Washington Square Park Proposal | Joel and Alexa

Secrets Marriage Proposals are in-fact a secret.

Photographing Joel and Alexa's proposal at a private wine bar overlooking Washington Square Park was a once in a lifetime experience. It was definitely a moment I will not forget as a photographer. Alexa did not a expect a thing as they entered the bar and as Joel proposed. It really was a true surprise proposal.

Washington Square Park Engagement Session

To be the first to wish a newly engaged couple a congratulations is always an honor. So is photographing the couple’s first photos as a newly engaged couple. Post proposal I always offer my clients a “mini-engagement session”. Because we were right along Washington Square Park and the weather was a 10 out of 10 we used the park for their engagement photos.

Roman and Lauren - Washington Square Park Proposal

I’m excited to have captured Roman and Lauren’s Washington Square Park evening proposal, as that night was the perfect fall night. It was not too cold and the park wasn’t too busy, and it was not raining. Roman chose Washington Square Park under the arch for its southern view of the World Trade Center and for its northern view of the Empire State Building.

The plan: Lauren and Roman would pass through the park on their way to dinner. On the way, they’d pass by the arch and he’d propose. His execution could not have been better!

Proposing in washington square park under the arch at night is quintessential nyc

That night, Roman and Lauren walked across the park on their way to dinner. As they passed through the arch Roman stopped and started to tell Lauren how much she meant to him. Then, he proposed.

how to capture a marriage proposal at night

With this being an evening proposal the arch supplied a little bit of light, but a hidden off-camera flash provided the bulk of the lighting. Post proposal and after giving the couple a few minutes to themselves, we walked around the block for a quick mini-shoot.

Kiro + Rebecca Washington Square Park Proposal

Kiro reached out to me in late March with his plan to propose to Rebecca in June. “There’s going to be a sketch artist, and rose petals, and a pianist… and it’ll be in Washington Square Park.. and while her friend gets her to sit down for a sketch, I’ll be setting up the proposal scene behind them.”

Helping you plan your NYC proposal and Photographing it

It was a vision alright, and it sounded like a dream, a dream I suggested Kiro simplify. “How are you going to ensure she sits for the sketch artist?” I asked. And he agreed with me. Most New Yorkers would not sit down for a sketch artist. That’s a NYC tourist thing. But, Kiro was adamant about his vision and he ensured me Rebecca’s friend would make it happen.

The day arrived. As Rebecca and her friend entered Washington Square Park, “on their way to a friend’s birthday party”, a sketch artist offered a free sketch session. After some convincing, Rebecca and her friend sat down. Rebecca thought the artist was sketching the two of them. Instead, she was finishing a pre-made sketch of Kiro proposing to Rebecca. The artist just needed a final look of Rebecca to complete the photo.

As a photographer this washington square park proposal is one of the most memorable nyc proposals I have photographed

Behind Rebecca was Kiro, friends, and family laying out a rose filled walkway lined with photos and candles. The crowds started to gather. After 10 minutes, the sketch artist revealed her sketch to Rebecca. She was confused until she turned around. She was in shock.

Rebecca slowly walked down the rose petal walkway picking up and reading the notes Kiro had written. The pianist played, the crowed snapped photos and cheered. Rebecca met Kiro just at the fountains edge. He asked the big question.

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Videography: ProperPix

Pianist: Mikhail Romanov