Robert and Alexis Proposal - Thomas' School of Horsemanship

Fiancé and a Horse!

There’s no horsing around when you’re going to propose to your girlfriend!

Robert had secretly made arrangements to purchase his girlfriend’s horse “Hudson”, which she houses at Thomas’ School of Horsemanship in Melville. The two of us planned out how to get his fiance-to-be, Alexis, to the stable on a Saturday morning; coordinating around the weather, family, and making sure that Alexis had just happened to get her nails done that week!

Helping to plan a secret proposal

Robert came to me with a plan. “So Trent, my girlfriend is an equestrian and a horse trainer. I’m thinking of proposing to her at the stable she works at…oh, and I’m also going to buy her a horse. I need you to photograph the proposal and help coordinate the setup”

The pathway to this Long Island Proposal

On the day of, Alexis would arrive to find the pathway leading to Hudson’s stable lined with flowers and a plaque engraved “Owned and Loved by the Future Mrs. Rothman.” As if that wasn’t surprise enough, Robert then dropped down on one knee. Prior their arrival, I photographed the details Robert had arranged.

Once Robert and Alexis arrived, and turned around the barn Alexis quickly saw the surprise. I was ready to capture her excitement and photograph Robert as he proposed.

How could Alexis say no?

Congrats Robbert and Alexis!

Photographer: Trent Campbell

Will and Anne Secret Central Park Proposal

Where to propose in NYC’s central park

Will and I decided on a location in Central Park just past the Bow Bridge in an area known as “the Ramble”. Will chose this specific area because it’s an area him and Anne often visit on their weekend strolls through the park.

Leading up to Saturday’s proposal we closely watched the weather as it bucketed rain, and we hoped for the best. The rain ended late Friday night, and in the morning some foliage remained, the winds died down, and the sun shined bright. Saturday morning turned out to be a beautiful day.

This Central Park Proposal Photographer is always ready

A few minutes before Will and Anne arrived I politely asked a few lingering tourists if they could move. “A couple is about to come and propose. Do you mind moving to the side?”, I asked. Precisely on time (11am) Will and Anne arrived. They admired the view of the famous Dakota building, and Will dropped down on one knee. Without even asking “Will you marry me?”, Anne said “YES!”

After the big moment, both Anne and Will took it all in. There was crying. There was laughter. There was happiness. And, there was also some runny mascara!

Engagement mini-session photos

After capturing the proposal and they took it all in, I introduced myself. We then took a few posed photos, a few close ups of Anne’s new ring, and walked around for a few minutes. We headed towards the Bow Bridge and then towards the Bethesda Fountain hunting for the remaining foliage.

Congrats Will and Anne!

Where to Propose in NYC - COVID Update

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The best place to propose in New York City, COVID or no COVID, is outdoors. New York City provides countless iconic locations with uniquely New York backdrops. Outdoor Zoos (Central Park Zoo, Brooklyn Zoo, and the iconic Bronx Zoo), Botanical Gardens, skyline vistas, and parks (Central park, Gantry Plaza, Washington Square Park…) are some of the most popular places to propose, and the safest during COVID.

While proposing in a restaurant is romantic, it entails logistics and careful coordination with the restaurant staff. Most restaurants or indoor facilities will not allow you to take off your mask with others around. They also have ugly dividers and makeshift precautions that will be in your photos. While Grand Central Terminal is usually my go to indoor location when it rains or there is bad weather, during COVID you must wear a mask while in the terminal. This means, you’re going to have masks on in all of your photos.

Currently, there are no tourists in New York City. New York is now for the real New Yorkers, and because of this we now have unobstructed access to the city’s treasures; Central Park Bow Bridge, Gantry Plaza, Brooklyn Waterfront DUMBO, Brooklyn Promenade. When photographing your proposal we no longer have people staring, looking, and gathering with awkward faces in the background.

Central Park Proposal - Patrick and Maggie

Congrats on your engagement Patrick and Maggie!

A “picture perfect quintessential New York City Fall proposal” is how I’d describe photographing Patrick’s proposal to Maggie in Central Park. Patrick was confident in knowing where and how he’d propose. Choosing Central Park’s Model Boat Pond first thing in the morning on a Saturday was ideal for lighting, foliage, and limited crowds.

Proposing in central park during the fall is one of the perfect places to propose in nyc

Just on time Patrick and Maggie approached the pond like we discussed. Maggie didn’t suspect a thing. They took in the views and watched the sailboats whisk around the pond. Then, Patrick got down on one knee and it was clear Maggie was in shock.

As a proposal photographer with years of experience, i still get excited every time i photograph a proposal. Photographing each proposal feels like a new and unique experience.

Post proposal, their family and friends rushed in for hugs and a proper champagne celebration. Once emotions settled, I photographed a mini-engagement style shoot with the newly engaged couple around the pond. We switched up the look by dressing down (jackets off).

Pier 26 NYC Marriage Proposal - Robert and Dani

Congrats to New York City’s newest engaged couple, Robert and Dani!

proposal photographer or weather man?

After a long and cold rainy Fall day, photographing a secret marriage proposal in Lower Manhattan on Pier 26 on the Hudson River was what I needed to brighten the gloomy day. I discreetly photographed Robert and Dani from a fairly close distance prior Robert asking Dani to marry him. Then, when Robert got down on one knee I walked closer.

Photographing proposals in NYC just never gets old!

Post proposal we did a mini-engagement shoot. Just as my shutter snapped the last photo of the session the sky opened up, and it started raining once again.

Gantry Plaza Long Island City - Sunset Proposal

Congrats Danielle and Nick!

The best Lic Marriage proposal photographer is one that comes prepared.

Nick chose Long Island City’s Gantry Plaza for his marriage proposal as the couple lives down the block and they spend most of their free time in the park, along the East River over looking Manhattan. The timing of the proposal couldn’t have been more perfect, as the sun set behind New York City on this early Fall evening.

long island city’s gantry plaza captures what makes nyc great. its view of manhattan is a favorite of mine. plus, its rarely busy.

Just as the sun was setting Nick popped the question and Danielle instantly said “YES!”. Prior the big night, I coordinated with Nick on the timing and location of his proposal. I knew I would be loosing lighting throughout the proposal and he wanted to take family photos afterwards as well. So, I brought a small flash.

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

Photographer: Trent Campbell