A Secret Proposal and the Surprise Proposal-Bomb She Never Expected

Proposal videography and photography in Wengen with a Zermatt engagement shoot

Planning a proposal in Switzerland should feel effortless and unforgettable. When Mrinal reached out, he wanted expert support for surprise proposal photography and videography in the Jungfrau Region. He also needed someone who could plan every detail with complete discretion.

And this was a secret Switzerland proposal with a second surprise she never saw coming …

He and Erin flew from San Francisco to Switzerland for what she believed was a relaxed holiday together in the Alps. She thought they were simply exploring the mountains. She had no idea that a proposal in Wengen was already set in motion. And she definitely did not expect what would happen after she said yes.

Mrinal trusted me to make this moment perfect. First, a surprise proposal in the Jungfrau Region. Then, a destination engagement shoot in Zermatt to celebrate the start of their future together. Two Alpine locations. Two unforgettable days.

A Perfect Proposal in Wengen
Jungfrau Region Switzerland

When Mrinal first contacted me, he knew he wanted to propose in Switzerland but had not yet chosen the location. What mattered most was finding someone he could fully trust with proposal videography, photography and planning. Once he discovered my work, he chose Wengen in the Jungfrau Region and planned their travel dates around my availability.

As a Wengen local, I guided him toward a setting that felt personal, private and breathtaking from every angle. We planned a buffer of time so they could settle in after the long journey from San Francisco. The weather aligned. The proposal plan was set. Everything was ready for an intimate moment between the two of them.

Then he told me about the second surprise.
What started as a romantic proposal evolved into a logistical masterplan.

The Ultimate Twist
Family Flying In. Total Secrecy.

Not only was Mrinal planning a surprise proposal. He had also arranged for both of their families to fly to Switzerland without Erin knowing anything about it. Parents, siblings and close friends all travelled from San Francisco. They stayed in the valley in Lauterbrunnen while the couple were in Wengen, just a short train ride apart, yet worlds away from being discovered.

He even flew indirectly to Switzerland via Munich so that the others could take the direct flight from San Francisco. There was a lot of behind the scenes planning to make sure Erin never suspected a thing. Her parents had to switch off Find My on their phones. Everyone needed to be careful with photos and social media. Every detail mattered.

There were a few hair raising moments. At one point, it looked like they would all end up on the same train platform the day before the proposal. Disaster was avoided in the final seconds and the secret saved..

I met part of the group the day before to confirm the plan and show them exactly where they would wait. We created a simple alert system so they would know when the proposal had begun and when to run into position.

The goal was clear. One surprise. Then another. A moment she would never forget.

The Proposal

On the morning of the proposal, Erin believed they were joining me for a guided walk around Wengen with a local expert. To set up the cameras discreetly, I explained that I was also capturing content for Switzerland Tourism. She did not suspect anything.

We arrived at a quiet viewpoint above the Lauterbrunnen Valley with panoramic views of the mountains. It was calm and private. The perfect setting. As she turned to admire the view, Mrinal asked her to take a photo. When she looked back, he was on one knee.

I documented the moment from start to finish. Nothing staged. Nothing repeated. Just the two of them and the significance of what was happening.

We then continued with a short couple session, giving them time to enjoy the moment together before the second surprise was ready.

The Family Reveal

While we continued filming after the proposal, Mrinal’s family were hidden in a friend’s apartment overlooking the location. They had been watching the moment unfold from above, waiting for a precise cue. Every step of the plan relied on timing so Erin would not notice anything before the reveal.

Once the proposal was complete, I gave the signal. They left the apartment and made their way down the hill towards us. I filmed the entire approach. Erin turned to see a group of people running towards her and needed a moment to understand what was happening.

Her parents. Her sister. His brother. Close friends. All here in Switzerland without her knowing.

Here’s a little Instagram Reel of Proposal-Bomb Moment.

Before we continued the shoot, his family conducted a short ceremony to welcome Erin into their family, followed by a few family portraits. Once this was complete, we left them to enjoy time together before heading off for the afternoon session.

Watch the full film below so enjoy the proposal bomb moment in all its glory.

Exploring Wengen Together

That afternoon, I took them beyond the village to some of my favourite secret locations around Wengen. These are unspoilt areas that tourists would never find without local knowledge. Quiet viewpoints. Open meadows. Places where their attention could shift fully to each other and the experience.

We also visited a local farm where they met my farmer friends who produce traditional alpine cheese. They tasted and bought some to take home. It was relaxed and authentic. A chance to enjoy the day rather than perform for it.

This time together allowed everything to settle. Newly engaged. Surrounded by the mountains. Captured in a way that felt natural and true to them.

Afterwards, Erin and Mrinal joined their families to celebrate while I prepared for the next part of their adventure.

You can read more here about why working with trusted local suppliers makes a meaningful difference.

Here is the full film from the Wengen proposal with family ‘proposal bomb’.

A Destination Engagement Shoot in Zermatt

Two days later, I joined them in Zermatt for the next part of their experience. The weather was on our side again. The Matterhorn was in full view which always feels special and gave their story a different look to the dramatic peaks they had already enjoyed in Wengen.

We took the Gornergrat Railway up into the mountains and stepped off at a quiet mid station away from the crowds. Fresh snow had settled overnight creating a crisp white landscape. I flew the drone here to show the scale of the mountains around them and how the Matterhorn defines this region.

They had a specific vision for one shot. A lake they had seen online that reflects the Matterhorn perfectly. The reality was different. The lake was frozen and covered in snow after the recent snowfall. It was still a stunning scene but a reminder of how social media can shape expectations. Nature gives you what she gives you and that is part of the experience.

We continued exploring, moving completely off the main trails so they could enjoy each location privately. No tourists in the background. No need to remove people in post production. Just clean, uninterrupted images that focused entirely on them.

As well as the photography, which was the focus of this part of the experience, we put together a fun reel for content creation, which you can watch here on my instagram reels feed, Story Of Your Day.

This was not about one place being better than another. It was about designing a two day experience that showed different sides of the Swiss Alps. Wengen gave them unspoilt beauty guided by local knowledge. Zermatt delivered the iconic peak the world knows as Switzerland. Together they told a stronger story.

If you would like to understand more about expectations versus reality when it comes to proposals in Switzerland, you can read more here: Switzerland Unfiltered: The Reality Behind Instagram’s Perfect Proposals and Elopements

Planning Your Switzerland Proposal

Planning a proposal in Switzerland involves more than choosing a beautiful view. Weather, logistics and accessibility all play a role, especially in the mountains. The right local support ensures the experience feels effortless for you and completely natural for your partner.

I help you with:

• Creative planning and tailored location guidance
• Proposal videography and photography that prioritises real moments
• Logistics that protect the surprise
• Access to secret locations away from tourist crowds
• Adventure engagement shoots in Zermatt or across the Jungfrau Region
• Quick turnaround sneak peek images on the same day of shooting

You can explore more about how I support my couples here:
Proposal Videography and Photography in Switzerland

These experiences rely on trusted networks. Working with local partners means the day runs smoothly and supports the communities who make these landscapes so special.

You can read more about the importance of choosing local experts here:
Why Choose Local Vendors for Your Swiss Elopement or Proposal

Sustainability also matters. The Alps are remarkable and should be treated with responsibility. My approach supports Swisstainable values and the people who call this region home.

Pioneering Swisstainability: Capturing Sustainable Love Stories in the Jungfrau Region

Ready to plan your own proposal

If this feels like the experience you want for your proposal in the Jungfrau Region or Zermatt, I would love to hear from you. Every couple is different. Your story deserves a thoughtful approach and planning that reflects who you are together.

You can learn more about the process and what to expect in my Proposal FAQs, or contact me directly using the form on the Proposal Page. I will guide you through the options and help you create a moment that feels personal, relaxed and unforgettable.