Dreamy Sunrise Engagement Photos in Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre Engagement

Many of our travel-savvy readers out there may already be familiar with Cinque Terre, Italy (and you may have seen our Italian Coastal Honeymoon in Portofino), but for those of you that aren’t, it’s possible that you’ve seen photos of this gorgeous location on postcards + while scrolling through Instagram (just didn’t know it!). Well, today we’re being transported to exactly that place — CINQUE TERRE. Why? Oh, just for a darling engagement session that will make you want to pack your bags…

When Monica + Chaz met with their photographer, Lauren Fair, they tossed around a couple of ideas before having a lightbulb moment of meeting up in Italy during the summer. For them, there was no other place but Italy! Chaz shares Shortly into our first year of dating, Monica and I took a trip to Italy where we rented an apartment in the charming downtown Trastevere. We fell in love with the people, the culture and, of course, each other. We have been fortunate enough to return to Italy every year thereafter and it has become a truly special part of our relationship. Approaching our fifth year together, we received an invitation to a friend’s destination wedding to be held in… where else? Italy. The timing was perfect to ask the love of my life for the rest of our lives. Romance in the air and wine for lunch… she would have to say “yes”!

Brace yourselves, guys, there’s more to the story… Keep on reading!

Cinque Terre Engagement

Our trip to Italy was all set for July and would coincide with my 29th birthday, even better!

Cinque Terre Engagement

With help from my family, Monica began planning a surprise birthday party to be held the week beforehand. On a casual Saturday night, I walked in the door to find a room packed with family, friends and Monica grinning from ear to ear “SURPRISE!”. Caught totally off guard, I took a moment to realize what just happened and to thank everyone for their love.

Cinque Terre Engagement

In particular, I had to thank Monica for her love. “Monica, you were the first and the only girl to whom I’ve ever said ‘I love you’ … and I want to keep saying it for ever.

Cinque Terre Engagement

A proposal in Italy would have been great, but this was THE moment, it had to happen now. I got down on one knee and, to everyone’s surprise, presented Monica with a fake cupcake. Monica opened the cupcake to find an engagement ring. She cried, said yes and, amidst the chaos, she failed to notice that her family had unexpectedly appeared in the doorway behind her. This wasn’t a surprise birthday party for me, but actually a surprise engagement party for everyone.

When the moment is right, right?!

Cinque Terre Engagement

Cinque Terre Engagement

And then, they went to Italy! What a way to celebrate!!

Cinque Terre Engagement

Cinque Terre Engagement

The morning started in Manarola — what some call the most picturesque of the five towns — and then they made their way back to Monterosso al Mare to capture the bright blue waters, distinctive coastline + streets.

Cinque Terre Engagement

Cinque Terre Engagement

Cinque Terre Engagement

Cinque Terre Engagement

Monica’s gorgeous outfit made the beautiful Italian landscape pop even more!

Cinque Terre Engagement

A peachy pink skirt + a matching wall… Too perfect!!

Now who’s up for a trip to Italy?

photography: Lauren Fair Photography

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