Tag Archive for: surprise proposal ideas


decorative waterfront proposal at night


This story is in my client Jomo’s words. I think you’ll find that he describes their proposal perfectly.

“At an early stage in our relationship, I remember her saying one of her favorite things would be to walk into a candle lit room with rose petals spread all over. I wanted to create that atmosphere and being that it was going to be a proposal, I wanted it to have that special touch to it. I felt like if I did it at our home or some nice hotel it would be nice but I also wanted it to be captured.”

I did some online research and stumbled onto so many other ideas and photographers and their work but once I stumbled onto your work, I was amazed by your work and immediately knew what I wanted. If I remember correctly, when we discussed the idea, the words we used were, “nice but simple.” Once the arrangements were made, I told my fiancée that I made plans for us so she made sure that she was available.⠀

Fast forward to the actual day – she kept asking where we were going so I told her it a function and it’s something she always wanted to go to, so dress nicely.

We took an Uber to Dumbo and as soon as I saw you Ash, I texted you and started following your lead. I could see that she was a bit confused because we were walking through a dark path but she didn’t suspect a thing! As we approached the destination, she saw all the rose petals and candles but she still didn’t know it was for her.

We came to a stop and I had my speech ready for her. Once I got on my knee to propose, she couldn’t hold her emotions back. There were many happy tears!⠀

She absolutely loved her proposal and I was absolutely satisfied with your work, Ash. There were city lights, candle lights, rose petals and cameras there to capture the moment. My initial proposal idea was going to be indoors but you made it possible outdoors and we loved it?.”

It was such an honor to help Jomo make his dream marriage proposal a reality. I would love to help you! Feel free to get in touch!

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Brendan’s proposal in Long Island City was a party! Brendan chose to propose to his girlfriend on the waterfront where they live. The Long Island City waterfronts is one of the best kept secret proposal locations in all of New York City. Long Island City (despite it’s confusing name) is located just a short five minute ferry ride across from midtown Manhattan in Queens. It features the most iconic skyline view you can get, because you can see both the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. I highly recommend this location as an alternative to Dumbo because it’s much less crowded, closer to midtown Manhattan and the view is equally beautiful.

Brendan had his best friends waiting along the waterfront with their backs turned, holding signs spelling out “Will You Marry Me” When his girlfriend approached, they flipped the signs, and Brendan proposed!

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long island city proposal

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On an icy winter day Chris proposed to his long term girlfriend on the waterfront in Hoboken. Chris and his gorgeous fiancé live in Hoboken just over the river on the west side of Manhattan. I LOVE HOBOKEN! It is basically the Brooklyn Heights of New Jersey with it’s brownstones, gorgeous tree lined blocks and adorable cosy corner restaurants. I always have a great time visiting Hoboken and Chris’s proposal was no exception! It was one of the coldest days of the winter dipping to under 20 degrees, but Chris was a trooper and he and his girlfriend were armed with layers. The went for a stroll to take in the amazing view and then he dropped to his knee. I love Hoboken as unexpected proposal location. It’s just a short path train ride away from Herald Sq in the center of Manhattan. Hoboken is much quieter than Dumbo and you get an amazing skyline view featuring the Empire State Building which you can’t see from Dumbo. I love this location for couples wanting to have their proposal captured with the NYC skyline. After the proposal there are tons of cute restaurants and little shops to check out. I highly recommend it! :)

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Peter came up with the perfect way to surprise his girlfriend Tina, on a (not so ordinary) walk to a work event earning in the morning. Sometimes you gotta catch a gal off guard by surprising them on a regular day! Tina was shocked. Peter and Tina’s proposal took place on a chilly winter day right at sunrise. What a way to start the day, right?! The light was gorgeous with the sun rising just moments before Peter dropped to his knee. He created a beautiful card for Tina  which made the moment extra special No need for coffee for these two, nothing wakes you up like the endorphin rush of love! :) I’m so happy for Tina and Pete! Congrats!

Tina and Pete’s story  and my photos were featured by How He Asked. Check out their post here… http://howheasked.com/highline-proposal-in-new-york-city

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Washington Square Park Engagement

I photograph proposals for guys and girls from all of the world. Many are visiting NYC for the very first time., experiencing the city with fresh eyes. Others are here on a return visit. Maybe NY was the city where they first kissed, first fell in love, other times one person is brining the other to NYC so they can see it through the other’s eyes. It goes without saying what a romantic place NYC is. There is romance to be found in every nook and cranny.

When New York City is your backyard you can sometimes take it for granted (which is why I love shooting proposals because I get a chance to experience it anew through the couples eyes). I know I pass the Empire State building almost everyday. I try to remember to look up and remind myself that I’m living here in the city I dreamed of. Sometimes especially on quiet nights walking home it really hits me how blessed I am to be surrounded by the art of architects who had visions for a place where people could live and work amongst classic and modern beauty!

Local NYC guys are often looking to propose in the nooks and crannies of NYC and love to transform the mundane into something extraordinary. The magic of NY is it’s changing at every moment. How amazing is it that in one moment your backyard park becomes the place where your boyfriend tells you he wants to spend the rest of his life with you.  Adam chose Washington Square Park for his proposal. He and his stunning fiancé live downtown, so Washington Square Park is their park.  Washington Square park represents all that is quintessentially Greenwich village. You have your chess players, dancers, saxophone players, book clubs, NYU students, jugglers, fake drug dealers, and even a piano player with a full on babygrand underneath the famous arches. I absolutely loved photographing this proposal on the late August day. Diana couldn’t have been more shocked when on a seemingly ordinary stroll through the park, Adam dropped to his knee in front of the fountain perfectly framing himself with the Washington Square arches behind them.

Ash Fox

Washington Square Park Engagement

Washington Square Park Engagement

Washington Square Park Engagement

Washington Square Park Engagement

Washington Square Park Engagement

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Washington Square Park Engagement

Washington Square Park Engagement