Gantry Plaza State Park, Long Island City, NYC
It was a sunny day at Gantry Plaza State Park in the middle of fall for a romantic surprise proposal in NYC. There were some hints of clouds with the water glistening from the sun’s reflections. I walk through the pier and hear the gentle waves as calming white noise on this peaceful morning. It was breathtaking to see this NYC public park’s beautiful vibrant autumn leaves with the iconic Manhattan skyline as the backdrop across the East River. I hid in plain sight, pretending to be a local sitting on a bench with my camera near me. I see a couple walking through the romantic path with their Schnoodle, Dunkin.
Surprise Proposal at Gantry Park, LIC
I smile as they walk toward the edge of the walkway, a hidden beautiful corner at this Long Island City park for the surprise proposal. Aimee and Austin have a weekly tradition of taking the ferry to LIC from Murray Hill. They always grab their coffee order at Black Star before heading over to the dog park with their puppy. This was supposed to be their annual family photo with Dunkin. Aimee didn’t think anything was unusual since it was their typical weekend date mixed with the family photo. Austin prepared a customized dog treat with the words “Marry Me” for her to read just as they started taking the photos. I walk over as he starts getting on his knees with their dog in front of them.
Aimee’s raw emotions from this surprise proposal were just so beautiful to photograph. As a NYC proposal photographer, I am grateful and honored to be able to witness these emotions. From her pure shock to overwhelming tears, this Long Island City proposal was emotional and beautiful to capture. We enjoyed her smiles, cries, and embraces the proposer as she figured out what happened. She finally understood that I was there to photograph her surprise proposal in NYC. It was a beautiful moment – all set against the glimmering city skyline and seasonal colors behind them. I am so happy to have preserved every moment of this surprise proposal in vivid detail.
Fall Engagement Session in Long Island City
After the surprise proposal in Long Island City, I photographed a couple of photos with their dog, Dunkin. It was important to have Dunkin by their side as part of their family. Austin even prepared a customized “She Said Yes” treat for the moment! After a few more family photos for them with Dunkin, we continue with the proposal session with a fall engagement session in LIC.
Their friend took care of their Schnoodle while we went on a romantic stroll throughout the Gantry Plaza State Park. This engagement session near the pier was so romantic and beautiful. All the fall colors peaked through the photos as I positioned them throughout the park. From the ring details to being under the fall foliage trees, the backdrop with vibrant colors was just stunning.
Check out more NYC surprise proposals that I’ve photographed with Tate & Ruari or Holly & Erik.
Need some engagement session ideas in NYC? Check out my gallery with Sonali & Toby or Karen & Dong.
