We began exchanging messages. It quickly became clear that Norman was an extremely meticulous planner. At the same time, he had to rely solely on our words and promises—a kind of blind trust that we deeply respected. We knew what was at stake. One overlooked detail could unravel the magic of a moment meant to be unforgettable.

And Norman - his words, his thoughtful tone - revealed the kind of man he is: gentle, deeply loving, and quietly elegant.

We set the date: January 3rd, 2024.
The Keymaster experience begins at 6:00 a.m., when the Vatican Museums are still silent and sleeping. It’s led by the Keymaster himself, who allows you to unlock the centuries-old doors of the Vatican one by one. Including the final door - the Sistine Chapel.

Everything was perfectly arranged. Excitement was in the air. Our alarm clocks were set well before dawn, even though we live just five minutes from the Vatican entrance.
But then, just before 2:00 a.m., Norman messaged again.

We held our breath.

Was there a problem? A change of plans?
Instead, it was something unexpected and extraordinary. He sent photos of a series of hand-painted tempera sketches. Tiny, detailed, vivid. Each one depicted a moment in their love story, complete with handwritten notes. There was even a final sketch of them standing in the Gallery of Maps - him proposing. A scene that, at that moment, hadn’t yet happened.

He had spent the night painting these moments, in secret. His love poured into every brushstroke. He asked us to discreetly hand the postcards to her, once we reach the darkness of the Gallery of Maps, pretending they were simple tour materials.

As we walked up to the Vatican entrance, we couldn’t help but wonder:
What if she says no?
We’ve handled many kinds of proposals, but this one had such build-up, such emotional weight. It would’ve felt like a heartbreak shared by all of us. However, we removed the thought from our minds and brought just our emotions and positive energy.

Our team, our expert guide and the incredible photographer Roberta Perrone, personally chosen by Norman, waited.
We sent a van to pick them up.
And then, when Norman and Cheryll stepped out… we all instantly felt it.

They were elegance and warmth, tenderness and connection. A couple so in sync, it was as if the world softened around them.

All but one, played our roles as part of the same “tour group.”
It was still pitch dark outside and inside. The Vatican Guard opened the doors and let us in. We followed him who was illuminating our path with a torchlight.

The Keymaster attentively and with soft tone of voice showed us all (number) keys that will open the Vatican doors and roomss. one ancient key after another, each room revealing its secrets. Footsteps echoed. No words were spoken. Just the sound of doors unlocking centuries of history.

Then we reached the Gallery of Maps—still dark.

Cheryll stood alone, just for a moment.
One of us gently handed her the small postcards.
It was so dark that we lit our phone flashlights so she could see. Slowly, she began to read. To understand. To feel what was about to happen.

Norman approached her quietly. The rest of us stood back, holding our breath, hearts racing. The gallery lights flicked on, one by one, bathing the ceiling and walls in golden brilliance.

And then, he knelt.

No one remained untouched. Eyes welled up. Some cried openly. The beauty of it—the place, the art, the love—was overwhelming.

She said yes.

That moment, in that room, they became art themselves.

Soon after, it was time for the climax of the experience: the Sistine Chapel.

In the dark, Norman and Cheryll were handed the key.
And as the final door swung open, all the lights came on—an extraordinary privilege reserved only for Popes… and for those, like them, in this sacred moment.

The colors exploded across the ceiling, Michelangelo’s figures coming to life. We all stood in awe, humbled by the space, the story, and the love we had just witnessed.

It was a proposal.
And while every couple is different, and every story special, this one will remain etched in our hearts forever.

A celebration of love, in the most extraordinary setting imaginable.
And we were honored to be part of it.

Photo: Roberta Perrone©