Carl Schurz Park Summer Proposal

Carl Schurz Park is one of New York City’s most peaceful and scenic waterfront spots. With views of the East River, colorful summer flowers, and tree-lined paths, it offers a quiet and natural setting that feels miles away from the city’s busy streets.

For this proposal, the day couldn’t have been more perfect. The sun was out, and the trees were in full bloom. Adam chose a spot overlooking the water—simple, open, and surrounded by greenery. It was there that he got down on one knee.

The moment was calm and personal. After she said yes, the two took a walk through the garden areas and tree-covered paths, stopping for portraits among the blooming flowers.

Every photo from the day carried that warm summer color palette—bright greens, soft pinks, and the clear blue of the water in the distance. Carl Schurz Park’s mix of light, nature, and space made it an ideal setting for this kind of intimate moment.

Why Carl Schurz Park Is a Great Spot for Proposals

Carl Schurz Park offers a quieter, more relaxed alternative to some of Manhattan’s busier parks. Located along the East River, it features beautiful gardens, open lawns, and shaded walkways that make it an ideal spot for proposal photos.

During the summer, the flowers are in full bloom, and the views of the river add a peaceful, natural backdrop that photographs beautifully. For couples seeking a serene, scenic spot that retains a distinctly New York feel, Carl Schurz Park is a hidden gem.

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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Central Park Ladies Pavilion Daytime Proposal

Central Park’s Ladies Pavilion is one of those timeless New York spots that feels peaceful no matter how busy the city gets. Nestled along the lake with the skyline peeking through the trees, it’s surrounded by greenery, water, and soft light - especially on a sunny afternoon. For William’s proposal, the weather couldn’t have been better. The couple arrived by the lake under clear skies, the sunlight reflecting off the water and filtering through the leaves. With the Pavilion behind them and the rocks nearby adding that classic Central Park charm, William got down on one knee.

The moment was quiet and full of emotion; just the two of them, the sound of the water, and people passing by in the distance.

After the proposal, we walked around the area capturing portraits along the lake, near the Pavilion, and on the nearby rocks. The sunlight made every photo glow, and the greenery gave each frame that signature Central Park feel.

Why the Ladies Pavilion Is a Perfect Spot for Proposals

The Ladies Pavilion combines everything people love about Central Park - lake views, soft light, and a touch of old New York charm. It’s slightly tucked away, offering privacy while still feeling open and bright.

During the day, the sunlight reflects beautifully off the water, and the surrounding trees create a natural frame for photos. Whether it’s an intimate moment by the lake or a full shoot around the nearby paths and rocks, this location captures both the romance and the energy of the city.

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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A September Surprise Proposal in Central Park with Views of the San Remo

Please note - We only photograph here Monday - Friday in the late afternoon due to lighting and crowds.. The weekend is too busy.

There’s something magical about Central Park in September—the weather is crisp, the trees are still green with hints of seasonal change, and golden hour seems to last just a little bit longer. As a NYC proposal photographer, I’ve captured countless unforgettable moments here, but a recent surprise proposal along the lake with the San Remo in view was particularly timeless.

Why Central Park in September is Perfect for a Proposal

Central Park offers some of the most iconic proposal backdrops in New York City, and early fall adds a layer of charm. The warm late-summer sunlight, the cooling breeze, and the greenery surrounding the lake make it one of the most romantic and photogenic times of year to propose.

The San Remo’s twin towers rising above the trees bring architectural elegance into the frame, while rowboats gliding across the lake add movement and story. For couples looking for both intimacy and iconic NYC scenery, this location checks every box.

Capturing the Moment

For this proposal, the couple paused at a quiet spot overlooking the lake with the San Remo in the distance. As he got down on one knee, golden hour light filtered through the trees and reflected off the water, creating a natural, cinematic glow.

After the “yes,” we walked toward the Bow Bridge for additional portraits. This iconic cast-iron bridge, surrounded by trees still lush and green in September, provided a perfect contrast to the lake views. From candid laughter to romantic embraces on the bridge, every image carried both intimacy and elegance.

Why Central Park’s Bow Bridge & Lake Views Make an Ideal Proposal Spot

  • Iconic NYC Backdrop: The San Remo and Bow Bridge are some of the most recognizable and romantic sights in the park.

  • Versatility: From lakeside serenity to sweeping bridge views, you can capture multiple looks within minutes.

  • Golden Hour Magic: September evenings offer some of the softest, warmest light of the year, enhancing both candid and posed images.

Planning Your Central Park Proposal

Thinking about proposing in Central Park? Here are a few tips:

  • Aim for late afternoon into golden hour for the best combination of privacy and light.

  • Consider adding a rowboat ride before or after the proposal to make the moment even more memorable.

  • Hire a professional NYC proposal photographer who knows how to discreetly capture the surprise while also planning for those iconic portraits afterward.

Whether it’s by the lake with the San Remo glowing in the background or on the Bow Bridge surrounded by greenery, Central Park in September is a perfect canvas for your once-in-a-lifetime moment.

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

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

BOOK NOW!
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Corporate Event Photography at The Edge: Dinner & Casino Night at Peak

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As a New York City corporate event photographer, I recently had the privilege of capturing a spectacular evening at Peak, the private event space atop The Edge at Hudson Yards. The dinner & casino night was a beautiful blend of elegance, energy, and connection — all framed by sweeping views 101 floors above the Manhattan skyline.

My focus throughout the night was on storytelling through both formal moments and candid interactions: the speeches celebrating the company’s achievements; intimate networking conversations by the floor-to-ceiling windows; dramatic rooftop views against the city lights. When guests later moved into the casino portion — blackjack, poker, roulette — I looked for creative vantage points to capture laughter, suspense, and the joy of the evening’s entertainment.

Combining group shots, detail work, and atmospheric cityscape moments is central to my style. Whether it’s reflections on glass, ambient lighting, or bold architecture, I aim to deliver images that feel both polished and authentic. If you want a Manhattan corporate event photographer who makes every moment count, I’d love to bring this level of care to your next event.

Planning a corporate event in NYC—dinner, gala, conference, or fundraiser? Contact me to discuss how we can capture your event with quality visuals, fast turnarounds, and storytelling style that reflects your brand and energy.

Corporate Networking Dinner at Locanda Verde Tribeca

As a Manhattan Corporate Event Photographer, I capture a wide variety of event; galas, fundraisers, networking events, and small dinners. Tonight’s event held at the atmospheric Locanda Verde was small, intimate, and quite short from my perspective. I was only able to photographer 30minutes of drinks and the first 15minutes of dinner. I focused on capturing spontaneous moments of conversation and excitement that defined the night, and two short speeches.

From close-ups of plated courses to wide shots of the venue’s distinctive architecture, my goal was to tell the full story of the dinner. I framed guests in engaging candid interactions — laughter over toast, handshake connections, side conversations in soft lighting — while also dedicating time to formal group portraits on the terrace and in the dining room. These images offer a nuanced narrative: polished professionalism with a personal touch.

Timely delivery is one of my cornerstones. After the event, clients received a curated gallery highlighting key moments and standout visuals—ideal for PR, internal newsletters, and social media. If you’re seeking an NYC corporate event photographer for dinners, galas, or special gatherings, Jonathan Heisler captures the mood, the people, and the moments. Contact me to ensure your next event is immortalized with style and clarity.

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COURIER “REPRESENT: Leading Voices” Event in NYC

COURIER hosted REPRESENT: Leading Voices at 49 Elizabeth Street in New York City — an evening dedicated to amplifying a new generation of leaders, creators, and strategists challenging traditional power and shaping the future of politics and media. The event featured speakers including Chi Ossé, Deja Foxx, Anderson Clayton, and Victor Shi, alongside moderators Tara McGowan, Akilah Hughes, and Amanda Litman.

The evening combined keynote conversations, panel discussions, and a networking reception that brought together political voices, digital creators, and advocacy professionals from across the country. As a photographer, my goal was to capture the energy of those exchanges — the moments between sessions, the reactions in the audience, and the atmosphere of collaboration that filled the space.

Visually, the event offered great variety: sharp lighting on stage panels, candid conversations during breaks, and relaxed group photos as guests connected after each discussion. My coverage included both wide storytelling shots that showed the environment and closer portraits that captured the expressions and focus of the speakers.

Whether photographing a panel like this or a large-scale gala, the assignment remains the same — capture people engaging, connecting, and enjoying themselves. Each image should tell a story of participation and purpose, something I strive for in every corporate and cultural event I document.