Congrats Luke and Maria! … And a big “thank you” Ana for your help planning everything!

NYC Suprise proposal

Luke surprised Maria, his high school girlfriend, while on her work trip in New York City. The couple Is from Washington D.C. and rarely comes up to New York City. Luke told me it’s been their dream to stay at New York City’s The Plaza Hotel and he wanted to incorporate The Plaza in to the moment. So we chose just outside The Plaza in front of the Pulitzer Fountain.

How to surprise her with your proposal

Leading up to the proposal, Luke had Maria’s dad tell Maria that their friend was going to give her tickets to a special Ellen DeGeneres taping in New York City on Friday night. All Maria had to do was meet the friend outside The Plaza Hotel at 4pm. Unfortunately, there was no show and no tickets.

Luckily, Luke had something better.

I photographed every moment leading up to Luke’s proposal. I photographed Luke pacing until he saw Maria at a distance. I photographed Maria approaching Luke and the moment she saw him, and was shock he was in New York City. Photographing proposals are some of my favorite photo assignments!

After the question was asked and the couple had their time, we did a mini-engagement photo session in Central Park. On our way to the park, which is right across from the Plaza Hotel, they told me they’re “super awkward” in front of the camera. (Aren’t we all?!?). Once in Central Park, I had them just walk and forget I was there. I photographed Luke and Maria doing their thing and then I slowly worked in some easy posing.

Photographing at the Plaza hotel

From there we took a few photos outside The Plaza on the step and a few photos inside. Once inside the historic Plaza Hotel Luke had another surprise to share. The couple would be staying at the hotel for the weekend!