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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David's Hoboken New Jersey Secret Sunset Proposal

Capturing the New York City skyline is always spectacular, no matter what side we are photographing it from. As New York City Proposal Photographers, we are typically are asked to photograph proposals along the East River facing Manhattan’s East Side; Williamsburg, DUMBO, Brooklyn Bridge Park. However, as of recently we have been photographing more and more secret surprise proposals in New Jersey along the Hudson River.

David chose an area along the Hudson River in Hoboken, NJ on the grounds of Stevens Institute of Technology. The couple had in fact met here years prior, so it had meaning. We coordinated his proposal with the sun set.

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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Pranav's Hoboken Sunset Marriage Proposal

Why should you propose in Hoboken, NJ or Jersey City? If you’re from New Jersey the Hoboken Waterfront can be a great day trip destination with its’ unobstructed views of Manhattan, which are unrivaled. This area is never busy, unlike Brooklyn Bridge Park or Gantry Plaza in Long Island City. There are never tourists here either. The view is always clear and no matter which way you face you are guaranteed to get an amazing view of the NYC skyline.

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

Brenden's Springtime Central Park Proposal

Spring in New York City has a way of resetting everything—light, color, hope. For Brenden and Sarah, their surprise proposal just past Bow Bridge in Central Park captured that seasonal magic. With soft greenery budding, gentle light filtering through the trees, and the quiet charm of a less-traveled corner, it was a moment that felt both iconic and deeply personal.

The Proposal Story

We arrived during golden hour, when the daylight leans warm and shadows grow long. Brenden led Sarah to a spot just past Bow Bridge—one of my favorite nooks in the park, because it combines classic Central Park charm with extra privacy. As they rounded a bend past trees and natural arches, Brenden dropped to one knee. The light kissed their faces, the budding foliage framed them, and though the city lay beyond the trees, the moment felt like their own.

After the proposal, we took time strolling along nearby paths, taking portraits in the light—wide shots that included the skyline beyond, intimate close-ups under tree canopies, and medium frames that highlighted the spring colors and peacefulness of the surroundings. The contrast between the iconic Bow Bridge area and the quieter spots around it made for a rich visual story.

Why This Spot Works Beautifully

• Spring light & color: Budding trees, soft green tones, and warm golden hour make skin glow and foliage pop.

• Blend of iconic + private: Bow Bridge is well known, but spots just past it offer views and emotion without the crowd pressure.

• Natural framing: Trees, branches, arches—these help to frame the couple and create depth in photos.

• Flexible space: You can move between open views and shaded walkways without going far, which helps with compositional variety.

Tips for Planning Your Bow Bridge Spring Proposal

• Aim for late afternoon / golden hour, when light softens and your options for compositions multiply.

• Choose a weekday or off-peak time to find those quieter moments in the park.

• Dress for the season—lighter layers, something that complements spring greens and softer tones.

• Scout your route a little in advance so you know which paths frame the skyline, which lead through foliage, etc.

• Bring a photographer comfortable moving between shade and light and capturing candid moments—the magic often comes in natural gestures and unplanned little details.

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

Pietro's Brooklyn Botanical Garden Cherry Blossom Proposal

The warm Spring air is on the surface of every NYC breathe you take, and it means better days are coming. It also means a time for beautiful blooms to come to life. And what better place to capture the magic of spring than at Brooklyn Botanical Garden during peak cherry blossom season? If you're planning to propose in New York City in the month of April, this is the perfect spot to pop the question.

As a photographer, there's nothing more exciting than capturing a surprise proposal. It’s so real, and meaningful. It’s so important and yet quick, but not. Here are some tips to make your spring surprise proposal and engagement session at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden truly memorable:

1. Plan ahead: You’ll need a permit - So, reach out to the garden well in advance. Also, peak cherry blossom season typically lasts for only a week or two, so make sure to check the Garden's website for the most up-to-date information on the blooms.

2. The exact location: The Garden is massive, so it's important to discuss location with the garden staff. Typically, they’ll select a spot for you, which avoids the crowds and gives you privacy. Check out the Cherry Esplanade, Cherry Walk, and the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden for some of the most picturesque spots.

3. Timing is key: The best time for photos is during the "golden hour" when the sun is low in the sky and the light is soft and warm. Plan your proposal accordingly. How are you going to get your partner to the garden at the time you have selected?

4. Capturing the proposal: Of course, the highlight of the session will be the proposal itself. Relax! Go with the flow!

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

Cedrick's Surprise Proposal on NYC Governors Island

Photographing a surprise proposal on Governors Island is a truly special and memorable experience Unlike many parts of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island city where there’s minimal effort to get to, Governors Island requires a ferry. A ferry is the only way to get to Governors Island, and the views are well worth a quick ferry ride. Here are a few tips to make sure the moment is captured perfectly:

1. Plan ahead: Work with a professional proposal photographer to iron out of the the logistics of the proposal in advance. This includes deciding on the exact location, time of day, ferry times, and any special requests or details you would like captured.

2. Be discreet: It's important to blend in. We are just another tourists admiring the sites of NYC!

3. Capture the emotion: The moment is way more than just a photo of someone on their knee.

4. Have fun: Engagements are a happy and exciting occasion, so don't forget to enjoy the moment

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