Lake Como Diary – Cinematic Love Stories by Nadia Fraqair
Lake Como Diary — a series by Nadia Fraqair
Lake Como Diary is a series of real proposal films from Lake Como. Each episode follows one couple and one question, from the quiet planning to the second they understand, in the places that make this lake unforgettable: the gardens of Villa Melzi in Bellagio, the terraces of Villa Monastero in Varenna, the castle above Varenna, and private boats in front of Villa del Balbianello.
Every proposal is real: real couples, real nerves and one moment that can never be repeated. I photograph and film each story myself, then write about what happened before and after, so you can watch it, feel it and plan your own.
In the diary:
Latest Episode: How He Kept the Ring a Secret
Episode 8 · Villa Melzi, Bellagio
He carried a ring through Bellagio for an entire day, and she never suspected a thing. A surprise proposal inside the Moorish pavilion of Villa Melzi, with the lake framed in the doorway.
Read the full story of Episode 8 →
Watch the Episodes
Explore each cinematic Lake Como story below. Every episode reveals a unique corner of the lake, from the romantic terraces of Varenna to the timeless elegance of Bellagio, the beauty of Villa del Balbianello and the quiet magic of private boat proposals.
Episode 8 – How He Kept the Ring a Secret
Villa Melzi, Bellagio · A surprise proposal
He carried a ring through Bellagio for an entire day, and she never suspected a thing. With ten tips for hiding an engagement ring on holiday.
Episode 7 – An October Proposal at Villa Melzi
Villa Melzi, Bellagio · Autumn
A proposal in the lakeside gardens of Villa Melzi, in the soft light of October, when Bellagio grows quiet and the lake turns silver.
Episode 6 – A Private Boat Proposal at Villa del Balbianello
On the water, Lenno · Golden hour
A private boat, the last light of the day and a proposal on the water in front of Villa del Balbianello, one of the most beautiful villas on the lake.
Episode 5 – The Best Time to Visit Bellagio
Bellagio · A travel episode
The quiet version of Bellagio: when to go, how to avoid the crowds, and how the village and its light change through the year.
Episode 4 – Castello di Vezio Proposal, Varenna (Part 1)
Castello di Vezio, above Varenna · After the rain
It rained all day, then stopped the moment they arrived. A proposal at the medieval castle above Varenna, with Lake Como spread out below.
Episode 3 – A November Proposal on Lake Como
On the water, Lenno · November
A quiet November proposal on a boat near Villa del Balbianello, and proof that Lake Como is just as romantic out of season.
Episode 2 – A Sunset Proposal in Bellagio
Villa Melzi, Bellagio · Sunset
Sunset in Bellagio, a quiet walk through the gardens of Villa Melzi, and one question that changes everything.
Episode 1 – Villa Monastero Proposal, Varenna
Villa Monastero, Varenna · Where it all began
The first episode of the diary: a cinematic proposal at Villa Monastero in Varenna, captured in golden light above the lake.
Where the Stories Happen
- Bellagio and Villa Melzi (Episodes 2, 5, 7 and 8): the Villa Melzi proposal package or a Bellagio proposal photographer
- Varenna, Villa Monastero and Castello di Vezio (Episodes 1 and 4): the Varenna proposal package
- On the water and Villa del Balbianello (Episodes 3 and 6): the private boat proposal package or the Villa del Balbianello proposal package
For every location, season and price on the lake, read the complete Lake Como proposal guide.
Plan Your Own Lake Como Proposal
Every episode began with a message from someone holding a ring and a question. I plan the place, the timing and the light with you, keep the secret safe until the very last second, and capture the moment in photographs and a cinematic film.
View all Lake Como proposal packages →
Add a cinematic film to your proposal →
Planning guides:
- How to plan a surprise proposal on Lake Como
- Private boat tour on Lake Como: routes, prices and how to book
- Where to stay in Lake Como
Behind the Camera
Lake Como Diary is filmed, photographed and written by Nadia Fraqair, a proposal and wedding photographer working between Milan and Lake Como, and the designer behind the FRAQAIR couture atelier. Meet Nadia →