Popping the Question in the Big Apple: Advice to 2025 Proposals

Featuring Jimmy and Morgan's engagement shoot.

So, you're ready to take the plunge and ask the biggest question of your life in one of the most iconic cities in the world. New York City has always been a top spot for proposals, but in 2025, it's all about creating a truly personal and unforgettable experience. Forget the cookie-cutter clichés; this year's trends are all about immersive moments, authentic emotions, and telling your unique love story.

It's All in the Planning: Beyond Just a Pretty Backdrop

While a stunning view is always a plus, the focus for proposal planning in 2025 is on creating a narrative. It's less about just showing up at a landmark and more about crafting a multi-sensory experience. Think of it as directing your own romantic movie, with the city as your set.

Morgan inquired to Proposals of New York with the goal of having a 'classic' New York backdrop and privacy. Here, we ended up doing it in a roof top with New York building with the background.

Immersive is In: The biggest trend is the rise of the "immersive proposal." This means creating an environment that tells your story. Imagine a private gallery showing art that represents key moments in your relationship, or a surprise screening of a custom-made film about your journey as a couple. It’s about creating a world that is uniquely yours, even for just a moment.

A Twist on the Classics: Iconic spots like Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge are still popular, but with a modern twist. To make these locations feel fresh, couples are opting for off-peak times like sunrise to avoid the crowds and create a more intimate feel. Another popular move is to add a surprise element, like a flash mob or a private musician, to make the moment even more special.

Rooftops and Personal Places: The allure of a private rooftop with sweeping skyline views is as strong as ever. It offers the perfect blend of intimacy and epic scenery. But there's also a move towards more personal and low-key locations. Think about that quiet street corner where you had your first kiss, or your favorite neighborhood park. These spots might not be on every tourist's list, but they hold a special significance that can make the moment even more meaningful.

Capturing the Moment: Candid is King

Morgan mentioned that his partner, Jimmy is a bit shy so we focused on finding the right angle for the couple instead of prompting them on what to pose. We've let them to 'naturally' continue with their desired reaction and action of the proposal.

When it comes to proposal photography, authenticity is the name of the game. The perfectly posed, cheesy shots are out, and candid, emotional moments are in.

The "Fly-on-the-Wall" Approach: More and more couples are opting for a photojournalistic style of photography. This means hiring a photographer who can discreetly capture the proposal as it happens, without interrupting the flow of the moment. The goal is to get those raw, unfiltered reactions—the surprise, the tears, the joy.

Telling the Whole Story: While the "yes" moment is the main event, the trend is to capture the entire narrative. This might involve the photographer secretly following you and your partner leading up to the proposal, and then staying for a more relaxed, post-proposal photoshoot. This gives you a collection of images that tells the complete story of the day.

The Magic of Golden Hour: Lighting is everything, and the soft, warm glow of "golden hour"—the period just after sunrise or before sunset—remains the most sought-after time for proposal photos. It creates a romantic, timeless feel that's hard to beat.

In the end, the Morgan's goals came to life where intimacy, simplicity, and natural light came through.

So, if you're planning a New York City proposal in 2025, think beyond the ordinary. Make it personal, make it an experience, and make sure you have someone there to capture the real, beautiful, and unscripted moments. After all, this is a story you'll be telling for the rest of your lives.