Pick a spot that fits you two
In the city: the classic holiday backdrops are the Rockefeller Center tree, Central Park's bridges and the holiday markets. They're beautiful and very crowded in December, which helps hide a camera but makes a quiet moment harder. Quieter options include a Brooklyn waterfront view of the skyline, a hotel terrace or a restaurant's private room.
On Long Island: a boardwalk or beach at sunset, a garden or arboretum, a waterfront restaurant, or simply home with the tree lit and family hiding in the next room. Some parks and gardens require a permit for organized photo shoots, so check the location's rules before you plan anything elaborate.
Time it for winter light
In December the sun sets around 4:30pm in NYC and on Long Island. For outdoor proposals, plan for about 3:45–4:15pm, when the light is soft and golden, or go full holiday lights after dark. Cold weather means shorter outdoor windows, so have a warm place nearby for the celebration afterward.
How we capture it without giving it away
- Planning call: we choose the exact spot, angle and signal together.
- Arrive early: we're in position before you get there, blending in like anyone else with a phone.
- The moment: we film the walk-up, the question, the reaction and the first few minutes after.
- Right after: a few minutes of couple content while the adrenaline is still going.
- Same day: raw footage is yours that day, so you can announce it whenever you're ready. The edited reel follows in 3–7 business days.
Make it a full night
Planning a surprise dinner or an engagement party right after? Add coverage hours (+$125/hour), or book engagement party coverage from $900. See proposal coverage for details.