A Ferry Ride Across NYC Before the Proposal


Some proposal stories feel deeply tied to New York City itself, and Michael and Kelly’s proposal was one of those sessions where the city became part of the entire experience from beginning to end.


The two of them first met during the NYC Marathon when Michael’s sister was running the race. Kelly happened to work with her and was there cheering her on from the sidelines too. Apparently, Michael’s sister had already told both of them beforehand that they would probably get along really well. She was definitely right. Three years later, Michael and Kelly now live together in FiDi and built a life together downtown, which made it especially meaningful that their proposal day centered around some of their favorite parts of lower Manhattan.


Michael put so much thought into the entire plan.To keep Kelly from getting suspicious, he told her they were heading to a friend’s birthday party later that evening. Before that though, he planned a ferry ride because he knew how much she loves being on ferries in New York. I loved that detail because it made the proposal feel so personal to who they are together instead of just choosing a random location.


The two of them took the ferry over toward DUMBO together while I stayed nearby ready for the proposal itself. Even before the proposal happened, the entire afternoon already had such a relaxed and happy energy.

Couple sharing a romantic proposal moment on a wooden pier with the Brooklyn Bridge and NYC skyline in the background.

A Brooklyn Bridge Proposal in DUMBO


Once they arrived near the waterfront in DUMBO with views of the Brooklyn Bridge and lower Manhattan behind them, Michael led Kelly over to the proposal spot and got down on one knee. The moment felt incredibly emotional and intimate despite being surrounded by the energy of the city. Kelly looked genuinely surprised and immediately emotional once she realized what was happening. After she said yes, the excitement between them was so obvious. One of my favorite parts of photographing proposals is seeing couples settle into the reality of being engaged while the adrenaline and nerves slowly turn into excitement and joy.


We spent some time wandering through DUMBO taking engagement portraits with the bridge and waterfront views before eventually hopping back onto the ferry together toward Manhattan. Some of my favorite images from the entire session actually happened on the ferry ride back. There is something about being out on the water surrounded by the skyline that always feels especially cinematic and romantic in photos. The two of them spent most of the ride smiling nonstop, wrapped around each other, and soaking in the fact that they had just gotten engaged.


Once we got back downtown, we explored the streets around FiDi and the Seaport District taking more portraits together. Since these neighborhoods are such a big part of their everyday life together, the photos naturally felt personal and connected to their story.


At one point, we even came across an Irish flag hanging nearby and grabbed some photos with it since both of them are very Irish. Those little unexpected moments are always the best because they make galleries feel even more specific to the couple.

Couple dancing on a NYC street outside an Irish pub, man dipping woman in matching plaid suits with American flag backdrop.
Couple sharing a romantic kiss on a waterfront boardwalk with a bridge and blue sky in the background.

Celebrating With Family at Fraunces Tavern


To end the night, Michael and Kelly headed to Fraunces Tavern, one of their favorite spots downtown, where another surprise was waiting for them. As soon as they walked inside, both of their families were there ready to celebrate.


The reactions when everyone greeted them were so emotional and joyful. After spending the afternoon documenting their proposal story across the city, it felt incredibly special getting to photograph that final moment of everyone coming together.


We took family photos, group portraits, and candid images of everyone celebrating throughout the evening before I finally left them to enjoy the rest of the night together.


Michael and Kelly’s proposal was such a perfect example of how meaningful proposal photography becomes when couples incorporate places and experiences that genuinely reflect their relationship. From ferries and skyline views to FiDi streets and family celebrations downtown, the entire day felt unmistakably like them.

Couple embracing on a waterfront dock with the Brooklyn Bridge and NYC skyline behind them.
Man proposing on one knee to woman on Brooklyn Bridge waterfront pier with NYC skyline backdrop.
Man proposing on one knee to woman on Brooklyn Bridge Park waterfront with NYC skyline behind them.
Couple shares a romantic embrace after a marriage proposal on a Brooklyn Bridge waterfront boardwalk.
Couple embracing on a waterfront boardwalk near the Brooklyn Bridge after a marriage proposal in NYC.
Engaged couple celebrating near Brooklyn Bridge waterfront, man raising fist while embracing woman in plaid suit.
An engaged couple smiles outdoors near the Brooklyn Bridge, the woman displaying her engagement ring.
Couple embracing near Brooklyn Bridge on a sunny day, sharing a romantic moment by the waterfront.
Couple embracing and smiling at each other near Brooklyn Bridge waterfront on a sunny day.
Hand holding red box with diamond engagement ring near Brooklyn Bridge in New York City on a sunny day.
Close-up of a romantic marriage proposal with a diamond engagement ring being placed on a woman's finger outdoors.
Black and white photo of a couple holding hands and walking along a dock with the Brooklyn Bridge behind them.
Engaged couple walks hand in hand along Brooklyn Bridge Park waterfront with NYC skyline backdrop.
Couple standing arm in arm gazing at Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline from a wooden pier.
Couple embracing and smiling at each other on Brooklyn Bridge waterfront with Manhattan skyline behind.

Proposing in NYC soon?


If you are planning a proposal in NYC and want photos that feel personal, emotional, and connected to your story, I would love to help document it. Drop your contact info and your proposal plan so far, and I will get back to you within 24 hours!