Proposal

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Where to Propose in NYC - COVID Update

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The best place to propose in New York City, COVID or no COVID, is outdoors. New York City provides countless iconic locations with uniquely New York backdrops. Outdoor Zoos (Central Park Zoo, Brooklyn Zoo, and the iconic Bronx Zoo), Botanical Gardens, skyline vistas, and parks (Central park, Gantry Plaza, Washington Square Park…) are some of the most popular places to propose, and the safest during COVID.

While proposing in a restaurant is romantic, it entails logistics and careful coordination with the restaurant staff. Most restaurants or indoor facilities will not allow you to take off your mask with others around. They also have ugly dividers and makeshift precautions that will be in your photos. While Grand Central Terminal is usually my go to indoor location when it rains or there is bad weather, during COVID you must wear a mask while in the terminal. This means, you’re going to have masks on in all of your photos.

Currently, there are no tourists in New York City. New York is now for the real New Yorkers, and because of this we now have unobstructed access to the city’s treasures; Central Park Bow Bridge, Gantry Plaza, Brooklyn Waterfront DUMBO, Brooklyn Promenade. When photographing your proposal we no longer have people staring, looking, and gathering with awkward faces in the background.

Central Park Proposal - Patrick and Maggie

Congrats on your engagement Patrick and Maggie!

A “picture perfect quintessential New York City Fall proposal” is how I’d describe photographing Patrick’s proposal to Maggie in Central Park. Patrick was confident in knowing where and how he’d propose. Choosing Central Park’s Model Boat Pond first thing in the morning on a Saturday was ideal for lighting, foliage, and limited crowds.

Proposing in central park during the fall is one of the perfect places to propose in nyc

Just on time Patrick and Maggie approached the pond like we discussed. Maggie didn’t suspect a thing. They took in the views and watched the sailboats whisk around the pond. Then, Patrick got down on one knee and it was clear Maggie was in shock.

As a proposal photographer with years of experience, i still get excited every time i photograph a proposal. Photographing each proposal feels like a new and unique experience.

Post proposal, their family and friends rushed in for hugs and a proper champagne celebration. Once emotions settled, I photographed a mini-engagement style shoot with the newly engaged couple around the pond. We switched up the look by dressing down (jackets off).

Pier 26 NYC Marriage Proposal - Robert and Dani

Congrats to New York City’s newest engaged couple, Robert and Dani!

proposal photographer or weather man?

After a long and cold rainy Fall day, photographing a secret marriage proposal in Lower Manhattan on Pier 26 on the Hudson River was what I needed to brighten the gloomy day. I discreetly photographed Robert and Dani from a fairly close distance prior Robert asking Dani to marry him. Then, when Robert got down on one knee I walked closer.

Photographing proposals in NYC just never gets old!

Post proposal we did a mini-engagement shoot. Just as my shutter snapped the last photo of the session the sky opened up, and it started raining once again.

Gantry Plaza Long Island City - Sunset Proposal

Congrats Danielle and Nick!

The best Lic Marriage proposal photographer is one that comes prepared.

Nick chose Long Island City’s Gantry Plaza for his marriage proposal as the couple lives down the block and they spend most of their free time in the park, along the East River over looking Manhattan. The timing of the proposal couldn’t have been more perfect, as the sun set behind New York City on this early Fall evening.

long island city’s gantry plaza captures what makes nyc great. its view of manhattan is a favorite of mine. plus, its rarely busy.

Just as the sun was setting Nick popped the question and Danielle instantly said “YES!”. Prior the big night, I coordinated with Nick on the timing and location of his proposal. I knew I would be loosing lighting throughout the proposal and he wanted to take family photos afterwards as well. So, I brought a small flash.

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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Rashad and Sara - Queens Marriage Proposal

Rashad chose Sara’s parents backyard in Queens, NY to propose while visiting from Philadelphia. Prior Sara’s arrival, Rashad decorated the backyard with candles, rose petals, and photos of the two of them. Leading up to his secret proposal, we discussed how I would photograph the moment and how he envisioned proposing.

Pier 25 Hudson River Park Marriage Proposal - Phil and Baylee

Proposing in New York City with a waterfront view

On any given summer or fall night one of the most perfect places to photograph a secret proposal in NYC is on Pier 25 on Lower Manhattan’s West Side. Along the Hudson River as the sun starts to set a warm light touches everything and everyone in its path to the horizon. On Pier 25, you’ll find unobstructed views of the World Trade Center, Statue of Liberty, and the Jersey City skyline as you watch the sun set.

Congrats, Phil and Baylee!

The plan. Every guy has to have a plan on how he is going to propose and how he will have it photographed. Phil planned to get drinks at Pier 25’s Grand Banks on the Hudson River, and then propose. Before Friday evening, we discussed the location where he’d pop the question, the pros/cons of each location, and variables. We decided to make a final game time decision that evening based on how busy the pier was. If the end of the pier was busy, we’d move the marriage proposal down the pier to here. If the end of the pier was not busy, Phil would propose just feet away from their table after paying the bill.

With Pier 25 being fairly empty for a beautiful mid-September evening (at sunset, nonetheless) we texted one another and confirmed he’d propose at the end of the pier.

Post proposal and candids, I congratulated NYC’s newest engaged couple, and then we did a mini-shoot.

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

BOOK NOW!