A Surprise on the Great Lawn


There’s something timeless about a Central Park proposal—but this one had a personal twist that made it even more special.

Luke and Jane’s love story began on Hinge in the fall of 2023. Since then, their bond has only grown stronger, and by the end of the following summer, they had moved in together on the Upper East Side. They quickly fell in love with their new neighborhood and especially with taking long walks through nearby Central Park. It’s always been a special, everyday place for them—so when Luke began planning the proposal, it was the obvious choice.


He chose the north end of the Great Lawn, a peaceful, scenic spot they often passed during their strolls. On the day of the proposal, Jane thought they were just taking another walk—nothing out of the ordinary. But then, Luke dropped to one knee and asked her to spend forever with him. They hadn’t gone ring shopping or discussed timelines, so Jane was truly caught off guard. But her answer came quickly and emphatically: yes!


After taking in the moment and capturing some portraits around the park, Luke led Jane to one more surprise. As they walked a little further, a group of friends and family—carefully hidden—jumped out to celebrate the newly engaged couple. Jane was overcome with emotion, crying and laughing as she hugged her mom and showed off her beautiful new ring. There were happy tears, excited squeals, and so much love shared as she recounted the proposal to each person.


And if all of that weren’t enough, the proposal happened on the eve of Jane’s 30th birthday—making this already unforgettable moment the perfect gift and the start of a beautiful new chapter.

Romantic proposal scene with skyline of New York City visible across green grass in Central Park on a sunny day. Joliette Marie Photography.
Woman in white bends to see engagement ring during a surprise proposal moment at Central Park with the New York City skyline behind them.
A couple sharing a special moment in front of the New York City skyline at Central Park on a sunny day during a surprise proposal
A romantic couple holds hands while leaning together by a wire fence in Central Park, with skyscrapers in the background during a proposal.
A couple shares a romantic kiss in Central Park with the Manhattan skyline visible in the background. Photo by Joliette Marie Photography
A black and white photo of a man hugging his new fiancée during a surprise proposal in NYC. Photo by Joliette Marie Photography.
A couple embraces hugs near a fence in Central Park with the Manhattan skyline visible in the background on a sunny day.
A black and white photo of a couple sharing a romantic moment in Central Park during their engagement session by Joliette Marie Photography.
A couple shares an intimate moment while sitting together on green grass in a sunlit park setting.
A romantic couple shares a tender kiss while sitting on grass in Central Park on a summer day. Photo by Joliette Marie Photography.
A romantic black and white photo of a couple sharing a tender kiss outdoors with curly hair and formal attire.
Couple shares intimate moments while relaxing on grass in a sunlit park with tall pine trees during their engagement session.
A romantic couple shares an intimate moment during an engagement session in Central Park. Photo by by Joliette Marie Photography.
Close-up shot of hands holding each other with a sparkling diamond engagement ring displayed on one hand.
Couple shares tender embraces in a sunlit garden setting with lush green trees in the background in Central Park.