A Completely Unexpected Proposal in Jersey City


Some proposals are emotional because they are romantic, and others are emotional because the surprise is so genuine that it completely overwhelms the person being proposed to. Frank and Teresa’s proposal at Liberty State Park somehow managed to be both.


The two of them have been together for about four years after originally meeting through Frank’s sister Alyssa and mutual friends around 2020. From the way Frank talked about Teresa beforehand, it was obvious how deeply he cared for her and how much thought he put into planning this moment.


With Alyssa helping coordinate everything behind the scenes, Frank created a proposal plan that felt natural enough to avoid suspicion while still leading Teresa exactly where he needed her to be. He told Teresa they were meeting friends nearby but had some extra time beforehand, so he suggested taking a walk through Liberty State Park together first. Teresa had absolutely no idea what was coming.

Man proposes on one knee to woman in polka dot dress with NYC skyline and One World Trade Center backdrop.

A Surprise Proposal With Family Waiting Nearby


As soon as Frank proposed, Teresa was completely shocked. Even throughout the rest of the session afterward, she kept talking about how surprised she was and replaying the moment in her head. Her reaction was incredibly genuine and emotional in the best way.


Liberty State Park created such a beautiful backdrop for the proposal as well. Between the waterfront views, skyline scenery, and open space around them, the entire setting felt calm and romantic while still giving the moment that classic New York and New Jersey atmosphere.


After Teresa said yes, the surprises were not over yet. Frank had also secretly coordinated for both of their families to be there waiting nearby, including Teresa’s parents who had flown all the way from Florida for the occasion. The second Teresa realized her family was there too, the emotions hit all over again. She literally sprinted across a field to hug everyone and they told me she never runs if she doesn't have to!

Couple holding hands walking through a blooming cherry blossom park at golden hour, woman in polka dot jumpsuit.

Celebrating With Family at Liberty State Park


One of my favorite parts of photographing proposals is documenting what happens immediately afterward once the adrenaline settles and couples realize they get to celebrate with the people they love most. The energy after Frank and Teresa’s proposal felt incredibly joyful and emotional all at once. There were hugs, tears, nonstop excitement, and so much gratitude from Teresa as she realized how many people had worked together behind the scenes to make the day happen.


Throughout the session, the two of them stayed wrapped around each other constantly, completely caught up in the excitement of finally being engaged. We spent time taking portraits throughout Liberty State Park while also incorporating family photos together before everyone headed off to continue celebrating.


What stood out most about this proposal was how intentional every part of it felt. Frank managed to create a proposal that was romantic, deeply personal, and genuinely surprising while also making sure the people most important to them could share in the moment too. The entire afternoon felt emotional in the best possible way.

Couple sharing a kiss with One World Trade Center and NYC skyline backdrop at Liberty State Park.
Manhattan skyline featuring One World Trade Center towering over lower Manhattan skyscrapers under a clear blue sky.
Man proposing to woman on waterfront promenade with Manhattan skyline and One World Trade Center in background.
Man proposing on one knee to woman on waterfront boardwalk with NYC skyline in background.
Man kneeling on one knee proposing to woman outdoors, holding ring box in romantic marriage proposal scene.
Black and white photo of a man on one knee proposing to a woman on a sunny brick plaza.
Couple embracing and kissing on a waterfront promenade with city skyline in the background.
Group of adults socializing on a green lawn near a parking lot with bare trees on a sunny day.
Group of people gathered on a green lawn, with two women embracing in a joyful reunion outdoors.
A couple shares a tender embrace in a black and white photo outdoors near bare trees.
Elderly couple sharing a warm embrace outdoors with a city skyline in the background on a sunny day.
Two men share a warm embrace outdoors on a sunny day near a concrete wall.
Two women smiling and shaking hands outdoors in a park with a city skyline in the background.
Three people conversing outdoors in a park, black and white photo, bare trees in background.
Group of four people engaged in conversation outdoors on a sunny day in a park setting.

Looking for a proposal photographer in NJ or NY?


If you are planning a proposal in New Jersey or NYC and want photos that capture the real emotion and atmosphere of the day naturally, I would love to document it for you. Drop your contact info and when/where you're thinking of proposing and I will get back to you within 24 hours!