Proposal

Jose's Proposal Atop The Edge at Hudson Yards

There’s something unforgettable about a proposal with the world at your feet—city lights stretching in all directions, sky above you, and a moment suspended in the air. That’s what Jose planned when he proposed atop The Edge in Hudson Yards: sweeping views, dramatic height, and a love-filled surprise with NYC as the backdrop.

Why The Edge at Hudson Yards is a Stunning Choice

  • Panoramic, Unobstructed Views — At The Edge, glass walls allow you to see the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, the World Trade Center, and all of Midtown below. It’s skyline drama without concrete walls cutting off your view.

  • Spacious Observation Deck — Unlike smaller observation decks that feel cramped and crowded, The Edge offers plenty of space, which means more freedom to move, more variety of angles, and less stress from onlookers.

  • Less Crowded, More Elevated — Because of its height and sheer design, The Edge feels more “above it all.” The sense of altitude and perspective adds mood, intimacy, and cinematic scale.

Capturing Jose’s Moment: Light, Height, Emotion

Jose arrived with everything planned: he picked the time of day when the sky would still glow but city lights would start to come alive. I met him earlier to scout the best vantage points—where the glass barrier reflects the skyline just right, where the sun’s fading glow softens shadows without darkening faces.

As the moment approached, Jose led his partner out to the deck. Between panoramic city vistas and the hum of evening below, he knelt. She said yes.

We captured reaction moments—her surprise, his emotion—using the light, height, and reflections around them. After the proposal, we stayed up top: portraits with the city stretching out behind them, close-ups, wide frames, silhouettes against the sky, letting the unique vantage carry the story.

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

BOOK NOW!

Chris’s Secret Gantry Plaza Proposal, Long Island City

GANTRY PLAZA, LONG ISLAND CITY IS THE PERFECT PLACE in nyc TO CAPTURE YOUR SURPRISE PROPOSAL with a view and privacy!

There’s something about a surprise proposal at Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City—it’s the blend of dramatic NYC skyline views and peaceful moments that aren’t obvious to most. Chris chose this spot for his secret proposal, and with the Empire State Building, 59th Street Bridge, and the United Nations in view, the setting couldn’t have been more iconic. But what made the moment even more special was how intimate it felt, despite being in one of the city’s most visible places.

The Proposal Story:
Chris planned everything carefully so that the proposal would feel genuine, heartfelt, and unforced. They arrived at Gantry shortly before sunset, with soft golden light stretching across the water and casting a glow on the cityscape behind them. As they walked along the waterfront promenade, Chris led his partner toward one of the piers overlooking the river. Surrounded by warm light and calm reflections, Chris knelt and asked the question—just the two of them (though with the city as their witness). The reaction, the surprise, the laughter, and tears—those emotional moments are what make photos like these timeless.

Why Gantry Plaza State Park is a Great Choice:

  • Skyline & Water Views: You get clear lines of the Midtown skyline—Empire State Building, bridges, waterfront—so many iconic NYC elements in one frame.

  • Golden Light Potential: Late afternoon into sunset gives dramatic soft lighting that flatters skin, buildings, and water.

  • Relatively Private Vibes: Even in popular times, LIC tends to be less crowded than Manhattan hotspots. Parts of the park feel secluded, giving couples room for genuine moments.

  • Great Variety: Gantry offers piers, benches, trees, and open sky—so you can switch spots easily for different looks (wide, medium, close-up) without moving far.

Tips for Planning a Secret Proposal Here:

  • Choose a time near golden hour (sunset) to get that beautiful warm light and avoid harsh midday shadows.

  • Visit midweek or just before the busiest evening hours to minimize crowd interference.

  • Consider outfit choices that work well with the colors and contrast of the skyline + sunset—solid colors, layers, etc.

  • Scout a few vantage points ahead of time (piers, benches, waterfront paths) so you can adjust if something doesn’t feel right.

  • Bring a photographer who knows the area, understands light changes by the water, and can help with discreet positioning so the surprise stays intact.

Chris’s secret proposal at Gantry Plaza is a reminder of how much power the right place + time + feeling has. Even in a city full of iconic spots, it’s the moments of genuine surprise, connection, and love that resonate forever.

If you’re thinking about planning your own secret proposal in NYC—LIC, Gantry, Central Park, or anywhere meaningful—Jonathan Heisler Photography is here to help you create and capture an unforgettable memory.


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

BOOK NOW!

Henry's Pier 45 Propsal

Pier 45 on Manhattan’s West Village is right next to the West Village. It’s views are unique compared to 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

Alvin's Snowy Prospect Park NYC Proposal

How cool is this, you’re proposing in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park and it finally snows in NYC. Secretly photographing Alvin’s proposal at the boathouse was a real treat, and having his puppy there was just icing on the cake.


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

BOOK NOW!

Golden Winter Sunset Engagement at Pier 17, South Street Seaport

As a NYC engagement photographer, I’m always looking for locations that combine breathtaking views with a truly New York atmosphere. Pier 17 at the South Street Seaport checks every box — and on February 12th, this engagement session unfolded under one of the most beautiful winter sunsets I’ve ever seen. The golden light spilled across the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge glowed in the background, and boats moved gently in the harbor, creating a perfect canvas for timeless photos.

Why Pier 17 is a Stunning Engagement Location

Located in Lower Manhattan, Pier 17 offers a 360-degree visual feast: the Brooklyn Bridge to one side, the shimmering city skyline to the other, and the river stretching endlessly into the horizon. Its open-air decks and glass railings give you unobstructed views, making it easy to capture both intimate moments and sweeping cityscapes.

In winter, Pier 17 has a special kind of magic — the crisp air keeps crowds away, the sun sets earlier, and the light turns warm and golden against the cool tones of the water and skyline.

Couples love Pier 17 for:

  • Panoramic views — Brooklyn Bridge, Lower Manhattan skyline, and the East River all in one frame.

  • Dynamic backgrounds — ferries, sailboats, and seasonal décor on the pier.

  • Easy access — close to subway stops and charming cobblestone streets in the Seaport District.

Capturing the Session

We began the session just before golden hour, when the sky was still pale blue and the first warm tones were touching the skyline. The couple laughed and strolled along the pier, the Brooklyn Bridge arching gracefully behind them. As the sun dipped lower, we turned toward the water for those once-in-a-season shots — the skyline glowing, boats catching the last light, and the couple silhouetted against the river.

The final images were a perfect mix of candid joy and cinematic city views, the kind of photographs that tell both the couple’s story and the story of New York itself.

Planning Your Pier 17 Engagement Session

If you’re considering Pier 17 for your engagement photos, aim for a sunset session in winter or early spring. The light is unbeatable, and the cooler months mean more privacy. Pair your session with a stroll through South Street Seaport’s historic streets for a full gallery of varied, quintessentially NYC images.

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

BOOK NOW!