Sam's Domino Park Williamsburg Brooklyn Sunset Proposal

I was so excited to share my favorite photos from Sam and Ruby’s surprise proposal in Williamsburg, Brooklyn! I love when new client’s reach out super excited because we photographed their friend’s surprise NYC marriage proposal. As New York City’s leading secret marriage proposal photographer, we are taken to the city’s top destinations, sometimes public and other times private. Domino Park along the East River waterfront is just one of those special places; minimal tourists, amazing view, and a ton of awesome places nearby to explore.

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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Thomas' Brooklyn Bridge Park Proposal

As a New York City proposal photographer, I can confidently say, “I LOVE MY JOB and I so dearly love this city”. Being able to be the first person to say “Congrats” and to be able to document the moment, and the moments that follow, is amazing. The Brooklyn waterfront from Brooklyn Bridge Park to Williamsburg is a great place to capture your big moment with context. Our favorite spot in Brooklyn Bridge Park is right near the carousel , as the World Trade Center and Brooklyn Bridge lineup perfectly behind you. Anik chose the perfect place with the perfect weather and lighting for his surprise proposal.

Planning Tips for a Proposal Here

  • Best Time of Day: Sunset is ideal because the light softens and the skyline begins to glow. Nighttime proposals also work well with the city lights.

  • Crowd Levels: Weekdays are quieter. Weekends can be busy, especially near Jane’s Carousel, so timing matters.

  • Photography Considerations: Choose a spot with a clean view line to the skyline, and allow for space around you so the photographer can capture wide, medium, and close shots.

  • Accessibility: The park is easy to reach by subway and offers multiple pathways along the waterfront for flexibility in choosing a proposal spot.

Why Brooklyn Bridge Park Works Well for Proposals

  • Strong skyline elements (Brooklyn Bridge, World Trade Center) provide instantly recognizable backdrops.

  • The waterfront gives reflections, open vistas, and natural spacing that help with composition.

  • The spot near the carousel is visually interesting yet accessible, balancing backdrop and privacy.

  • Timing near golden hour or sunset helps soften light, reduce harsh shadows, and enhance color contrast between sky and city.

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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Jonathan & Becca’s NYC Trash The Dress Session

There’s something wildly freeing about a “Trash The Dress” session—when wedding day formal wear meets unexpected places, textures, and movement. On their first anniversary, Jonathan and Becca embraced just that kind of adventure. We wandered through some of New York’s most iconic spots—Central Park, The Met, Ralph’s Coffee on the Upper East Side, a yellow taxi, and even the subway—to turn ordinary sidewalks into storytelling backdrops.

The weather couldn’t have been more perfect. Cool air, crisp light, the hum of the city, and their joy made every frame feel alive. Becca’s dress, paired with autumn city texture, be it a street mural or subway tile, created contrast and energy. And Jonathan + Becca? Super game for whatever came next—which made the session both fun and genuine.

Why a Trash The Dress Session Feels So Powerful

  • Contrast & Emotion — Wedding dresses are usually pristine and formal; when you pair that with gritty city scenes (subway, street, concrete), you get drama, story, and sometimes even a little bit of rebellion.

  • No Pressure, Just Play — These sessions allow couples to let go: to move more freely, get messy or spontaneous, and enjoy the moment beyond the ceremony.

  • Visual Variety — Changing locations (coffee shops, parks, taxis, interiors, architecture) means you’ll end up with a diverse set of images: moody, candid, fun, reflective.

  • Memories That Break Expectations — A trash the dress shoot isn’t just about destroying fabric; it’s about capturing boldness, authenticity, and moments people didn’t plan for but will never forget.

Tips If You’re Considering One

  • Pick spots that feel meaningful or visually strong to you—an old café, your favorite street, someplace with texture and color.

  • Be flexible in your outfit: a dress that you don’t mind getting a little dirty or wrinkled. Maybe bring a backup if you want a mix.

  • Go during times of day when light is flattering but crowds are workable (early morning, late afternoon).

  • Have fun with it! The best photos often come from movement, laughter, and unexpected moments.

  • Work with a photographer who’s comfortable shooting in mixed light, unusual spaces, and with spontaneity.

Jonathan Heisler Photography is composed of NYC photographers specializing in private proposals, engagement sessions, wedding photography, and adventurous shoots like these.

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Our Guide to Planning and Photographing Your NYC Proposal

Having photographed over 2,500 surprise marriage proposals in New York City, we’ve learned a lot about what makes a proposal perfect, beautiful, and stress-free. From lighting and crowds to how to get to “X” location at “Y” time without tipping anyone off—we’ve got you covered.

Step 1: Let’s Talk Details

We’ll start with a call or email to discuss your proposal vision—date, time, location, and how you want the moment to feel. I’ll answer any and all questions you might have, and walk you through our process.

Step 2: Create an Agreement

Step 3: Proposal Day! - We have a photo of you, you have a photo of us.

On the big day, your photographer arrives about 30 minutes early. We want to ensure we are 1) there before you and 2) the spot is good to go; lighting, crowds, and the view! We’ll send over a selfie that’s “marked up” (see below), so you know exactly who to look for and where /how to stand for the best angles. We emphasize catching authentic emotion; your partner’s reaction is always the priority. We move around as we capture.

When do you get your photos, and how many photos?

All photos captured are delivered edited, full resolution print ready, and without watermarks within 7 days. These are 100% your photos.

FAQs on how we capture a picture perfect surprise marriage proposal in NYC

  • FAQ #1 - Are your proposal photos staged? No — all the proposals you see are real, not posed.

  • FAQ #2 - Do you hide somewhere? Not exactly. We stay close nearby, camera ready, but not hidden in bushes. NYC has enough lurking cameras already.

  • FAQ #3 - When do you start photographing? Once you’re clearly proposing. We wait for that moment so the surprise stays intact.

  • FAQ #4 - Do you know what you look like to my partner? Yes. We’ll exchange photos with you so your partner doesn’t recognize us early on.

    Tips and tricks to being a ROCKSTAR NYC Proposal Photographer

  • TIP #1 Let us know what you’re wearing and text us when you’re 5minutes away, so we can ensure the spot is ready for you and not crowded.

  • TIP #2 The photographer will stand in the spot, so no one else is there. As you approach the spot, your photographer will walk out of the spot, and you’ll walk in to the spot.

  • TIP #3 Ask us to snap a candid photo of you two with your phone just before you propose. It helps loosen things up, gives you a fun keepsake, and nobody suspects—the real camera is already ready.

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Brooklyn Bridge Park Sunset Proposal

Capture the smile on their face. Capture the moment when the next chapter of your life begins. I will help you plan and discreetly photograph your Brooklyn, NY surprise proposal. The Brooklyn waterfront from Brooklyn Bridge Park to Williamsburg is a great place to capture your big moment with context. Our favorite spot in Brooklyn Bridge Park is right near the carousel as the World Trade Center and Brooklyn Bridge lineup perfectly behind you. Anik chose the perfect place with the perfect weather and lighting for his surprise proposal.

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!