Zach's Christmas Surprise Proposal at Lotte New York Palace Hotel Courtyard | NYC Proposal Photographer

New York City during the holidays is pure awesome. It’s just like the movies and you’re the main character walking amongst the set of life—and Zach’s surprise proposal captured everything that makes a Christmas engagement in NYC unique. From the iconic holiday lights and sounds to an elegant courtyard, this proposal at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel was the perfect blend of romance, simplicity, and festive charm.

As a NYC surprise proposal photographer, moments like this during the holiday seasons are my super bowl.

From Radio City Rockettes to a Christmas Proposal in NYC

I always tell clients “You need a reason to get your partner to go to X location at Y time”. Zach planned the perfect Thursday evening in Manhattan. The night began with one of New York City’s most iconic holiday traditions—the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes. After the show, the couple had a reservation 2 blocks East at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel for drinks. What Zach’s girlfriend didn’t know? Zach had one more surprise waiting.

The Lotte New York Palace Hotel Courtyard Christmas Tree

One block behind St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Madison Ave, the Lotte New York Palace Hotel courtyard is one of Midtown’s hidden gems—especially during the holidays. The Christmas tree glows softly and the crowds are not shoulder to should, offering a more intimate alternative to Rockefeller Center while still feeling unmistakably New York.

Why Propose at Lotte New York Palace Hotel?

Timing, positioning, and discretion are everything when photographing a surprise engagement in New York City. This proposal was carefully planned so that I could blend into the surroundings while capturing every emotion—from the proposal itself to the celebratory hugs and laughter that followed.

The Lotte New York Palace Hotel courtyard is ideal for couples who want:

• A romantic and elegant NYC proposal location

• Christmas decorations without overwhelming crowds

• Proximity to iconic Midtown landmarks

• A refined, classic New York feel

It’s especially perfect after events like Broadway shows or the Radio City Rockettes—making it easy to build a full proposal experience into your evening.

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

Ralph Lauren–Inspired Holiday Engagement Session on the Upper East Side | NYC Engagement Photographer

A Timeless New York City Holiday Engagement Shoot

New York City during the holiday season feels especially cinematic at night. As the crowds disappear, Madison Avenue glows with warm light, and the Upper East Side slows to a refined, intimate pace. As a New York City engagement photographer specializing in candid, editorial-style imagery, this quieter side of Manhattan is where I feel most inspired—particularly for elegant holiday engagement sessions in NYC.

Upper East Side Holiday Engagement Photos Inspired by Ralph Lauren

Mel and Brendan’s Upper East Side holiday engagement session was inspired by the classic Ralph Lauren aesthetic. And what better for this look than the flagship Ralph Lauren store. The shoot felt nostalgic, understated, and effortlessly simple—capturing soft storefront light, elegant architecture, and quiet moments that felt cinematic rather than staged.

The evening atmosphere gave the session an almost private feel, as if we had the neighborhood entirely to ourselves—something only possible during a nighttime holiday engagement shoot in New York City.

Luxury Holiday Engagement Sessions on the Upper East Side

For couples searching for a New York City engagement photographer offering simple timeless engagement sessions, the Upper East Side provides an elegant alternative to traditional Central Park portraits. This Ralph Lauren–inspired engagement shoots, regardless of Christmas, is ideal for couples drawn to classic New York style, cinematic imagery, and photographs that will feel just as meaningful years from now. There are no crazy poses. No trendy filters.

If you’re planning a holiday proposal in NYC—at Rockefeller Center or anywhere that holds meaning—Jonathan Heisler Photography would be honored to help you craft your moment and capture it beautifully.

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

Ralph Lauren–Inspired Christmas Holiday Photo Sessions on the Upper East Side NYC

New York City during the holiday season has a timeless magic—especially at night, when the crowds disappear and the city feels cinematic and intimate as Madison Avenue’s lights twinkle alive. As a NYC photographer specializing in candid, editorial-style portraits, this quiet side of the city is my favorite. I love it so much, I call it home. The lights glow warm, the streets slow down, and Manhattan becomes the perfect backdrop for refined, romantic Christmas photo sessions.

Eva and Josh’s Upper East Side Christmas couples session captured that exact feeling. Inspired by the classic elegance of Ralph Lauren’s holiday aesthetic, their shoot felt sophisticated, nostalgic, and effortlessly stylish. The evening was calm and cinematic, with soft storefront light and a sense of quiet romance—like we had the entire neighborhood to ourselves.

Living on the Upper East Side, I pass the Ralph Lauren flagship Upper East Side at night and always captures my attention, especially during the holidays. After hours, when the tourists are gone, the store’s warm glow transforms the block into something out of Hollywood. By day, the street is packed with visitors photographing the storefront and their Ralph’s coffee, but at night it becomes still, elegant, and unmistakably New York. That contrast sparked the idea for these Ralph Lauren–inspired Christmas holiday photo sessions in NYC.

The timeless appeal of Ralph Lauren’s holiday imagery has even been recognized by The New York Times, which recently highlighted how the brand’s Christmas visuals tap into nostalgia, craftsmanship, and classic American luxury. Those same principles and ascetic are ones I wanted to incorporate in to a Ralph Lauren inspired Holiday Session —images that feel elevated, editorial, and enduring rather than trendy or overdone (no filters here).

I shared this vision on Instagram, hoping the right couple would connect with it—and Eva and Josh were the perfect match. Their session brought together Upper East Side architecture, understated holiday décor, and a refined wardrobe that felt straight out of a Ralph Lauren Christmas campaign.

For couples, families, and individuals looking for luxury Christmas photo sessions in NYC, especially on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, these Ralph Lauren–inspired holiday shoots offer a timeless alternative to traditional holiday portraits in Central Park. Elegant, cinematic, and rooted in classic New York style, they’re designed to feel as beautiful years from now as they do today.

Why the Ralph Lauren Store Is Perfect for Christmas Photos in NYC

If you’re dreaming of a luxury Christmas engagement session in NYC, the Ralph Lauren store on the Upper East Side is hard to beat. It offers:

• Classic New York architecture

• Elegant holiday décor without feeling overdone

• Warm window light that photographs beautifully at night

• A timeless backdrop that never goes out of style

• No crowds.

For couples who want editorial, romantic, and elevated holiday photos, this location is a favorite—especially after hours when the streets are calm and the magic feels personal.

If you’re planning a holiday proposal in NYC—at Rockefeller Center or anywhere that holds meaning—Jonathan Heisler Photography would be honored to help you craft your moment and capture it beautifully.

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

Upper East Side Proposal Photographer | East 73rd Street Holiday Lights in NYC

One of the hidden and under rated gems of the Upper East Side during Christmas is the iconic East 73rd Street Christmas lights, a beloved tradition that has quietly transformed this residential block into a winter wonderland for over 20 years. Located between Second and Third Avenues, the street comes alive each year as residents fund and decorate the trees with elegant warm white lights, creating a glowing canopy that feels intimate, romantic, and distinctly New York.

Unlike many holiday displays that disappear after December, the East 73rd Street lights remain illuminated from mid-November well into the new year, often lasting until February. This extended glow makes it an ideal location for an evening proposal, especially for couples seeking a festive atmosphere without the crowds of Midtown. For couples planning an Upper East Side proposal, this softly lit block offers the perfect blend of charm, privacy, and timeless NYC elegance — an unforgettable setting to pop the question under the city lights. Time the moment right the center of the street is perfect.

If you’re planning a holiday proposal in NYC—at Rockefeller Center or anywhere that holds meaning—Jonathan Heisler Photography would be honored to help you craft your moment and capture it beautifully.

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

Rockefeller Center Christmas Proposal on Ice | NYC Proposal Photographer

When you imagine New York City during the holidays, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree instantly comes to mind. It’s iconic, nostalgic, and full of that classic seasonal magic—but it’s also one of the most crowded, high-energy locations in all of NYC during December (checkout this video from last year). Photographing a proposal here takes careful planning, timing, and close coordination.

For Parker’s Rockefeller Center ice skating proposal, we worked directly with the rink team to safely and discreetly make this moment possible. As the ice cleared, Parker and Kailah were allowed to stay on the rink for just one song. After the song, the rink would normally clear completely… but instead, Parker had something unforgettable planned.

Surrounded by the glow of the Christmas tree, holiday lights, and the excitement of the season, (plus thousands of onlookers) Parker proposed to Kailah on the ice—transforming one of the busiest places in New York City into an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime moment. As a NYC proposal photographer, moments like this are all about planning behind the scenes so the surprise feels effortless and magical when it matters most.

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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

A 5am Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Proposal

Rockefeller Center feels entirely different at 5am. The streets are quiet, the city hasn’t fully woken up yet, and the Christmas tree glows against a dark sky that still belongs to the night. The lights come on early, before sunrise, creating a short window where the tree feels almost private — something rare in one of New York’s most visited places.

That early-morning timing has become increasingly popular, and for good reason. At 5 am, the plaza is calm, the background is clean, and the tree becomes the clear focal point. It’s festive without being overwhelming.

Planning and Capturing the Moment

Timing is everything with a Rockefeller proposal, and this one was planned carefully around the moment the tree lights up. Arriving before sunrise meant the surrounding buildings stayed dark, allowing the lights to stand out while keeping the scene uncluttered.

When the proposal happened, the plaza was nearly empty. A few early workers passed through, but the space felt open and still. The contrast between the quiet atmosphere and the scale of the tree made the moment feel grounded rather than theatrical.

Because it was still dark outside, the lighting stayed consistent and controlled. The glow from the tree provided enough illumination to keep the images clean while preserving the nighttime feel that makes this time of day so distinctive.

Why 5am Works for a Rockefeller Proposal

Rockefeller Center is iconic, but it’s rarely calm. Early morning offers a brief window where couples can experience it without crowds, barricades, or distractions. The tree lighting at 5am adds a sense of occasion without the chaos that comes later in the day.

For couples who want a Christmas proposal that feels intentional, quiet, and unmistakably New York, early morning at Rockefeller Center has become one of the strongest options.

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