A Magical Proposal at Rockefeller Ice Rink: Love, Cheers, and “Moves Like Jagger”

New York City is always buzzing with energy during the holiday season, but few places capture the magic quite like the Rockefeller Center Ice Rink. This past December, I had the honor of photographing an unforgettable proposal at this iconic location—complete with twinkling lights, a cheering crowd, and the unexpected but fitting soundtrack of “Moves Like Jagger” playing in the background.

A Surprise on the Ice

The couple took to the ice for what seemed like a casual skating session, gliding under the glow of the towering Christmas tree. Little did she know, her partner had planned something extraordinary. As the familiar beat of “Moves Like Jagger” filled the air, he took her by the hand, skated to the center, and dropped to one knee. The rink fell into a hush for a split second before erupting into cheers as she gasped, covering her face in shock and joy.

With the city skyline as their witness and the rink’s onlookers cheering them on, she said yes! It was a moment of pure magic, frozen in time—literally and figuratively.

Capturing the Joy

After the proposal, we took a short walk around Rockefeller Plaza for an impromptu engagement session. The glow of the holiday lights provided the perfect romantic backdrop. We captured a mix of candid laughter, warm embraces, and classic NYC moments—against the decorated windows of Saks Fifth Avenue, under the sparkling angels lining the Channel Gardens, and even with a few twirls on Fifth Avenue.

The excitement of the moment was palpable in every frame. The couple’s energy was infectious, and their love story was made even more special by the thousands of strangers who had witnessed and celebrated with them.

Why Rockefeller Proposals are Iconic

Rockefeller Center is one of the best places to propose. It’s also the epitome of New York romance, especially during the holidays. The combination of the ice rink, the massive Christmas tree, and the buzzing energy of the crowd creates an atmosphere unlike any other. Whether you’re popping the question or simply soaking in the season, it’s a place where unforgettable memories are made.

If you’re dreaming of having a holiday proposal in NYC, Rockefeller Center Ice Rick is the place to do it. And if you want someone to capture every breathtaking second, I’d love to help make those memories last forever.

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Closing Out 2012 and What To Expect in 2013 – Happy New Year!

There’s so much to be grateful for this past year but all good things must come to an end. This post will include some of the memorable events of the past year and a preview of what you may expect during the New Year.

Weddings:
What can I say… The passion still lies deep in capturing one of the happiest moments in people’s lives. This past year’s weddings have brought me to a number of old and new places. San Francisco, New York City, and destination weddings in Maui, Hawaii, The Turks and Caicos and the French Polynesian Islands in Tahiti have all been such wonderful places to photograph. These places have all given me new and bright inspirations. I’ve also witnessed both new and traditional ceremonies this past year like the Egyptian Coptic, Korean, and Hindu Weddings along with multicultural weddings.

Charity and Events:
This year a number of different charities from New York City have asked me to provide event photography for their various fundraisers, balls, and parties. While these charities will always have their press photographers available they reached out to me to provide a fresh point of view in documenting their events. This year, I shot for Autism Speaks, Charity Water, The American Heart Association and The Partnership at Drugfree. Also, for the 3rd straight year, I had the pleasure and honor of shooting events for Victoria’s Secret which is always a fun and fantastic time.

New and Old Friends:
The Supper Club NYC: Always a pleasure shooting their posh events in and around New York City. This year I also helped a new start-up TopSwapClub.com which was founded by three truly amazing ladies, Amanda Salvato, Gabi Rebeschini and Marina Theiss. Make sure to check them out and buy some high-end designer clothes at simply unbelievable prices.

A Look Ahead into 2013:
It will be hard to top 2012, but this year will bring me again to new places.

A destination wedding shoot in Austria and possibly a project in Istanbul, Turkey.
More Wild and crazy weddings!

A NEW website!

Last but not least!

A NEW STUDIO!!! THAT”S RIGHT! A NEW STUDIO is scheduled to open in the Chelsea Area of New York City.

Thank You All for your amazing and loving support. Stay tuned…

© Josh Wong Photography

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Tips for Amazing “Getting Ready” Wedding Pictures

Sometimes brides forget just how important the “getting ready” pictures are. After all, getting ready for the wedding day sets the tone for the rest of the day. As story tellers, we love to document the entire day. This allows the couples to go back and remember exactly what happened. In this series, I’ll be giving you my experience on how to make your “getting ready” pictures even better.

1. The Environment:
   Have a great and beautiful environment to take pictures in. Not only should your ceremony location and reception location be beautiful, but your hotel bridal suite should also be warm, relaxing, and inviting as well. Boutique hotels are the best as they provide a unique look rather than those big chain hotels.
   
2. The Mood:
   Never forget your other senses. Provide great music. Music always connects with people in different ways and will loosen people up. Having a glass of champagne with your bridesmaids (which in of itself provides for a great photo op) will relax you.
   
3. Cleanliness
   Although documenting your day in a natural setting is great. There are things that really don’t look good in photos. Plastic water bottles, packaging materials, shoe boxes all over the place, paper towels and napkins, paper bags, plastic forks, and knives….. Do you get the picture? Schedule housekeeping to come in to re-make the bed and tidy up the suite before your photographers arrive. Also, have someone in charge of keeping things tidy will also help. But don’t go crazy about cleaning up though,  as we want to document everything so if there is a large case of empty beer bottles laying on the floor. Leave it alone! =)
   
4. Punctuality
   Be on time, especially if you are having your hair and makeup done off-location. Hair and/or makeup can take longer than expected and will easily delay you an extra 30 minutes if there are any issues. Love your Hair & Makeup artist! Do your research and find someone who is awesome.
   
5. Parents vs. Friends:
   Whether or not you have a bridal party, you should always have a couple of close friends around to help you and support you. Parents can be around but should not be the only people. Yes, you love your Mom dearly, but they can sometimes push the wrong buttons.
   
6. Timing:
   You are the last person to get into your dress. Your bridesmaids should all be dressed before you so when they help you put on your dress they are in the shot. Schedule enough time as well. We can work fast but the more time you give us, the more relaxed and brilliant the photos will be. I recommend two hours for getting ready with the final 30 minutes for bridal portraits.
   
7. Items To Bring:
   There are a few items that I believe are always forgotten and are missing when taking getting ready pictures. The first is the invitation and Save the Date. Your wedding starts well before the day of. It starts when you invite people.  The second is a beautiful hanger for the dress. We don’t like dry cleaning and or plastic hangers. Finally, a small pretty round mirror. We love reflections. So, try to bring these or have these items made available.
   
8. Last but not least:
   Have a smile on your face, be happy, and cherish every moment of the day! I’m sure you’ve heard about how fast the day goes… Well… Let me tell you that it’s absolutely true. The year it took you to plan your day goes poof in a matter of hours. There can be many small things that will not go as expected, but don’t fret and try not to let any of it upset you. The camera will pick up all those emotions!

Stay tuned next month as we dive into tips for engagement pictures or if you would like for me to cover a certain topic, leave your comments below.
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  Guastavino’s Wedding New York City by Top NYC Wedding Photographer Josh Wong Photography
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  Rockefeller Center Ice Rink Proposal – Engaged! Moves Like Jagger.
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  Le Chateau Wedding
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  Weddings at Oheka Castle
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  San Francisco Engagement Pictures by San Francisco Wedding Photographer Josh Wong Photography

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On my way home last night. The Empire State building was peeping through the clouds.

© Josh Wong Photography

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Every person who lives in New York City knows that at any given moment, you could get deluged upon. I’ve lived here for over 5 years now and I guess I still haven’t learned my lesson. Neither has Marisa and Ashish who have been here even longer. Marisa got her hair and makeup done earlier in the day in preparation for our engagement photo shoot and got drenched within the first 10-15 minutes of our shoot at Washington Square Park. None of us had an umbrella so we, along with everyone else in the park, ran for cover underneath the Washington Arch as the freak storm passed overhead. It didn’t help as the rain not only came from above, it seemed to come sideways as well and therefore blasted everyone under the arch. Both Ashish and I tried to use our bodies to protect Marisa from the rain as much as possible but were unsuccessful. I eventually pulled out my reflector to use as a covering which actually provided quite a bit of protection. The storm lasted for about 20 minutes.

Marisa was such a great sport about what happened. She didn’t fret nor complain about getting wet and ruining her hair. If anything… I thought the wet chaotic hair made her look sexier. And I know Ashish would agree with this. So after the storm passed, something amazing actually happened. The sun came out and the entire park was completely empty allowing us to get some truly awesome shots at the fountain. That was definitely a rarity especially on a busy summer weekend.

After finishing up in the park, we decided to hit Grand Central as our second spot and then returned to finish our night session at the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park. Despite the downpour, I had such a great time with Marisa and Ashish! Our eventful session is one to remember. Can’t wait to see what your wedding day brings! Congrats and I’ll see you two in a few months.

Below is the montage and my favorite shots of the day. Enjoy!

© Josh Wong Photography

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Just when I thought that meeting legendary guitarist Ronnie Wood was going to be the highlight of my year, I get invited to photograph feminist Gloria Steinem and 9 time Grammy Award musician John Legend. Gloria opened her upper east side home to guests and friends to help raise funds and awareness for A Long Walk Home (ALWH), a non-profit organization that uses the visual and performing arts as a method for healing girls who have been sexually abused or violated. The evening was filled with some of these girls performing poems, reading literature and raising awareness for the ALWH. At the end, here is what Gloria left us.

“We must establish reproductive freedom as a basic fundamental right. There’s no more important work that any of us can do than untangling this violence at its source, with art and humanity.” — Gloria Steinem

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Runway Photo from the 2012 Pratt Institute Fashion Show by fashion photographer Josh Wong Photography

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