Jonas and Ariel’s Story

It was a calm, quiet morning in London when Jonas got down on one knee at Kyoto Garden in Holland Park. Both originally from Hong Kong, Jonas is studying ancient history in California while Ariel’s working here in London – so it was a long-distance kind of love story that’s been going for about five years. This wasn’t a total surprise proposal either. Ariel had actually brought her own engagement ring over from Hong Kong, but she had no idea when or how it would happen. And honestly, that made it even sweeter.

Jonas chose the little wooden bridge in front of the waterfall – one of the most peaceful spots in Kyoto Garden – as the place to ask the big question. It was simple, quiet, and really heartfelt. She said yes, obviously.

They were both a little camera-shy at first, but by the end they’d completely relaxed, laughing their way around Holland Park and even down a few nearby London-looking streets. The funniest bit came right at the end: Jonas spotted two turtles by the pond and told Ariel that was the real reason they were there – to get a photo of the turtles. Not entirely believable, but very on brand for him.

Kyoto Garden – A Great Place to Propose

Kyoto Garden in Holland Park has to be one of the most peaceful spots in all of London. You’ve got waterfalls, koi ponds, Japanese maple trees, and little wooden bridges that feel a world away from the busy streets just outside the park – it’s hard to believe you’re still in West London when you’re standing there listening to the water trickle down the rocks. That’s exactly why it’s such a brilliant place for a proposal. It’s calm, tucked away, and full of character – perfect for couples who want something beautiful and intimate without being surrounded by crowds.

Early mornings are especially good, when the light’s soft and golden and you can hear the birds. If you’re planning a proposal in London but don’t want the full chaos of somewhere like Tower Bridge or the London Eye, Kyoto Garden in Holland Park is such a solid choice. You can wander through the park afterwards, grab a coffee nearby, and it still feels like a proper “London” moment, just without the tourists watching while you’re down on one knee.

Photography at Kyoto Garden

Photographing proposals at Kyoto Garden is always a bit of a dream. The light bounces beautifully off the pond, the trees give you all sorts of colour and texture to play with, and the reflections in the water are unreal. It’s one of those places where you don’t have to force anything – the setting does half the work for you.

Because it’s a calm, quiet space, I keep my setup simple: a mirrorless camera, a small lens, and the ability to blend in helps keep everything natural and documentary-style. The goal is always the same – capture the nerves, the laughter, the moment someone says yes, and all the emotion that follows.

After the proposal, I usually suggest a short walk around Holland Park for a few relaxed portraits. You can get a mix of those candid, storytelling frames with softer light filtering through the trees. Proper golden hour vibes if you time it right.

Kyoto Garden really is one of London’s hidden gems for engagement photography. It’s quiet, full of character, and feels incredibly personal – a place where you can focus on each other instead of the crowds.