Belvedere Castle is one of those places that feels straight out of a storybook. It's tucked above the treetops, surrounded by stone pathways, beautiful views and the quiet magic that somehow exists in the city that never sleeps. It was the perfect setting for one of the sweetest proposals I have ever photographed.

 

A thought ly planned surprise

 

Gabe reached out to me ahead of time with a clear vision and an incredible amount of intention. He had already chosen Belevdere Castle as the proposal location and wanted to make sure everything from the logistics to timing, was seamless. Once we locked in dates and times that would work best, I booked my travel and we stayed close in communication, coordinating every detail so that the moment would feel effortless.


Bella has a feeling something might be up, but she didn't know for sure. That made it even more special!

 

The moment it happened

 

As Bella and Gabe walked through the castle grounds, I tucked myself behind a willow tree nearby, doing everything I could to stay completely out of sight. The last thing I wanted was for the surprise to be spoiled if she saw me and my camera! From my hidden spot I watched the anticipation build until Gabe dropped to one knee, and suddenly the world felt still.


Her reaction said everything. Pure shock, emotion, joy, and the kind of smile that only comes from a once-in-a-lifetime moment. It was intimate, genuine, and perfectly them.

A couple shares a romantic moment in a park on an autumn day with fallen leaves and bare trees in the background.
Autumn landscape with dry grass and bare trees in muted brown tones creating a natural textured background.
A joyful autumn engagement photo showing a couple laughing together in a park with fall foliage in the background.

 

Exploring central park together

 

After the proposal, we spent the rest of the session wandering through Central Park, letting the city unfold around us. From quiet paths and iconic views to candid laughs and soft, in-between moments, we captured their love in a way that felt natural and timeless. Central Park gave us endless backdrops—each one adding its own layer to their story.

 

A new chapter begins

 

Bella and Gabe’s proposal was more than just a beautiful setting—it was a reflection of thoughtfulness, planning, and deep love. Being trusted to document such a meaningful chapter in their lives, especially in a place as iconic as New York City, is something I’ll never take lightly.

Close-up black and white photo of hands playing a violin showing delicate finger movements on the strings.
A romantic couple sits close together on a park bench surrounded by autumn trees and fallen leaves.
A romantic couple shares tender moments while sitting on a park bench during autumn.
A romantic couple embraces and shares intimate moments in a series of warm-toned outdoor photographs.
A couple walks together on a leaf-covered path in a park during autumn, captured in a warm sepia tone.
Person in black coat and plaid scarf joyfully spins with outstretched arms on autumn path covered in fallen leaves.
A couple shares a romantic moment together against an autumn backdrop with historic buildings in the distance.
A couple walking and laughing together on a path lined with golden autumn trees.
A joyful couple embraces and laughs together on a path surrounded by fall foliage in the park.
A couple shares a romantic moment in a park with the city skyline visible in the autumn background.
A couple reads informational signs along a park trail during an autumn day.
A couple sits intimately on rocky terrain during an autumn photoshoot with city buildings visible in background.
Close-up macro shot of textured rock surface with shallow depth of field.
Black and white cityscape with urban buildings visible through a blurred foreground.
A couple poses in front of an ornate archway with decorative stonework and diamond-patterned detailing at Bethesda Terrace.
A couple poses in a series of romantic shots under ornate stone archways with vintage wall murals and decorative details.
Black and white candid wedding photo series showing joyful laughter and intimate moments between a couple.
A couple stands together on ornate stone stairs in a park during autumn.
A couple dances playfully together on stone steps in front of an ornate architectural backdrop.
A couple shares a playful moment together near ornate stone architecture in black and white.