Surprise Proposal in Central Park
Surprise proposals are one of the most nerve-racking and enchanting events to photograph. They require more intentional planning and timing, but the results are worth the effort. I love surprise proposals because I have the opportunity to be an artistic observer, and you lead the moment. No posing. No prompting. Just you and your partner captivated with each other.
Nick and Lorin’s proposal had been in the planning process for months, and their relationship had withstood the tests of time. They were high school sweethearts who battled long distance through college and graduate school. And now, after nine years of learning and growing together, Nick felt ready to officially unite their love.
On the morning of their proposal, my videographer (a.k.a. my boyfriend) and I journeyed into Central Park to claim our location at Bow Bridge. I assisted Nick with the proposal planning process, and we discussed many different options (including Juilliard performers) before we landed on a simple and intimate proposal in New York City. New York is a special place for Nick and Lorin. They both went to college in New York, and during those years apart, they matured their love into something strong and unbreakable. After deciding that they would celebrate Lorin’s birthday in New York to reunite with many of their friends who live in the city, Nick and I knew that this was our opportunity to surprise Lorin and allow her to celebrate with all of her family members and friends.
We encountered some obstacles along the way, including freezing temperatures and a half marathon in Central Park on the morning of the proposal. We could have switched plans and fallen into a state of panic, but we decided that we would commit to our original plan. After all, the moment would be about their love and union, not about the external factors.
So, with my boyfriend and I in place behind a large rock, Nick and Lorin took a morning stroll in Central Park to start her birthday off privately and quietly, like they used to do when Lorin lived in the city. I kept track of Nick’s location, and when they turned the corner, I was ready to capture their moment.
I was honored to witness their pure joy and excitement. I photographed from afar when Nick dropped to his knee, and after Lorin’s resounding, “Yes!” I jumped into action. My boyfriend recorded their moment on an i-phone, so that we could share the moment with Lorin and Nick immediately. We quietly danced around the dock while Lorin and Nick shared their first embraces, kisses, and celebrations as fiancés.
After the initial excitement, I asked Nick and Lorin if they wanted to commemorate the moment with a few additional photos. They were thrilled to document their joy. I had scouted a few locations as we initially entered the park, so with coffees in tow to keep our hands warm, we walked around the park and stopped at several locations for some digital, film, and polaroid engagement photos. I gave Lorin and Nick minimal prompting because their enthusiasm and love for one another naturally took charge.
Their photos are playful, romantic, and joyful. While I guided Nick and Lorin through their brief photoshoot, my boyfriend quietly followed and took miniature videos to document the entire process.
However, it didn’t take long before everyone’s fingers were cold and stiff. So, we decided to wrap up our photoshoot. Lorin thought that the surprise was coming to an end, but Nick had more in store for their special weekend in the city.
Right outside of the park, Lorin and Nick’s friends and family members were patiently waiting for my call. I quickly sent a message along with a brief video, “They’re engaged!” Nick informed Lorin that all of their loved ones were waiting for them to celebrate. Not only would they be having a celebratory brunch, but they would also be greeted by their high school, college, and graduate school friends at an evening engagement party!
For the remainder of their engagement day, I went along for the ride. I documented their celebrations with their friends and family documentary-style. No poses or prompts. Simply, I was there to capture all of their joy and to preserve the memories of a truly unforgettable weekend.
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