Caffe Panna Secret Proposal

What was so unique of Raunak’s proposal in Gramercy was his attention to detail and creativity. Caffe Panna is their favorite ice cream spot in their neighborhood of Gramercy, so it was a very fitting spot to propose. Raunak worked with the store to create a custom menu with their favorite flavors and a special message at the bottom, “Will You Marry Me”.

Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of Professional New York City photographers specializing in photographing private NYC proposals, as well as engagement sessions and weddings.

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Tom's Liberty State Park Surprise Marriage Proposal

The views from Liberty State Park, NJ of the NYC skyline are unmatched to those in Brooklyn, Long Island City, or elsewhere. Although the sun is setting behind you, the Manhattan skyline is beautifully wrapped in the sunsets warm glow. The beauty of photographing a surprise proposal at Liberty State Park is the lack of tourists and crowds you see elsewhere.

Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of New York City photographers specializing in photographing private NYC proposals, as well as engagement sessions and weddings.

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Photographing Mitchell’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Proposal

When you think of New York City during the holidays, the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is one of the first images that comes to mind. It’s a place of sparkle, nostalgia, and magic—but also one of the busiest spots in NYC during December. That’s what makes Mitchell’s proposal here even more special: amidst the lights, crowds, and festive energy, he created a moment of surprise, intimacy, and joy.

Mitchell’s Proposal Story:
Mitchell wanted a classic New York holiday moment. He brought his partner to Rockefeller Center, under the illuminated tree, surrounded by the energy of the city at its most festive. As they stopped to take in the scene, he dropped to one knee. The moment had warmth—even with the hustle around them—because the emotions were authentic, heartfelt, and beautifully framed by lights.

Behind the scenes, I positioned myself carefully to catch wide shots of the tree, close-ups of their expressions, and medium shots that include the architecture and glowing decorations throughout the plaza. The contrast between the glowing decorations and the evening sky gave us dramatic color, while reflections in storefront windows added extra depth.

Photography Notes & Creative Choices:

• Light & Timing: We scheduled during the “blue hour” (just after sunset), so the decorative lights were vivid but the sky still held color—perfect balance.

• Crowd Awareness: By arriving early, I was able to scope the scene, anticipate where gaps in the crowd might open up, and select vantage points that framed the couple without too much visual clutter.

• Composition: Shots included the full tree, glimpses of nearby architecture, and close emotional moments. Mirrors and reflective surfaces were used when available to give variations.

• Weather & Wardrobe: Cold winter air meant warm clothing—scarves, coats, and layers. Jackets added to the holiday feel, and their breath in the air added to the atmosphere.

Why Rockefeller Center is a Powerful Choice:

• It’s instantly recognizable: the tree sets a mood that says “holiday in New York City.”

• Multiple layering possibilities: tree lights, street decor, ice rink, storefronts, and ambient city lighting.

• Emotionally charged environment: people are usually already in a festive frame of mind; the backdrop evokes nostalgia, warmth, and joy.

Tips for Proposing at Rockefeller Center During Christmas:

• Visit on weekdays if possible—crowds are lighter early in the evening.

• Aim for dusk or “blue hour” when lights are on but there’s still ambient light.

• Have a backup spot nearby in case the most iconic positions are too crowded or blocked.

• Choose clothing that complements holiday decor (warm tones, festive accessories).

• Work with an experienced photographer who knows how to handle mixed lighting and crowded scenes.

Mitchell’s proposal at Rockefeller Center shows that even in the heart of holiday bustle, you can carve out something truly intimate—and magical. When done right, the lights, décor, and energy of the season only add to the memory.

If you’re planning a holiday proposal in NYC—at Rockefeller Center or anywhere that holds meaning—Jonathan Heisler Photography would be honored to help you craft your moment and capture it beautifully.

Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of New York City photographers specializing in photographing private NYC proposals, as well as engagement sessions and weddings.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HIRING A PROPOSAL PHOTOGRAPHER IN NYC

Qasim's DUMBO Brooklyn Bridge Park Proposal

Qasim had a plan of when, where, and how he was going to propose in New York City. “Brooklyn Bridge Park Sunday morning before the crowds” he said, and I replied “that is a plan!”. Proposing in the morning has so many benefits, especially in busy NYC. If your privacy conscious and are looking to avoid crowds for your proposal, then I recommend proposing in the morning for the following reasons.

• Get it done and have the rest of the day to celebrate! Plan a post proposal brunch and then call your family/friends to share the news.

• Beat the crowds - Most NY’ers and tourists alike don’t really start their day until noon, and hat’s when all the good spots start to get busy. Beat the rush and propose before noon.

• Lighting - The morning has GREAT light and lets us photograph in places we could not otherwise.

Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of Professional New York City photographers specializing in photographing private NYC proposals, as well as engagement sessions and weddings.

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Secretly Photographing Mitchell's Pier 17 NYC Tropical Storm Marriage Proposal

Why you should choose pier 17 for your nyc proposal

Pier 17 on Manhattan’s East side is such a great place to propose, day or night. Close to the beautiful and historic cobblestoned Fulton Street, revitalized Pier 17 offers not only an amazing view of the Brooklyn Bridge, but top notch restaurants. And for the icing on the cake, this area is not heavily visited by tourists unlike DUMBO Brooklyn Bridge Park, Central Park, or other parts of the city where we frequently photograph.

When helping clients plan their secret marriage proposal anywhere in NYC my tops questions are:

• How are you going to convince your partner to look nice?

• How are you going to get them there rain or shine?

• Why do you have to be there at exactly or close to “Y” time?

The answer to these questions: make a brunch or dinner reservation and make it somewhere with a view. This is exactly what Mitchell did for his Friday night proposal on Pier 17.

How do you plan a proposal when you can’t plan the weather in new york city?

Rain, Rain, Go away… and maybe come back another day? I am always looking at the weather and I am always trying to plan ahead. However, I never look too far ahead. At most, I look 2-3 days ahead to gauge what could happen on an hourly basis. Two days before your proposal is when I start to come up with a plan. Is it going to rain all day, just in the morning, between 2pm and 4pm, or is it going to rain for just a few minutes?

Working with Jonathan Heisler Photography you get a team of photographers offering you flexibility. If it’s going to pour at 1pm, let’s move your NYC proposal 12pm or 2pm. If you were going to propose after dinner and now it’s going to monsoon, let’s propose before dinner and call dinner a celebratory dinner.

Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of Professional New York City photographers specializing in photographing private NYC proposals, as well as engagement sessions and weddings.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HIRING A PROPOSAL PHOTOGRAPHER IN NYC