By: Sheila Johnson
It’s the kind of moment that feels suspended in time — warm sunlight spilling through stone windows, the quiet hum of vineyards below, the faint echo of footsteps on castle stairs. As Harp climbed the winding tower staircase of Castello di Amorosa, she thought she was simply exploring one of Napa’s most enchanting wineries. But waiting at the top, in the North Tower surrounded by candlelight, roses, and champagne, was the beginning of a brand-new chapter of her life.
This was no ordinary afternoon in wine country. It was a meticulously planned, perfectly executed tower proposal, a storybook moment orchestrated by Sia— with the gracious Castello staff setting every detail with care, Studio J Photography capturing the emotion frame by frame, and Mendocino Photo & Video filming it all with cinematic precision.
From the very beginning, Harp knew he wanted this proposal to feel intentional. Every rose, every flicker of candlelight, and every moment of surprise was part of his vision. Working closely with the Castello di Amorosa team, he arranged private access to the North Tower, a space that exudes both history and intimacy. The staff was attentive and discreet, helping him set the scene with a chilled bottle of sparkling wine and a bed of red roses beautifully placed against the aged stone walls.
While the Castle doesn’t permit weddings or elopements, it’s the perfect setting for a romantic private proposal — a once-in-a-lifetime experience that feels both luxurious and deeply personal. The North Tower offers sweeping vineyard views, soft golden light, and the kind of quiet that makes a “yes” echo for years.
If you’ve ever visited Castello di Amorosa, you know it feels like stepping back in time — Italian craftsmanship, medieval towers, and sun-soaked courtyards surrounded by vineyards. The North Tower, where Sia & Harp’s proposal took place, is one of its most breathtaking private spaces.
Up a spiral staircase, you’ll find a secluded terrace overlooking the rolling Napa hills. Inside, the stone walls, arched windows, and candle-lit ambiance create a setting that’s both intimate and cinematic. It’s no wonder this location has become one of the most romantic proposal spots in Napa Valley.
As Harp entered the tower and saw the roses and champagne waiting for her, time seemed to slow. Sia knelt, the vineyards glowed in the distance, and in that quiet moment, every ounce of planning was worth it.
For me, being part of this story was an absolute honor. I had the privilege of documenting every detail — from the nervous excitement in Sia's expression before he arrived to the tear-filled joy when Harp said yes. Proposals are unlike any other kind of session. They’re full of movement, anticipation, and raw emotion that can’t be replicated.
Every click of the shutter captured something meaningful — the curve of her smile, the champagne toast, the way the afternoon light wrapped around them as they celebrated in the tower. Moments like these are why I love being a proposal photographer in Napa Valley — because no two stories are ever the same, and each one unfolds like a perfectly written script.
Nile from Mendocino Photo & Video joined me that afternoon, and together we told their story through two different lenses — still and motion. If you’re planning a proposal, adding video to your package transforms it from a fleeting experience into a timeless heirloom.
While photos freeze emotion in a single frame, video allows you to relive it — the laughter, the nervous breaths, the whispered “yes.” It captures the energy and sound of that moment, creating something that feels alive. For Sia & Harp, Nile’s video will become a family treasure, a film they’ll show their loved ones for generations to come.
When you invest in a photographer and videographer team who work seamlessly together, you don’t just document a proposal — you preserve an experience.
After the champagne was poured and the emotions settled, we spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the castle grounds. The post-proposal engagement session was filled with laughter and light — the kind of joy that only comes from a freshly minted “yes.”
Sia & Harp wandered hand-in-hand through the cobblestone courtyards, through stone hallways, and out to the vineyard’s edge where the sun bathed them in honeyed light. These moments — relaxed, authentic, and full of movement — tell the rest of the story that begins in the tower.
If you’re dreaming of your own fairytale castle proposal in Napa Valley, here are a few tips to help you plan an unforgettable experience:
Contact the Castle in Advance: While weddings and elopements aren’t permitted, private proposal experiences can be arranged through the staff.
Choose a Weekday or Morning Time: The castle is quieter and more private, perfect for intimate moments.
Hire a Professional Photographer & Videographer: They’ll ensure every moment — from setup to celebration — is beautifully documented.
Incorporate Meaningful Details: Roses, a favorite bottle of wine, or a handwritten note add personal touches that elevate the emotion.
Plan a Post-Proposal Engagement Session: You’ll be glowing, the light will be gorgeous, and you’ll have both celebration and romance captured in one experience.
Every proposal is unique, but this one was pure magic — a love story written in light, stone, and vineyard air. Sia & Harp’s North Tower Experience at Castello di Amorosa was more than a proposal; it was the start of a lifelong memory, captured with care and artistry.
If you’re ready to plan your own Napa Valley proposal, let’s create something unforgettable together.
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