Alex and Dan's Port Washington, Long Island Backyard Wedding

Congrats Alex and Dan! I loved photographing Alex and Dan’s backyard wedding in Port Washington, NY. The backyard of their 1920s colonial was the perfect place for a fall “micro-wedding”. The setting was not only intimate, but beautiful. Working with this couple was super easy. All they wanted photographed was a few brief getting ready photos, the ceremony, family photos, and of course photos of themselves.

Photographing a backyard Long Island Wedding

You don’t need 150+ guests, a catering hall or a country club, and large expenses to get married. That’s what COVID-19 taught so many of us.

As a Long Island Wedding Photographer, I get to capture weddings of all sizes and complexities both here on the island and elsewhere. What I really enjoy about photographing smaller weddings is the simplicity of the day and seeing how at ease everyone is. I still get to capture all of the same photos without the stress of “Are we running on time?”. The same moments occur and the same level of detail exists on these wedding days.

Abraham's Proposal atop The Hudson Yards’ The Edge

Photographing Abraham’s proposal atop The Edge at Hudson Yards during sunset was a moment I won’t forget. Although we missed photographing the pure warm golden hour light, the moments after sunset proved to be just amazing as well. It was the type of light we photographers chase and hope for.

The Proposal Plan: Abraham and Valerie arrived, and Abraham asked me, “a stranger”, if I could take a photo of the two of them with his iPhone. I took a several photos and gave them a few instructions. Then, Abraham turned to Valerie, and started to tell her about all of the reasons he loved her. Perfectly, just as the sun was hitting the horizon Abraham dropped to one knee and popped question. Valerie was so shocked, full of emotion, and simply ecstatic. Her reaction was so genuine.

How to plan a proposal at The Edge

You’ll have to buy tickets to visit The Edge at Hudson Yards, and so will your photographer. Many people ask when is the best time to propose at The Edge, and the best answer is mornings or afternoons, just not mid-day The lighting is so good at The Edge, as the light reflects off of the building on to the viewing deck.

To propose at The Edge and have your moment photographed by a professional proposal photographer book your tickets, and have your NYC proposal photographer book his/her tickets for 20 minutes before you. That way they are up top before you. Once up top, my favorite spot to capture proposals is the one facing East with the Empire State Building in the background.

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

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