Emotions, Skylines, Pure Love
On a brisk and windy day, I waited for Nick and his girlfriend Ashley to arrive on a bridge overlooking the Hudson River. Even though the day was a little overcast and chilly, it actually created the perfect situation because there were less people there than there may regularly be on a Saturday evening. Liberty State Park is one of the best places to propose in New York City because of the amazing skyline, but on this day it was also a perfect private place to propose. (If you're looking for other places to propose, check out my Ultimate Proposal Guide!)
As with all proposals, I was feeling a little bit like a secret agent watching a target. And like any good agent, the key is to go undetected. I had my zoom lens ready to go and as I narrowed in on them as they walked down the bridge, I could tell this was going to be special. He took her over to the ledge and told her that they weren't actually on their way to dinner for his mom's birthday (I presume, since I was too far to hear them). Almost immediately, the water works started. She knew this was it and he definitely had a way with words.
After a full few minutes of giving her a proposal speech standing then kneeling, he slid the ring on her finger and they kissed and hugged through happy tears. I ran over congratulating them and giving up my secret agent identity, she was so happy that it radiated from her. He was relieved to have finally asked her to marry him and to have evoked just the right reaction.
But, the surprises weren't over.
A few minutes into having them pose for their post-proposal Liberty State Park engagement photos, I was in the middle of directing them when he suddenly said, "You may want to get your camera ready again." I was just as shocked as Ashley was to see a whole happy family running towards the newly engaged couple, whooping with excitement and toting balloons, flowers, and champagne. They hugged their families hello, and you could tell how grateful Ashley was to see them all. Her side of the family had flown into NYC for the occasion from Florida!
I backed up the rest of the time and let them fully embrace this joyful moment and capture their authentic love. Afterwards, they went out to dinner with their families, and the momentous occasion received the celebration it deserved.
Overall, I was SO happy with the photos and overwhelmed with emotion myself. I was literally tearing us as I took the photos, looked at them on my camera afterwards, and while I was editing them the next few days. Nick's proposal was so beautiful and the backdrop of the New York City skyline and Hudson River was the perfect setting.
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