Rainy Day Surprise Proposal at Pier 17 with Views of the Brooklyn Bridge
Even when rain clouds roll in, the magic of a marriage proposal doesn’t fade—it just becomes more memorable. As a NYC proposal photographer, I’ve learned that sometimes weather adds emotion, atmosphere, and drama—in the best ways possible. Like when Justin braved a grey morning and chose to pop the question at Pier 17, watching the Brooklyn Bridge stand strong in the misty background.
Why Pier 17 Is a Great Proposal Location (Even in the Rain)
Unobstructed, Dramatic Views of the Brooklyn Bridge – One of Pier 17’s biggest advantages is its open sightlines to the Brooklyn Bridge. The bridge’s silhouette becomes even more striking against overcast skies, creating a mood that’s cinematic and unforgettable.
Public but Not Overrun – Pier 17’s rooftop is open to the public, yet it tends to avoid the heavy foot traffic of classic tourist-heavy spots. That means more freedom to move, find the best angles, and less worry about interruptions.
Urban Setting + Weather Drama – Rain can soften harsh city edges (literally!), reflect lights, pour texture into photos. When paired with city architecture + iconic landmarks, you get a beautifully moody palette that feels unique.
Flexibility & Romance in Imperfect Moments – Choosing to hold the proposal despite gloomy weather shows authenticity, risk, boldness… all great ingredients for emotional storytelling. Plus, sometimes guests or passersby are fewer, which can give the moment more intimacy.
Capturing Justin + Erin’s Proposal: Weather, Tension, Joy
I monitored the weather all week leading up to the proposal date. It wasn’t improving—in fact, forecasts predicted increasing clouds and possible rain. Justin considered alternate locations, but something about Pier 17 felt right: the view, the plan, the idea of choosing what matters over perfect conditions.
On the morning itself, clouds hung low, a fine drizzle hovered in the air, and visibility softened. We embraced it. We used reflections, ambient light, and the muted tones of the sky to frame the proposal. When Justin got down on one knee, the Brooklyn Bridge faded into mist as a quiet, powerful witness.
Even after she said yes, the rain didn’t stop the celebration—it became part of it. We walked the rooftop; we captured moments of joy under umbrellas; we let the surroundings tell the story. The result: photos that feel moody, real, and emotionally rich.
Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of New York City photographers specializing in photographing private NYC proposals, as well as engagement sessions and weddings.