By Rachel Sawden

Photography by Fiander Foto

One of the most romantic destinations in the world, Bermuda’s old-world charm and natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for unforgettable proposals.

Both actors in the musical theater business, Josh and Emily had a lot in common. After being set up by a mutual friend, they found life with each other easy and fun, and there was no question that they wanted to spend their lives together. Two and a half years into their relationship, they were set to perform on a cruise ship leaving from Bermuda. They decided to fly to Bermuda a few days ahead of the ship’s departure date for a romantic getaway. Weeks before the couple was due to arrive, Emily received an email from a fellow actor from Bermuda who knew a photographer on island, Melanie, looking to shoot new faces. Emily and Melanie corresponded and met up at Jobson’s Cove with Josh in tow. Emily, however would soon learn that this was no ordinary photoshoot. Melanie climbed the rocks to get a better vantage point, and asked Josh to adjust Emily’s hair. To Emily’s surprise, Josh lowered to one knee and asked her to marry him.

“He’s a great actor,” says Emily with a laugh. “I had no idea he was planning to propose, and it could not have been more amazing.”

Nathan and Diana met in the Greek system at Iowa State University, before falling in love and moving to Boston. They booked a trip to Bermuda for their seventh anniversary, having always wanted to visit the island’s famous turquoise waters. An avid sailor, Nathan planned a sailing excursion aboard a luxury catamaran for their first night in Bermuda, with a life-changing surprise in store. A flight delay nearly derailed his plans, but luckily they landed with enough time to board the boat. With fair winds and perfectly clear skies, they sailed around the Great Sound as the sun dipped beneath the horizon. In the copper afterglow of the setting sun, he lowered to one knee and asked her to marry him. Nathan had one more surprise in store for his new fiancée; when the sailboat returned them to the dock, they were presented with champagne and whisked off to a private beach where they enjoyed a five-course meal with their toes in the surf under a vault of stars.

Melanie Fiander, one of Bermuda’s premier wedding photographers, has conspired with boyfriends, like Tim, to capture their magical proposals.

Tim and Sara met through a mutual friend at her college graduation party. Tim recalls the moment he first saw Sara.

“I was star-struck by her,” he says.

After a friend set them up on a first date, their relationship blossomed. When he was planning his proposal, Sara’s parents told him that Bermuda was her favorite place in the world, so he decided to join her on her next trip to the island. When Sara sought out Melanie for a couple’s vacation shoot, Tim knew he had a perfect opportunity and devised a plan with Melanie. The shoot took place at secluded Grape Bay, and began without arousing any suspicion. After a while, Melanie said the code words, “Give me a romantic pose,” and Tim dropped to one knee and presented Sara with a ring. He slipped it onto her finger as Melanie snapped away, capturing every moment.

From tranquil boat excursions to stunning beaches, there are plenty of memorable locales in Bermuda where you can ask the all-important question: “Will you marry me?”