Photographing Dave's Secret Proposal at NYC Central Park’s Ladies Pavilion

Trying to pick the perfect fall day in New York City is an elusive task. “Will it rain?” or “Will it be super windy and cold” are the two big questions we are often asked when helping plan fall proposals. For David’s proposal at Ladies Pavillion on the West Side of Central Park, NYC these two questions were real factors as the day arrived. The temperature had dropped and that very morning it was drizzling, when the forecast mentioned no rain. I assured David the weather was going to improve, and it did.

I’m so glad he chose us to photograph his special moment. Our years of planning and experience photographing proposals all throughout New York City really came together. Photographing proposals in New York City during the fall is such a treat.

Where to propose on the West Side of Central Park?

The best place to propose in Central Park on the West side is Ladies Pavilion. Here you’ll take a short trip in to the park from Manhattan’s West Side and you’ll be transported to another place. We really like photographing proposal at Ladies Pavillion for the following reasons:

• You’ll have bits of the Manhattan skyline as the backdrop to your moment.

• You’re surrounded by water.

• It’s not terribly crowded because it’s off the beaten path.

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

Jacob's Lower Manhattan Pier 17 Proposal

Photographing this secret rooftop proposal was a real unique nyc moment

What makes Pier 17 rooftop in Lower Manhattan, NYC unique is, it’s free to access and open to the public. If you’re looking to guarantee your own closed off area and decorate the space, then I’d highly recommend working with The Greens Restaurant, as Jacob did for his private proposal.

How to plan a secret proposal?

Jacob worked with Ashley’s friends to make her believe she was going to a brunch.

How to plan your perfect proposal

KISS - Keep It Simple Silly | Don’t over think how you’re going to propose because plans change. When I helped Jacob plan his proposal we chose the rooftop of Pier 17 in Lower Manhattan because the restaurant atop Pier 17, The Greens, had a private outdoor seating area. We coordinated with the restaurant to use their private outdoor seating area and agreed to dine at The Greens restaurant post proposal, where the staff prepared champagne and a charcuterie board.

Choosing to propose on the roof of Pier 17 is a great choice. To start, the views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and Brooklyn are unobstructed. Next, the rooftop is never all that busy.

Decorating his proposal

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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

Mrinal and Serena's Bryant Park Ice Skating Rink Proposal

By arriving early, I was able to discreetly photograph the couple skating around the Bryant Park Ice Skating Rink amongst the public. The plan: Mrinal and Serena would take a private lesson on center rink. Private lessons have are allowed on the ice longer than the general public. Then, at the end of the private lesson Mrinal would propose to Serena. I photographed their moment from the sidelines and walked around to a few different vantage points.

How to propose on the ice at Bryant Park:

Step 1 is to coordinate with the Bryant Park Ice Skating Center to obtain permission. During the holidays, the rink is very busy and a proposal on the ice with the public skating around is strictly prohibited. It would be dangerous and rink officials will stop your proposal. Working with the rink officials will provide you a safe and beautiful moment.

Step 2: Select a time and work with us to photograph the moment.

Bryant Park during the winter is a perfect place to propose and kickoff the holiday season.

Mrinal planned tonight’s proposal perfectly with friends and family in attendance. After proposing center ice, Mrinal and his new fiance skated over to an ecstatic crowd. We took several posed photos and group photos before they skated off once again. This time it was for a “victory lap”. Afterwards, we took photos inside where horderves and a cake were waiting.

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

Here’s how we helped AJ plan and photograph his night time Little Island Park Proposal

Little Island on Manhattan’s West Side is quickly becoming one of the best places to propose in NYC. As a proposal photographer, I don’t only just take photos. I also offer my knowledge and experience. Each location has its pros and cons. Little Island is a great choice to propose because of its views and many different looks (grasses, water, concrete, and art installations).

What’s the best time of day to propose if you’re hiring a proposal photographer?

The best time of day to propose is dependent on location and what works for you. For evening proposal, it’s easier to get that special person dressed up and looking nice. However, not every location is suitable for nighttime photography. On tonight’s Little Island proposal session, we came prepared with a flash to light the night. We also worked with AJ, the guy proposing, to select a spot on Little Island with a view of the illuminated city behind them, so they didn’t have a dark black background.

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

Proposing at Rockefeller Center is quintessential NYC, regardless of the Christmas tree.

It didn’t matter to Zack that the world famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree wouldn’t be in attendance for his proposal. Zack knew if the tree was there, so would the crowds and that’s exactly what he did not want when proposing to Paige, lots of people shoulder to shoulder. As professional NYC Proposal Photographers, we help plan countless surprise proposals. Often, we advise against super popular and crowded areas for a number of reasons; it’s not as intimate, there are people walking in to your photo making awkward faces, and it can be hard to find one another/ pinpoint the exact spot.

We started our holiday season photographing a secret surprise proposal at Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall, and it was AWESOME!

For today’s proposal session, we advised Zack to go to Rockefeller Center later in the afternoon and before work ended for the day. We knew the Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music hall area wouldn’t be packed yet. Today’s early November proposal also was before the pre-holiday season rush.

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

Max and Abby's Central Park New York City Proposal

New York City is the perfect getaway no matter where you are from. Even native New Yorkers living outside of the city limits (Long Island, Westchester or the Hudson Valley) will plan staycations in NYC. So, it’s no wonder why people travel from far and wide to visit New York City for just a weekend, and there’s no better time to visit New York than in early fall.

For Max and Abby, of Miami Florida, this was the perfect weekend to visit NYC. The leaves were mid-foliage and the temperature had yet to drop. This weekend’s getaway trip was going to be a memorable one.

Propose first thing in morning so you can enjoy the day!

We love photographing surprise proposals all throughout New York City, and getting to meet new people over and over again. Max and Abby’s proposal was emotional, passionate, and surely genuine. As I photographed their moment, I quickly looked around to see a crowd cheering, and even some women wiping back tears. Photographing proposals in NYC is such a rush.

When helping Max plan his proposal I suggested proposing first thing in the morning for the following reasons:

• You won’t be nervous all day leading up to the moment!

• The morning light makes for great photos!

• You’ll have the whole day to celebrate.

Where to propose in central park?

As a proposal photographer, I’ve photographed countless moments all throughout New York. I always recommend picking a place that offers the following:

• Intimate and private setting - Find somewhere off the beaten path. Even in New York City, it’s possible! (Ladies Pavilion, Just after the Bow Bridge, or by the Gapstow Bridge)

• Somewhere with meaning - For some couples, the routine and normalcy of a typical Sunday morning is what they’re looking for because it has meaning. Last week, we photographed a proposal in Central Park at a couple’s usual Sunday morning bench where they drink coffee and play with their dog.

• Go for a view! - The Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO, Long Island City Gantry Plaza, The Edge in Hudson Yards, and Williamsburg, all offer amazing views of the city, which make a perfect backdrop to your proposal.

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