From Track Teammates to Teammates for Life: A Central Park Proposal Story


Hirsh and Elise’s love story began on the track at Emory University, where they met as teammates and quickly became inseparable. After college, their journey took them from D.C. to Atlanta, where Elise completed her PhD at Emory once again, and then to New York City, where they both live and work today.


When Hirsh reached out about proposing to Elise in Central Park, he knew he wanted a location that felt both peaceful and romantic. The Conservatory Garden’s Untermyer Fountain was the perfect spot. The morning was calm and green, the flowers in full bloom, and the fountain’s dancing figures created the dreamiest backdrop as Hirsh got down on one knee.


The ring he held was more than just beautiful—it was deeply meaningful. Both the ring and the box had belonged to Elise’s late mother, who passed away within the last few years. Including them in this moment was a quiet but powerful way to honor her memory, making an already emotional proposal even more heartfelt.


Elise’s reaction was pure joy and disbelief, the kind of moment that makes everyone nearby smile. After she said “yes,” we spent about thirty minutes wandering through the Conservatory Garden for couples photos, soaking up the excitement and beauty of the morning. These two couldn’t stop laughing together, and it was so easy to capture their connection—joyful, relaxed, and full of love.


From there, we walked toward the Central Park Reservoir, where a fun surprise was waiting. Both Hirsh and Elise are lifelong runners, and as luck would have it, a NYRR race was happening that morning. Without hesitation, they jumped right into the race for a few yards so we could get photos of them doing something that’s always been part of their story. It was spontaneous, sweet, and so perfectly them.


As we continued toward the bridge, Elise had no idea what was next. Their families were waiting to surprise them! When she finally spotted them, she did a double take, instantly tearing up before running over for hugs. The moment was full of happy tears, laughter, and so much love.


Proposals like this are what make photographing love stories in Central Park so special. There’s always a little magic in the air.

A couple shares a romantic moment in the Central Park Conservatory Garden setting with a decorative fountain in the background.
A romantic proposal scene unfolds in the Central Park Conservatory Garden in front of the Untermyer Fountain on a sunny summer day.
A couple hugging captured in black and white by a decorative fountain with dancing figure sculptures during their proposal.
A couple shares a kiss after they get engaged in the Central Park Conservatory Garden in front of an ornate fountain with bronze sculptures.
Close-up shots of a white ring box containing an engagement ring.
A special moment captured in front of the Untermyer Garden in Central Park as a couple celebrates their engagement.
Couple embraces in a romantic moment outdoors with a red floral dress and navy suit against a natural backdrop.
Romantic couple shares intimate moments while dressed in formal attire near a garden setting.
Close-up of two hands gently touching with an engagement ring visible in a romantic outdoor garden setting.
Romantic couple embraces in black and white photo series showing tender moments in a garden setting.
A couple in coordinated outfits walking together in Central Park Conservatory Garden during a proposal session captured by NYC photographer.
Detailed view of hands holding with a sparkling engagement ring in focus against a blurred garden background.
A couple poses playfully by a garden fountain with bronze statues on a spring day.
A romantic scene under a garden archway with beautiful landscaping.
Couple shares romantic moments by a garden fountain with a red and white floral dress and formal attire during their NYC proposal session.

Planning a Central Park Proposal?


If you’re thinking about proposing in Central Park, I’d love to help you plan a moment that feels personal and unforgettable. From finding the perfect location (like the Conservatory Garden, Bow Bridge, or Bethesda Terrace) to coordinating timing and lighting, I’ll make sure your proposal is beautifully captured from start to finish.

You can check out my post on 7 of the Best Proposal Spots in Central Park for inspiration or reach out to start planning your session — I can’t wait to hear your story!