A Paris Proposal at Hôtel Alfred Sommier

Lately, I’ve been going through the photoshoots I did while I was living in Paris last year, and it’s been so fun to revisit these memories. Each one is a little time capsule, and it brings me right back to that chapter of my life—wandering cobblestone streets with my camera, always looking for beauty, always chasing light.

There’s something endlessly romantic about Paris. It’s not just the architecture or the history—it’s the feeling. The kind that makes your heart slow down and beat faster at the same time. That’s exactly the kind of moment I had the honor of capturing during a proposal at Hôtel Alfred Sommier—a hidden gem tucked in the 8th arrondissement, just a short stroll from the Palais Garnier.

This wasn’t just any proposal. It was a rooftop moment overlooking the City of Light as the sun dipped low, painting the buildings in that soft, creamy golden light Paris is famous for. The Eiffel Tower shimmered in the distance, and the couple was standing at the edge of it all—completely in their own world.

She said yes (of course), and we captured the kind of joy that you don’t need to stage or pose for—it just spills out. Celebrating with champagne

But here’s the fun part… behind the scenes, things looked a little different. Just outside the frame? A giant crane. Yep. Right in the skyline. It hovered like a sore thumb, and while it’s part of city life, it definitely wasn’t part of this dream.

So, after I delivered their gallery full of beautiful moments—smiles, tears, kisses, that look when someone realizes they’re about to spend forever with their favorite person—I also spent quite a bit of time delicately removing that very modern piece of construction equipment from the background. You won’t see it in the final images. That’s part of what I love about this job—creating the kind of magic that feels effortless, even when it’s not.

A Glimpse into Hôtel Alfred Sommier‘s  Past

What makes this location even more special is its rich history. Built in 1860 by sugar magnate Alfred Sommier and his father, the mansion was designed to reflect the prosperity of their business and to serve as a family residence. Renowned architect Joseph-Michel Le Soufaché was commissioned to create this Haussmann-style building, complete with a central courtyard and a serene garden. Alfred Sommier lived here with his wife Jeanne de Barante and their children, making it a true family home.

In 2018, the mansion was transformed into the luxurious Hôtel Alfred Sommier by Richard de Warren de Rosanbo, a descendant of the Sommier family. The renovation preserved the soul of the family mansion, maintaining its historical features like marble fireplaces, gilded mirrors, and oak flooring. Today, guests can experience the elegance and charm of 19th-century Paris in this beautifully restored hotel.

Proposals like these are always a little bit nerve-wracking (for them, mostly!) and electric with anticipation. And when it’s in Paris? There’s just an extra layer of magic in the air. I feel lucky every time I get to witness such personal, once-in-a-lifetime memories—especially in a place as iconic and meaningful as this one.

If you’re dreaming of a Paris proposal (with or without cranes in the background), I’d love to help you make it timeless. I helped this lovely couple plan their surprise wedding proposal and would love to help you out as well. Trust me, it’ll take the stress off popping the question.

Be sure to check out a gorgeous autumn engagement in Paris I photographed last September.

Your Narrative blog will appear here, click preview to see it live.
For any issues click here