Having photographed over 2,500 surprise marriage proposals in New York City, we’ve learned a lot about what makes a proposal both beautiful and stress-free. From lighting and crowds to how to get to “X” at “Y” 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, how you want the moment to feel. After that, we’ll send you a written plan (with the “X marks the spot”) and ask for a photo of you both so we can easily identify who to photograph.

Step 2: Once we receive all the necessary information, we are confirmed!

We’ll start with a call or email to discuss your proposal vision—date, time, location, and how you want the moment to feel. After that, we’ll send you a written plan (with the “X marks the spot”) and ask for a photo of you both so we can easily identify who to photograph.

Step 3: Proposal Day Execution

On the big day, your photographer arrives about 30 minutes early. We’ll send over a selfie that’s “marked up” (see below) so you know exactly who to look for and where to stand for the best angles. We emphasize catching authentic emotion; your partner’s reaction is always the priority.

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.