounding park includes exotic plants, lakes, and winding paths. It is part of Sintra's UNESCO-listed cultural landscape and is managed by Parques de Sintra.
Professional photography at Monserrate requires prior approval, so a proposal photoshoot here needs some planning in advance. If you are choosing a location for your own photoshoot in Lisbon or Sintra, have a look at my guide to photography permits and choosing the right location.
