Ethan's Transmitter Park Greenpoint Brooklyn Marriage Proposal

Morning proposals are some of our favorites for sure. However, nothing beats photographing a secret morning proposal in Greenpoint Brooklyn with the NYC skyline behind a great couple couple. Ethan’s proposal in Transmitter Park Saturday morning could not have gone any better. The couple was out for their normal morning walk before getting coffee. They took their normal route, stopped at their favorite coffee shop, and on the way back took in the view.

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

Austin’s Secret Rockefeller Center Christmas Proposal

Monday night was one of my favorite proposals yet! Austin and Sam had just flown into New York to spend the holiday season sightseeing around NYC. Austin planned some of the trip, but he let most of it be a surprise for Sam. All Austin knew was that Sam had specifically requested to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. So, to kick off their trip in perfect holiday style, he had something even more memorable in store.

The Proposal Story:
Under the glow of countless holiday lights, with the giant pine rising overhead and crowds milling by, Austin led Sam toward the Rockefeller Center tree. It was Sam’s wish to see the tree, and Austin turned that wish into a beautiful surprise: when they reached the heart of the decorations, he dropped to one knee. In that moment, everything felt magical—the tree’s twinkle, the crisp night air, and the glow of the festive atmosphere all around them.

Why This Moment Stands Out:
There’s something extra special about holiday proposals in New York. They combine nostalgia, excitement, and beauty in one frame. You have the Christmas decorations, the energy of people enjoying the season, and the unmistakable charm of the city decked out in lights. For Austin and Sam, this moment wasn’t just about asking; it was about creating a memory from the beginning of their trip—something that sets the tone for everything that follows.

Tips for Crafting a Secret Holiday Proposal in NYC:

• Lean into what your partner loves—Austin knew Sam wanted to see the Rockefeller tree, and built the surprise around that.

• Use public moments to your advantage—the city decorations already set the stage, so you don’t need elaborate setups.

• Arrive early or choose a time when holiday decor is lit but crowds are lighter.

• Capture the raw emotion: the surprise, the joy, the reaction—these are the moments that turn good photos into unforgettable ones.

There’s something enchanting about a secret proposal beneath NYC’s holiday lights. The sparkle, the ambiance, the feeling of something magical unfolding—it stays with you. If you’re planning a proposal in New York City—around the holidays or any time—Jonathan Heisler Photography is here to help you capture every surprise, every smile, and every moment your heart wants to remember.

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

Kalil's Madison Square Park Morning Proposal in New York City

Should I Propose In The Morning Or Afternoon?

Proposing in the morning has so many great benefits, especially in New York City. My top reasons to propose in the morning are as follows:

• Get it done and have the rest of the day to celebrate! Plan a post proposal brunch and then call your family/friends to share the news.

• Beat the crowds - Most NY’ers and tourists alike don’t really start their day until noon. That’s when all the good spots start to get busy.

• Lighting - The morning has GREAT light and lets us photograph in places we could not otherwise.

I know not everyone is a morning person, however the best way to get your partner out and about is by promising a coffee and a pastry. Real New Yorkers can’t say no to a good pastry and a coffee. Walk the park or that special place with a coffee in one hand and your partners hand in the other. I know it may be a bit cliche, but nothing beats a morning coffee and an empty city. Your partner will forget about the early wakeup when you ask the big question.

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

Michael's Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Proposal at Christmas

Michael planned his proposal at the Rockefeller Center ice skating rink during the Christmas season. He arranged a reservation for two to skate under the lit Rockefeller Christmas Tree. His aim was to give Allison a moment she had dreamed of: ice skating at Rockefeller Center under the tree.

After the public skate session ended, Michael and Allison stayed on the ice. When nearly everyone else had left the rink, Michael moved Allison to center ice and proposed. Photos included shots of the tree, wide rink views, medium frames capturing both people and surroundings, and close shots for emotion.

Why Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Works Well for Proposals at Christmas

• The Christmas tree and decorations provide a dramatic, recognizable backdrop.

• Skating rink setting adds movement and festivity, and becomes more private late in the evening.

• Seasonal lighting (the tree lights, decorations) enhances atmosphere and adds soft ambient light.

• Rink’s layout offers open ice, interior symmetry, and architectural interest that frame proposals well.

Tips for Planning an Ice Skating Proposal at Rockefeller Center

• Book reservations in advance so you can plan timing under the tree.

• Time it for later skate sessions when crowds have thinned.

• Wear clothing that’s appropriate for cold temperatures but still looks nice in photos (layers, coats, gloves).

• Use wide shots to show context (tree, rink), medium to show both people and surroundings, and close-ups for emotional detail.

• Work with a photographer familiar with low light and ambient lights so exposure balances well between tree lights, skate rink lights, and the couple.

Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of Professional New York City photographers specializing in photographing private NYC proposals, as well as engagement sessions.

Stephen's Brooklyn Bridge Park Morning Proposal

When is the best time to propose?

Proposing in the morning has so many benefits, especially in New York City. My top reasons to propose in the morning are:

• Get it done and have the rest of the day to celebrate! Plan a post proposal brunch and then call your family/friends to share the news.

• Beat the crowds - Most NY’ers and tourists alike don’t really start their day until noon. That’s when all the good spots start to get busy.

• Lighting - The morning has GREAT light and lets us photograph in places we could not otherwise.

I know not everyone is a morning person, however the best way to get your partner out and about is by promising a coffee and a pastry. Real New Yorkers can’t say no to a good pastry and a coffee. Walk the park or that special place with a coffee in one hand and your partners hand in the other. I know it may be a bit cliche, but nothing beats a morning coffee and an empty city. Your partner will forget about the early wakeup when you ask the big question.

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

Secretly Photographing Mitchell's Pier 17 NYC Tropical Storm Marriage Proposal

Why you should choose pier 17 for your nyc proposal

Pier 17 on Manhattan’s East side is such a great place to propose, day or night. Close to the beautiful and historic cobblestoned Fulton Street, revitalized Pier 17 offers not only an amazing view of the Brooklyn Bridge, but top notch restaurants. And for the icing on the cake, this area is not heavily visited by tourists unlike DUMBO Brooklyn Bridge Park, Central Park, or other parts of the city where we frequently photograph.

When helping clients plan their secret marriage proposal anywhere in NYC my tops questions are:

• How are you going to convince your partner to look nice?

• How are you going to get them there rain or shine?

• Why do you have to be there at exactly or close to “Y” time?

The answer to these questions: make a brunch or dinner reservation and make it somewhere with a view. This is exactly what Mitchell did for his Friday night proposal on Pier 17.

How do you plan a proposal when you can’t plan the weather in new york city?

Rain, Rain, Go away… and maybe come back another day? I am always looking at the weather and I am always trying to plan ahead. However, I never look too far ahead. At most, I look 2-3 days ahead to gauge what could happen on an hourly basis. Two days before your proposal is when I start to come up with a plan. Is it going to rain all day, just in the morning, between 2pm and 4pm, or is it going to rain for just a few minutes?

Working with Jonathan Heisler Photography you get a team of photographers offering you flexibility. If it’s going to pour at 1pm, let’s move your NYC proposal 12pm or 2pm. If you were going to propose after dinner and now it’s going to monsoon, let’s propose before dinner and call dinner a celebratory dinner.

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