Nick's Roosevelt Island Proposal

Roosevelt Island is so close to Manhattan and yet it feels so different. When you take the cable car ride over the East River to Roosevelt Island you enter another world. The island offers amazing views of Manhattan and Long Island City every which way you look. It also offers an view with few tourists, unlike so many other parts of NYC.

On today’s secret proposal assignment, everything just worked perfectly to provide a moment this couple will never forget; the lighting, the weather, the privacy. Photographing Nick’s proposal at 4pm on a Friday, on Roosevelt Island, offered us our own private venue more or less. I think the photos show that.

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

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Capturing Devin's Pier 25 Proposal along the Hudson River

There are so many unique places to propose in NYC that share where you are, especially in Lower Manhattan and along the waterfront of Hudson River Park. There’s so much cool architecture in this part of the city and endless amazing views (Statue of Liberty, World Trade Center, the Empire State Building looking uptown)!

Devin chose Pier 25 in Hudson River Park for his proposal for these exact reasons, and it was the perfect location for his NYC proposal and the many photos we captured together.

As they walked down Pier 25, hand in hand, Beth had no idea what was in store for her. The rain had stopped, leaving the air warm. They enjoyed the view of the Hudson River and the towering World Trade Center. As they stopped at the end of the pier to take a selfie, that's when it happened.

Beth turned around to find her boyfriend down on one knee, holding out a diamond ring. She gasped in disbelief as he asked her to marry him, tears streaming down her face.

I captured the moment from a slight distance, standing behind them and capturing their emotions as they shared this incredible moment together. I then approached them, congratulating them on their engagement and introducing myself as their photographer. They were thrilled to have photos of their special moment, with the World Trade Center rising majestically in the background and surrounded by the New York City skyline.

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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Joseph's Surprise Proposal at Gantry Plaza Proposal in Long Island City

Joseph planned a surprise proposal at Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City. He chose this location for its skyline views and waterfront setting. The Empire State Building, the United Nations, and the bridges are visible, which provide strong visual elements in the background. Gantry Plaza also offers more privacy compared to many Manhattan locations.

The Proposal Story

Joseph arrived with his partner shortly before sunset. The light was soft, and reflections on the water were becoming more pronounced. We proceeded to a pier overlooking the East River. As the city lights began to turn on, Joseph knelt and popped the question. The moment was captured from wide angles to include both skyline and reflections, and from closer frames to record expressions. Few bystanders were nearby, which allowed for more freedom in framing and time to take multiple shots without rushing.

Why Gantry Plaza State Park Is a Good Choice

• It provides unobstructed views of major NYC landmarks (Empire State Building, UN, bridges), giving proposals a strong visual identity.

• The waterfront offers water reflections which add depth to photos especially around golden hour or when lighting is changing.

• The park has multiple vantage points (piers, walkways, gantries) that allow flexibility in composition.

• Compared to many Manhattan proposal spots, Gantry has less foot traffic especially later in the day, enabling more private moments.

Tips for Planning a Gantry Plaza Proposal

• Time your proposal for late afternoon or early evening—when natural light is softer and skyline lights start to come on.

• Arrive a little early to scout the spot, account for lighting, water reflections, and possible crowd patterns.

• Select a vantage point that includes both skyline and water; piers often work well.

• Dress in colors that contrast with the skyline and water for better subject separation (avoid colors that blend into the background).

• Work with a photographer who knows LIC/Gantry → someone experienced with waterfront light and reflections.

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

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Nick's Surprise Marriage Proposal in Williamsburg Brooklyn

Brooklyn captures New York City oh so well with it’s views of iconic New York City; Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, World Trade Center, and our famous NYC Sunset. What I like most about photographing surprise marriage proposals in Williamsburg Brooklyn is how private and intimate it can be compared to other parts of Brooklyn and New York City.

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

Photographing Patrick's West Village NYC Proposal

Having photographed hundreds of proposals and engagement sessions throughout New York City, I still think the West Village is one of my favorite locations for a proposal. The look and the feel is quintessential NYC. Most of my proposal requests are for Central Park, The Edge, private rooftops, the Brooklyn waterfront, or a park.

Patrick’s proposal in the West Village was unique and truly timeliness. While Central Park has its great spots, the West Village just offers a totally different look. I think the best time of the day for a West Village proposal is mid-day or in the morning. Make a reservation for brunch nearby, and propose on the way.

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

A Winter Afternoon Proposal in Central Park, NYC

There’s something magical about Central Park in winter. The air feels crisp, the colors are muted, and every light—from lampposts to city windows—stands out that much more. For Matt’s secret proposal past Bow Bridge, all those winter elements came together beautifully. With fewer people around, a peaceful hush in the trees, and soft light filtering through the grey sky, it created a moment full of quiet energy and warmth.

The Proposal Story

Matt wanted something intimate, meaningful, and surprising. We met just after midday, when the winter sun hangs low and the light has that gentle, diffused quality.

Walking past Bow Bridge, we headed to a spot just beyond the bridge—one of my favorite lesser-seen corners in Central Park for moments like this. As they paused by the trees and water, Matt knelt. The city skyline was visible, but trees framed the scene, and the cold air made every breath feel alive. Matt’s partner’s smile, the mild flush in their cheeks, the reflection of light on the water—all of it came together in a way only winter in the park can deliver.

After the proposal, we walked slowly, capturing framed moments by branches, reflections in puddles, close emotional portraits, and wider city views softened by winter’s light. Those small details—the way snow crunches, the breath in the air, coats brushing together—made the memories feel rich.

Why This Setting Works Beautifully

• Winter Light & Mood: The low, soft daylight of winter avoids harsh shadows; greys, soft whites, and bare branches frame people beautifully.

• Reduced Crowds: Winter afternoons bring fewer people, which gives space for more genuine reactions and intimacy.

• Contrast & Texture: Bare trees, wet paths, city skyline in the distance, mist or overcast skies—these add mood and depth in photos.

• Privacy in Proximity: Being past Bow Bridge means you’re near iconic views but often far enough off central paths to feel more alone and less watched.

Tips for Planning a Secret Winter Proposal Past Bow Bridge

• Dress warmly—layers, scarves, gloves that still allow you to move comfortably.

• Choose a time when light is still strong but sun is lower (afternoon), so you get soft, romantic daylight.

• Scout possible spots ahead of time so you know where good framing is (trees, paths, water, city in the background).

• Use props or details—umbrellas, coats, textures—to lean into the season rather than fight it.

• Work with a photographer who is comfortable with winter lighting, reflections, and adjusting to changing skies.

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