Proposing on Long Island at Old Westbury Gardens
Transport yourself to another time or perhaps another world, and back again. Old Westbury Gardens, situated just 30 minutes from the heart of Manhattan, is a sliver of what Long Island in the 1920’ was all about; over the top homes and magnificent grounds. Today, the property remains just as beautiful and serves as an escape from the modern world.
As a professional photographer, specializing in photographing proposals and engagements, I’m always asked “Where should I propose”. If you’re on Long Island, I first recommend a place with meaning and then, I recommend a place that is beautiful, intimate and relaxing. For Nick and Susanna, of Queens, NY, the gardens provided it all for their special moment.
Nick perfectly chose a mid October Friday morning knowing the weather would be cool and the garden grounds wouldn’t be busy. Since the grounds were not busy, Nick chose to propose in front of the main home on the big lawn, the most popular spot on the grounds.
How to have your Long Island proposal professionally photographed at Old Westbury Gardens
To start, you’ll need to obtain a permit from Old Westbury Gardens to have the moment professionally photographed. PURCHASE YOUR PROPOSAL PERMIT HERE. The staff at Old Westbury Gardens strictly enforces professional photographers photographing there. They will stop your photographer mid-proposal and ruin him/her from photographing your moment.
Next, think about the time of day you’d like to propose and where on their grounds you’d like to propose. Generally speaking, the most popular places will be the busiest. Although, one perk of hiring a professional photographing with the permit is the garden will provide an assistant close areas off for us. Meaning, people will not be in our photos.
Jonathan Heisler is a Long Island-New York City photographer who specializes in photographing private proposals, as well as engagement session and weddings.