Capturing the Magic: A Surprise NYC Engagement Proposal at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel

Christopher + Jeanine

As a wedding and engagement photographer, I’ve been lucky enough to capture countless beautiful moments, but every now and then, a surprise proposal comes along that has its own magic. One such moment unfolded recently in front of the iconic Christmas tree at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel—an unforgettable setting for a timeless love story.

The proposal was carefully planned by the groom-to-be, who reached out to me weeks in advance. His vision? To surprise his girlfriend with a proposal in front of the majestic tree, surrounded by the magic of the season. My role? To discreetly capture the anticipation, joy, and love from the shadows until the big moment arrived.

Post-Proposal Bliss

After she said “yes,” we took some post-proposal portraits to seal the memory. The couple posed in front of the sparkling tree, now basking in the excitement of their engagement. The joy was contagious as passersby offered congratulations, and I made sure to capture their genuine reactions and candid moments as they shared the news with loved ones.

The festive surroundings of the Lotte Palace Hotel gave the entire shoot a romantic, fairytale-like quality. The Christmas season, with all its warmth and magic, was the perfect setting for this life-changing moment.

Wrapping Up Our Surprise NYC Engagement Proposal

Photographing surprise proposals is always an adventure, and this one, in particular, was made even more special by the stunning holiday setting. Capturing the joy, love, and holiday magic at the Lotte New York Palace was an experience I’ll never forget, and I’m sure it’s a moment the couple will cherish for the rest of their lives.

If you’re planning a holiday proposal or want to capture a special moment in one of New York City’s iconic locations, I’d love to help you tell your story through my lens. Moments like these deserve to be remembered forever. Contact Me Here

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This may have been one of the most unique ideas that I’ve come across in terms of marriage proposals. The idea is based on a mock courtroom trial secretly geared towards Christina who is currently interning and studying to be a lawyer. Due to the sensitive nature of our country’s court system, you are generally not allowed to bring any recording equipment into the rooms so I needed to get a judge ordered injunction in order to have access to the courtroom with my camera gear.

The mock trial was based on a civil case with Christina acting as a sworn-in witness. I was on hand as a news photojournalist for the WSJ. The judge (which I was not allowed to photograph) would instruct Christina to get sworn in and take a seat on the witness stand. After some questions from the counsel, she was handed a letter to read. Little did she know that the letter was from her boyfriend Anthony proclaiming his love for her. At this point, Anthony entered the courtroom from the main entrance to watch her finish reading the letter. Christina didn’t realize that Anthony was standing there until she finished reading the letter and looked up. She noticed Anthony was right there and couldn’t believe her eyes. The rest is ….. well at this point … was up to Anthony. Congrats you two! Thanks for having me be a part of these memorable moments. Below is your montage.

© Josh Wong Photography

Christina and Anthony outside of the New Jersey courthouse after the marriage proposal. Anthony’s surprise wedding and marriage proposal to Christina in a Mock Courtroom Trial.

The ring. She said Yes! The actual proposal. Anthony’s surprise wedding and marriage proposal to Christina in a Mock Courtroom Trial.

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Engagement and proposal pictures by NYC Proposal and wedding photographer Josh Wong.

Danny proposes to Irene at Bryant Park, New York City
May 20, 2011

The weather has been very strange in New York City the past few weeks. There seemed to be a consistent dosage of rain falling from the heavens. But for Danny, he had his heart set on proposing to Irene on this day. So rain or shine… It was going to happen. And rain or shine… I was going to be there with him, at least from a distance and undercover, to capture the moment. Danny had chosen Bryant Park as the proposal spot because it was one of Irene’s very favorite parks in the city when she lived here a few years ago. Because they currently live in Pittsburgh, a 6-hour drive, it was only fitting to return here. Below are some of the captured moments of the marriage proposal. Enjoy!

© Josh Wong Photography

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Ramy Proposes to Jessica on Bow Bridge in Central Park.
Friday March 18, 2011

There is just something magical about this place. The infamous Bow Bridge to be exact. Marriage proposals seem to happen there practically everyday and I am lucky enough to be one of the few to capture these unforgettable moments. It is a truly great spot. The lighting is generally very good and the view is spectacular. Ramy contacted me several days before to go over his game plan for his proposal to his girlfriend Jessica. “Is this something you can do for me?” he asked. “Of course! What’s the plan?” Ramy’s plan included a little visit to Magnolia Bakery, a favorite spot for the couple and then a stroll into Central Park. Have a seat at the Bethesda Fountain where I was waiting for them from a distance. I took a few shots here (2 images below) and then proceeded to Bow Bridge, the proposal location.

When I got to the bridge, around 3pm, it was crowded as usual but the light was falling into my ideal situation. I signaled Ramy, via text, that I was ready for him to make his way here. The funny thing, and this almost always happens, is the gathering of people that watch the proposal. They have no idea what’s going on but when they are lucky enough to witness it happening, their reactions are unbeatable.

So…. finally after the proposal, I emerged from my hidden location and Ramy informed Jessica that I had been there the whole time capturing their beautiful moment. I had a great time Jessica and Ramy! Congratulations to you both and I can’t wait till your wedding. Below are a few of my favorites.

© Josh Wong Photography

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Proposal on Bow Bridge in Central Park

Marriage proposals are always a significant stepping stone to the next part of a couple’s relationship. The moments of anticipation, the unforgettable reactions, and the fairytale endings that flash before the camera in the blink of an eye.

But if you manage to capture it, these priceless images allow the couple to share and celebrate this beautiful occasion with their loved ones.

For me to share these times with a couple like Gina and Ivey is an awesome feeling. I’m touched every time. Ivey asked me about a month ago to document and photograph his proposal to Gina.

The plan:  Fly up from Richmond, Virginia to New York City on a private plane. Whisked off by a stretch limo to have brunch at the very posh Bar Boulud in the Columbus Circle area. After brunch, they took a leisurely stroll through Central Park. Proposal to Gina on the infamous Bow Bridge. And finally, hitting some of the best spots around New York City.

Did Ivey’s plan work? See it for yourselves! Congratulations Gina and Ivey on your engagement! Can’t wait to do this again for your wedding. Enjoy!

tags: marriage proposal locations nyc

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