Proposal

Matt's Sunset Brooklyn Promenade Surprise Proposal

There’s nothing like golden hour along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade—the sky painted in warm tones, the Manhattan skyline glowing in the distance, and a perfect place to stop time for just one moment. That’s where Matt chose to propose to Amanda: early fall, sunset light, crisp breeze—all the elements aligned for a beautiful surprise.

Why the Brooklyn Heights Promenade Is a Stunning Proposal Location

  • Broad, sweeping skyline views — From the Promenade, you get expansive views of Manhattan spread out over the East River. The Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, the tall skyscrapers, the riverside, all under warm evening light.

  • Soft, romantic light at sunset — As the sun dips, the golden hour softens edges, warms skin tones, and creates a mood in every frame. Perfect for capturing candid joy.

  • Comfortable weather, intimate setting — In early fall, there’s a sweet crispness in the air. It isn’t too cold yet. The light breeze adds texture without inconvenience. It felt private, even though the location is iconic.

  • Easy access + iconic charm — The Promenade is accessible, well-known, and instantly romantic. It has all the visual drama without the awkward logistics.

Capturing Matt & Amanda’s Moment

Matt planned everything carefully. We timed the proposal to catch the sun just as it kisses the skyline and casts that golden glow across the river. I arrived a bit early to identify spot-on vantage points—places where the city, water, light, and Promenade elements would all come together beautifully.

As the light softened and the shadows lengthened, Matt led Amanda toward the railing, pausing for that perfect moment. He got down on one knee as the sky blushed evening hues. Her surprise. Their joy. The horizon is glowing behind them. Every frame carried emotion—big and small.

After she said yes, we wandered along the Promenade, capturing portraits with the skyline backdrop, laughter in motion, and quiet moments bathed in golden light. Because when the setting is right, even the simplest moments look cinematic.

Brooklyn Heights Promenade is one of those places that feels both grand and intimate. The view, the light, the city in soft focus behind you—it all adds up to memories that feel larger than life and personally meaningful.

If you’re considering a proposal in Brooklyn—somewhere with skyline, warmth, and authenticity—I’d love to help you plan every detail and capture the moment you’ll remember forever.

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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A Golden Hour LIC Gantry Plaza Proposal

Gantry Plaza, Long Island City, is the perfect backdrop to capture a surprise proposal—with its sweeping New York City skyline and surprisingly peaceful vibes. There are a few spots in the city where you can see the Empire State Building, the United Nations, and the 59th Street Bridge all at once—and at Gantry Plaza, you get that view without the crush of tourists.

The Long Island City waterfront captures New York City perfectly because of those iconic skyline moments and golden hour magic. What I love most about shooting proposal sessions at Gantry Plaza State Park is how intimate it feels—despite the sweeping views. During golden hour, light softens everything: buildings glow, water shimmers, and the city seems to quiet just enough for real moments to shine.

Tips for Planning a Gantry Plaza Proposal

If you’re considering popping the question at Gantry Plaza, here are a few tips to make your moment unforgettable:

  • Timing is everything — Sunset offers soft, flattering light and a dramatic skyline backdrop.

  • Scout the spot — There are multiple piers, garden paths, and hidden corners to choose from—each with its own view and character.

  • Hire a photographer — Proposals fly by; having someone there to capture the raw emotions means you can relive the moment forever.

  • Celebrate nearby — After, LIC has cozy restaurants and rooftop bars to toast your moment with views still in your heart.

Why Gantry Plaza State Park is a Great Choice

Gantry Plaza State Park is often underrated, but it offers a mix of attributes that make proposals here feel special:

  • Panoramic Skyline Views — You get multiple iconic NYC landmarks in view, making for instantly recognizable photos.

  • Privacy + Calm — Compared to Midtown hotspots, LIC tends to be less crowded, especially during golden hour.

  • Versatility in Light & Angles — Waterfront paths, piers, and garden spots give lots of options depending on your style and the light.

  • Romantic Ambience — The combination of water, sunset glow, and open sky gives a cinematic feel without needing elaborate setups.

Ready to plan your unforgettable moment with the Manhattan skyline behind you? Let’s talk.

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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Photographing Frank's Pier 45 NYC Secret Marriage Proposal

Pier 45 on Manhattan’s West Village is right the West Village. It’s views are unique compared to the other NYC piers, as it’s slightly more North than Pier 25, it has no restaurants on it’s West End, and it has unobstructed views facing South (World Trade Center) and North (Empire State Building and Hudson Yards).

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

TOP OF THE ROCK NYC NIGHT TIME PROPOSAL | Dan and Lindsay

Dan proposed to Lindsay Friday night atop Rockefeller Center at Top of the Rock while they were in NYC for the weekend. After getting up to the 68th floor, he got down on one knee and popped the question with the breathtaking view of the city as a backdrop! Proposing at night added a whole new dimension and depth to their special moment.

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

Central Park Resevoir Evening Proposal

The Central Park reservoir was a perfect location for this golden hour surprise marriage proposal! Brian chose this part of Central Park for both it’s quietness and for its’ meaning in the couples relationship. It’s a place that is special to them as they’d frequently walk this walk.

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

Steppingstone Park Surprise Proposal | Long Island Proposal Photographer

Photographing Nathan’s secret proposal on Long Island was a great change of pace for our team of proposal photographers. While most of our proposals are in New York City, Manhattan and Brooklyn, we also photograph on Long Island. The sites might change, but the job is the same. Discretely photograph the proposal and the emotins that follow!

Today, we took the LIRR to Great Neck, NY where we visited Steppingstone Park. This discreet public park, which is only open to Great Neck residents, provided the perfect intimate backdrop for an afternoon summertime proposal.

Our way to photograph a secret proposal is as follows:

Important: Scout the Location: Before the proposal day, visit Steppingstone Park in Great Neck, NY to familiarize yourself with the area. Look for the best vantage points, lighting conditions, and possible obstacles to ensure you capture the moment perfectly. Things always happen day of, so we arrive early and we expect the unexpected!

  1. Use a Telephoto Lens: To maintain a discreet distance while still getting close-up shots, use a zoom or a “telephoto lens”. This helps us capture the proposal without being intrusive.

  2. Natural Lighting: Natural light can add a beautiful touch to your photographs. The worst time photograph is at noon! You’ll have harsh shadows and “not good colors”

  3. Strike when the moment is right: Candid shots are precious, especially during a surprise proposal. We always keep our camera at our side and we don’t start photographing until you are clearly proposing. We don’t want to ruin your moment.

  4. Capture Reactions: Candid shots are precious, especially during a surprise proposal. The surprise is on your partner, so that’s where we focus to start.

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