Scott's Proposal: Framed by History and Love Beneath the Staple Street Skybridge

A Picture-Perfect Proposal on Staple Street in Tribeca: A Hidden NYC Gem

In a city full of iconic landmarks and vibrant backdrops, finding a quiet, intimate space to propose can feel like discovering a secret. That’s exactly what Scott did when he chose Staple Street in Tribeca as the setting for his picture-perfect proposal. Framed beneath the historic skybridge, his heartfelt moment became a stunning blend of romance, architecture, and timeless New York charm.

Why Staple Street is a One-of-a-Kind Proposal Location

Tucked away in Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood, Staple Street is one of NYC’s most cinematic and least crowded corners. What makes this spot so unique is its beautiful, narrow alley framed by cobblestones, brick buildings, and the iconic cast-iron skybridge that connects two former hospital buildings overhead.

The skybridge itself—built in the early 1900s—is a relic of New York’s architectural past and a symbol of the city’s rich history. It adds a vintage, storybook feel to the street that instantly elevates any photograph or moment shared beneath it.

The Charm of a Hidden NYC Location

What truly sets Staple Street apart is its “hidden in plain sight” feel. While millions walk through Tribeca every year, few stumble upon this tucked-away gem unless they know exactly where to look. That sense of privacy in a city as bustling as New York makes it a dream location for couples looking for something personal, off-the-beaten-path, and visually stunning.

From a photographer’s perspective, Staple Street offers incredible depth, texture, and historical ambiance. It’s a place where love stories meet timeless design—perfect for proposals, elopements, or even just an unforgettable couples shoot.

Final Thoughts: A Proposal to Remember

If you're dreaming of a New York City proposal that's as unique as your love story, consider stepping off the tourist path and into one of the city’s best-kept secrets. With its iconic skybridge, rich history, and secluded charm, Staple Street in Tribeca is the perfect place to begin your forever.

Whether you're planning a surprise engagement or looking for the perfect spot for a romantic photoshoot, Staple Street is a hidden treasure worth exploring. Let’s create a moment as unique as your love—right in the heart of Manhattan.

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 Proposing in Central Park's Ramble

Everyone knows Central Park is the most popular place in all of New York City to propose. While we have our “Best place in Central Park to Propose” blog highlighting all of our favorite spots and all of their ins/outs, we are always finding new spots thank to creativity of our clients. This spot in Central Park’s ramble is one of those new spots we just love. We’re going to keep it off of our Best Places list, so it stays private.

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

Rick's Surprise Engagement on Governors Island

Photographing a surprise proposal on Governors Island is memorable experience Unlike many parts of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island city where there are tourists everywhere, Governors Island is quiet. Why? Because a ferry is the only way to get to Governors Island and that keeps people away. The views on the island are well worth a quick ferry ride, especially if this is where you are going to propose.

Here are a few tips to make sure your secret NYC marriage proposal is captured perfectly by your professional photographer or friend:

1. Plan ahead: Work with a professional proposal photographer to iron out of the the logistics of the proposal in advance. This includes deciding on the exact location, time of day, ferry times, and any special requests or details you would like captured.

2. Be discreet: It's important to blend in. We are just another tourists admiring the sites of NYC!

3. Capture the emotion: The moment is way more than just a photo of someone on their knee.

4. Have fun: Engagements are a happy and exciting occasion, so don't forget to enjoy the moment

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

Camilo's Ladies Pavilion Central Park Proposal

Camilo chose Ladies Pavilion “Cove” on the West Side of Central Park for his proposal. He picked this location for three main reasons: glimpses of Manhattan’s skyscrapers, privacy, and favorable lighting (afternoon light direction). The day was overcast in spring, which helped avoid harsh shadows and made light levels more consistent.

Why Ladies Pavilion Cove Is a Good Choice

• Offers urban views including parts of the Manhattan skyline while still being inside Central Park.

• The West Side location tends to be less crowded, especially on weekdays, giving more privacy.

• Afternoon or overcast conditions provide softer, more even lighting for clean photographs.

• The Pavilion itself adds architectural framing, and nearby angles allow variety with skyline, trees, and water.

Tips for Planning a Proposal at Ladies Pavilion Cove

• Plan for a weekday or off-peak hour to minimize crowds.

• Overcast afternoons are ideal for lighting; avoid harsh midday sun if possible.

• Scout vantage points ahead of time to include both the couple and the skyline in shots.

• Work with a photographer familiar with Central Park’s layout and lighting shifts.

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

PILOT Brooklyn Boat Proposal

Docked in Brooklyn Heights, Pilot is an outdoor, seasonal oyster bar aboard one of America's most prized wooden sailboats. This boat circumnavigated the world twice, it was the fastest wooden schooner in the world for several years, it served as a research vessel. And, it was where Amber and Hannah had their first kiss 6 years ago.

While we photograph surprise proposals all throughout New York City and have seen it all, we love to capture secret proposals in new places. Amber’s proposal aboard Pilot was just that. It’s views of Lower Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge, and downtown Brooklyn are just unrivaled, especially at golden hour when the light hits just right.

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

Spring Engagement Session at Gantry Plaza, Long Island City

As a NYC engagement photographer, few spots offer such a dramatic combination of city skyline and waterfront charm as Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City. On April 23rd, the park was alive with the fresh energy of spring — blooming trees, gentle breezes off the East River, and soft afternoon light reflecting on the water. It was the perfect setting for capturing a couple’s love story with the Manhattan skyline as a breathtaking backdrop.

Why Gantry Plaza is Perfect for Engagement Photos

Gantry Plaza is one of NYC’s hidden gems. Its wide piers and open spaces provide unobstructed views of the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and the East River, making every angle picture-perfect. The park’s industrial-chic gantries add character and a unique urban flair that balances beautifully with the natural beauty of the waterfront.

Couples choose Gantry Plaza for:

• Iconic skyline views — Manhattan’s towering buildings across the river make for cinematic shots.

• Waterfront ambiance — the gentle ripples of the East River add motion and tranquility.

• Open space and privacy — plenty of room to wander, laugh, and create candid moments without crowds.

Capturing the Moment

I love starting sessions here in the late afternoon, when the light softens and the skyline glows. On this day, the couple strolled along the pier, hand-in-hand, pausing to take in the view and laugh naturally. We moved between the gantries and the waterfront path, framing moments against the sparkling water and iconic skyline. By the time the sun was low, the golden light reflected off the river, creating those warm, cinematic images every couple dreams of.

Planning Your Gantry Plaza Engagement Session

If you’re thinking about Gantry Plaza for your engagement photos:

• Aim for late afternoon in spring or summer to catch golden hour over the skyline.

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking the piers and park paths.

• Scout the location with your photographer to maximize both scenic and intimate shots.
  
  

Whether you want sweeping skyline portraits or relaxed, candid moments by the water, hiring a professional NYC engagement photographer ensures every detail — light, angle, and timing — is captured beautifully.

Jonathan Heisler Photography is comprised of professional New York City photographers specializing in photographing private NYC proposals.

learn more about hiring a proposal photographer