Brian and Arielle's Brooklyn Bridge Park Proposal

When Manhattan comes to Brooklyn to propose.

Brooklyn Bridge Park offers magnificent views of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, the World Trade Center, and a glimpse of the Empire State Building. This iconic NYC destination is a top destination for tourists and locals alike for obvious reasons. However, from the Upper East Side, Brooklyn can seem a world away. If you’re looking to propose to your partner in Brooklyn, or elsewhere, and it’s a bit of a trek, think about the how, why, and when of your proposal. For tonight’s proposal, Brian convinced Arielle that they were going to a dinner in DUMBO.

Brian and Arielle arrived at Brooklyn Bridge Park in the late afternoon. The route from DUMBO gave them a walk over cobblestone paths and views of bridges and water that set the stage. As light softened, the skyline’s reflection in the East River became visible, and lampposts warmed into an amber glow. Brian chose a spot along the waterfront with open view lines to Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the WTC. When he proposed, the ambient city backdrop and river added to the scene. The photographer used wide frames to capture the skyline and park, and closer frames for the emotion between them. Because it was evening, fewer people were around, and the light was flattering without harsh midday sun.

Why Brooklyn Bridge Park Works Well for Proposals

  • Very strong skyline features — Manhattan, bridges, the WTC — are visible from many vantage points.

  • Waterfront setting gives space for reflections and open frames that emphasize place and view.

  • Paths, piers, benches, and other architectural elements offer flexibility in framing: wide, medium, and close.

  • At sunset/evening times, crowd levels often drop, allowing more privacy.

  • Lighting shifts in evening (sunset) help with softer shadows, color in sky, and balance between ambient (city) light and natural light.

Tips for Planning a Proposal at Brooklyn Bridge Park

  • Time the proposal for late afternoon / just before sunset when light is warm and crowds start to fade.

  • Scout out key view spots in advance so you know where skyline landmarks align best.

  • Choose a path or pier with minimal clutter in the background for cleaner frames.

  • Wear colors that contrast with the city skyline and river — avoid tones that blend into background.

  • Work with a photographer experienced with waterfront lighting and low-light conditions.

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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Proposing at Sunset in Front of the Brooklyn Bridge - DUMBO NYC

There’s something unforgettable about the moment the sun starts dipping low, casting warm golden light across the East River. As a NYC proposal photographer, I get to witness those magical moments—just like this one, when Rick proposed under soft summer hues in DUMBO, right in front of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Why DUMBO & the Brooklyn Bridge are a Perfect Proposal Setting

  • Stunning Iconic Views: The Brooklyn Bridge is unmistakable—its soaring towers and cables make for dramatic backdrops. Combine that with the Manhattan skyline across the water, and you get epic photos.

  • Golden Hour Light: Sunset in DUMBO brings that flattering, warm glow—perfect for romantic portraits. The light softens before it fades, giving everything a dreamy, cinematic quality.

  • Water & Urban Contrast: The combination of river reflections, cobblestone walkways, and exposed architecture adds texture and depth. It’s an urban setting, but with just enough nature and open sky to balance things beautifully.

  • Accessibility + Visual Drama: DUMBO is easy to reach from Brooklyn or Manhattan. Yet once you’re there, the location feels special—the bridges, the promenade, the skyline—it all works together for a memorable surprise.

Capturing the Moment

On that summer evening, I arrived early to scope out angles and anticipate where the light would fall. As the sun dropped, it softened, turning the water gold and casting long, romantic shadows. I positioned myself where the Brooklyn Bridge would frame Rick as he knelt—so when she looked up, everything would feel cinematic.

After she said yes, we took advantage of the sunset glow, wandering along the water, letting the light and architecture do the storytelling. The result: a mix of emotional candids, wide cityscapes, and intimate portraits that are meaningful and dramatic.

If you’re thinking about proposing in NYC—especially in a spot like DUMBO with views of the Brooklyn Bridge—let’s talk about making it unforgettable. A proposal should feel like you, beautiful, carefully planned, and perfectly captured.

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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Jane's Carousel DUMBO Proposal

Sometimes there’s just no time for tradition. For Taylor, that was the case when proposing to Jordan at the Brooklyn Bridge Park in front of Jane’s Carousel. Jordan instantly knew he was going to propose as he went for his sweater pocket. As he pulled out the ring she ecstatically screamed “YES”

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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Memories of a Former Attorney General - Bill Barr

Photographing the former Attorney General at the University Club comprised of capturing a meet and greet, a formal speaking session, and a book signing. When photographing events, no matter who the subject is or the event, I always try to show emotion and energy in my photos. It’s so easy to capture attendees looking bored and uninterested. A quality event photographer searches for and capture the little moments that matter the most; smiles, laughing, clapping, hand waving.

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Blue Ridge Ironman - Roanoke, Virginia

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The 2022 Carilion Clinic Ironman 70.3 Virginia's Blue Ridge race marked the race’s second year in Roanoke, Virginia. The Ironman triathlon showed off both the Blue Ridge Mountains and southwest Virginia to people from around the world and around the country. Triathletes started at Carvin’s Cove with a swim, then biked along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and lastly ran throughout downtown Roanoke.

Photographing an Ironman

Today’s assignment really focussed on capturing the location of the race, and not so much the athletes themselves. My goal and purpose was to highlight the area’s unique mountains, the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, and the terrain. Throughout the day I walked, I hiked up hill sides to get unique vantage points, I hopped on a boat, and I road on the back of motorcycle all to successfully document the Roanoke Blue Ridge Ironman 70.3.

NYC In Office Marketing Photography Session

My Photos tell stories and connect people.

An advertising and marketing photographer works with his clients to create eye-catching photographs. Depending on the campaign, I’ll photograph models, regular everyday employees, product(s), buildings, and/or places. However, the goal is the same. Tell as story, convey a point, and to connect people to people or people to ideas.

On this assignment with Ascentail, a global data and analytics company, I was hired to tell the story of working at Ascential. What does company culture look like? What does working at one of Ascential’s offices feel like in 2022?

To feel authentic we didn’t stage rooms or create mock scenarios. We simply let people be people. Luckily, the day we organized our photoshoot was the first day back in the New York City office post-COVID.