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.

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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.

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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

Brendon's Fulton Street Proposal

Few places in Lower Manhattan capture both character and romance quite like the South Street Seaport. Its historic cobblestone streets, glowing lights, and water views create a cinematic backdrop for moments that feel timeless. On a crisp evening, Brendon chose Fulton Street at the Seaport for his surprise proposal — blending the charm of old NY with the thrill of “yes.”

Why Fulton Street / South Street Seaport Is Such a Strong Choice

  • Historic Character & Texture — The Seaport area mixes old warehouses, cobblestones, and maritime architecture. It’s authentic New York, not the polished tourist shot.

  • Evening / Night Lighting at its Best — When the sun goes down, strings of lights, street lamps, and reflections off the water all come alive. It makes for romantic, dramatic photos.

  • Less Crowded Than Major Tourist Spots — Even though Seaport is known, choosing a slightly off-peak time (late evening) kept things intimate.

  • Water & Skyline Views — With views toward the East River, and light bouncing off the piers, the setting often feels cinematic — the sound of the water, the ambient glow, the bridge or skyline in the distance.

Capturing Brendon’s Proposal: Moments & Mood

Brendon arrived with everything mapped out. I scouted the best angles along Fulton Street ahead of time: where the light from street lamps and shop windows would frame him, where reflections from wet pavement (or water) might enhance the scene.

As dusk turned into night, Brendon led his partner across cobblestones. City lights flickered above, and the seabreeze played softly off the river. Then, he stopped, knelt down, and asked. The moment felt electric — intimate despite being in the city, moody with light and shadow, emotional.

After she said yes, we stretched out the session: portraits under street lamps, candid laughter, walking hand in hand past historic facades. The contrast of dark sky, warm light, texture, and emotion created images that feel both cinematic and deeply personal.

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

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Jake's Private NYC Yacht Proposal

Proposing with an unobstructed view of the New York City skyline behind you is a view you won’t ever forget. It’s iconic. But how does one make that moment even grander, more private, more intimate, and more unforgettable? How about proposing on your very own chartered yacht as you sail around Manhattan. That’s just what Jake did for his NYC secret proposal.

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