A Unique NYC Proposal Inspired by Their Love of Books


One of my favorite things about photographing proposals is seeing how couples personalize the experience in ways that genuinely reflect their relationship. For Justin and Jing, that meant creating a proposal centered around Jing’s love of books and storytelling.


Justin planned the proposal at Bibliotheque, the beautiful book-themed bar located in the Soho and Tribeca area of Manhattan. Instead of proposing in a crowded public spot, he coordinated with the venue to rent out the private cellar space downstairs, which made the entire experience feel incredibly intimate and personal.


When Jing walked into the room, everything had been carefully set up for them. In the center of the cellar was a table covered in roses alongside a bottle of champagne, a speaker playing songs meaningful to their relationship, and the most thoughtful detail of all: a homemade “Story of Us” book that Justin created himself. The scrapbook-style book walked through different “chapters” of their relationship together, documenting memories and milestones from throughout their time as a couple.

Man kneeling on one knee proposing to woman beside table with red roses in romantic warmly lit room at Bibliotheque in Tribeca.

A Proposal Hidden Inside Their Storybook


Justin had Jing flip through the book with him. As she turned each page, you could see her becoming more emotional realizing how much time and care he had put into creating something so personal for her.At the very end of the book was the final page that read: “Will you marry me?” As soon as Jing looked up, Justin dropped to one knee and proposed.


The entire moment felt incredibly thoughtful and intentional in a way that reflected both of them perfectly. There was such a quiet intimacy to the proposal because every detail had meaning behind it. Jing was so excited and emotional, and once the initial surprise settled in, the two of them immediately relaxed into the joy of the moment together.


Afterward, we spent some time taking portraits throughout the cellar space while they celebrated with champagne and soaked everything in. The lighting and atmosphere downstairs at Bibliotheque created such a cinematic backdrop for proposal photos. Between the warm tones, shelves of books, and the personal details Justin incorporated, the gallery ended up feeling incredibly romantic and unique to them.

Couple kissing on a city sidewalk while holding a gray photo album with a portrait on the cover with the title "Story of Us" after proposal

Running Through the Streets of NYC Together


After spending time downstairs, we headed outside into the city for additional engagement portraits around Soho and Tribeca.


One thing I loved about Justin and Jing throughout the session was how playful and affectionate they were together. They especially loved the running photos, which ended up becoming some of my favorites from the entire gallery because they captured so much genuine excitement and movement. The energy of the city paired perfectly with the intimacy of the proposal itself. We wandered through side streets taking candid photos while they laughed, held onto each other, and settled into the reality of being engaged.


What made this proposal feel especially memorable was how clearly every part of it reflected their relationship. From the scrapbook filled with memories to the book-lined cellar at Bibliotheque, nothing about the experience felt generic or performative. It felt deeply personal from beginning to end. Proposals like this are such a reminder that the most meaningful ideas are often the ones rooted in who a couple already is together.

Elegant table with red roses in silver box, champagne glasses, and books in a cozy lounge setting.
Couple holding hands facing each other with red roses in background during romantic proposal moment.
Couple sharing a romantic kiss while holding hands in a warmly lit living room interior.
Couple looking at a photo book together near a table with red roses in an elegant wine bar setting.
Romantic couple sharing a tender moment while browsing a photo album together indoors.
Man proposing on one knee to woman beside a table with red roses and champagne in a warmly lit room.
A man places an engagement ring on a woman's finger beside red roses in a warmly lit room.
Happy couple sharing a passionate kiss during their engagement celebration indoors.
Couple embracing and kissing in a cozy dimly lit living room with bookshelves.
Couple sharing a warm embrace from behind in a cozy, warmly lit living room.
A couple shares a romantic moment exchanging gifts indoors, with red roses on a table in a warmly lit room.
Close-up of an engagement ring being placed on a woman's finger during a proposal.
Smiling couple holding hands indoors with a bouquet of red roses in the background.
A couple shares a romantic kiss beside a vase of red roses and champagne in an elegant room.
Engaged couple kissing and celebrating with champagne glasses in a stylish interior.

Looking for an NYC proposal photographer?


If you are planning a proposal in NYC and want photography that captures your relationship in a natural, emotional, and storytelling-focused way, I would love to help document it. Drop your contact info and when you're looking to propose, and I will be in touch with you within 24 hours!