She Thought They Were Going to Dinner
For Aldona, the plan was an evening out at Canaves Epitome in Oia, Santorini. Blendi had told her they were going to the restaurant. What she did not know was that a terrace had been prepared for a surprise proposal, and we were already in position to photograph and film the moment.
This was a secret proposal in the most practical sense: our team stayed out of sight before Blendi asked the question. We wanted Aldona to experience the surprise without noticing cameras or wondering why a photographer and videographer were waiting nearby.
A Table That Was Almost Ready
After arriving at Canaves Epitome, Blendi and Aldona spent a little time in the shared guest area. The hotel manager explained that their table was still being prepared, giving them a reason to wait and walk around.
Behind the scenes, we were messaging with the manager and confirming that we were ready to film. Once everything was in place, the manager invited them to go upstairs.
At the top of the steps, a table for their dinner and a small floral arrangement were waiting. The setting that Aldona thought would be part of an ordinary restaurant visit became the place where Blendi asked her to marry him.
The Moment Aldona Said Yes
Aldona was deeply moved, and she said yes. There was no long speech at the centre of this film. Her reaction, their expressions and the way they were together carried the story.
After the surprise, she was especially happy to discover that the moment had been captured in both photographs and video. Until then, our presence had remained part of Blendi’s secret.
For a surprise proposal, this is why the preparation matters. Coordinating the arrival, knowing where the couple will stand and staying in contact with the venue helps us be ready while the experience unfolds naturally for them.
Sunset Portraits at Canaves Epitome
Once Aldona knew we were there, we asked the couple to spend a little more time with us for portraits. The sunset at Canaves Epitome gave us a beautiful setting for these first moments after the proposal.
We explored different angles around the property and captured aerial footage with the drone. The session moved from quietly documenting a surprise to gently guiding the couple, giving them space to enjoy what had just happened.
Afterwards, we left Blendi and Aldona to enjoy dinner together at Canaves Epitome. Their table became the place to celebrate, with the proposal and sunset already preserved for them.
A Proposal Location That Gets People Asking
When we share photographs from this session, couples often ask where the proposal took place. Canaves Epitome offers a different setting from the familiar blue dome viewpoints that many people first associate with Oia.
For this session, the property gave us enough variety to create the proposal film and portraits without travelling elsewhere. Staying in one place also allowed Blendi and Aldona to move comfortably from the surprise to filming and then dinner.
If you would also like portraits in Oia village, we can discuss a route that includes both. Starting around an hour and a half before sunset may allow for an additional stop, depending on the proposal arrangements, access and travel time. It is an option to plan in advance, rather than something every session needs.
Music That Feels Personal
We invite our couples to share their music preferences for their film. A song can carry its own memories, and understanding what they enjoy helps us create an edit that feels personal to them.
Blendi and Aldona had that opportunity too. Their response to the finished result was warmly appreciative, including a promise to recommend us to others. For us, that was a lovely continuation of an evening built around a carefully kept secret and a very emotional yes.
Proposal Film Details
Couple: Blendi & Aldona
Venue: Canaves Epitome, Oia, Santorini
Experience: Surprise marriage proposal, sunset portraits and dinner
Videography: Santorini.video
Planning a surprise proposal in Santorini? Tell us about your idea so we can discuss discreet filming, coordination with your chosen venue and time for portraits afterwards.
