I’m just stoked to be sharing this with you all. It’s not often I get to capture something so special as a surprise proposal! On top of that in New York City and on top of that in Central Park of all places. It’s like the perfect scenario. Watching this couple brought me back to when I proposed to my wife. It’s one of those moments that unless you experienced it I just can’t describe. So I’ll try to let my images do that for you.
This all started in mid September when I received an email from Cory. Cory’s from Texas and had planned to vacation with his girlfriend Jackie from Oklahoma in NYC the weekend before Christmas. In his email he said he was looking for a photographer to capture his surprise proposal. He wanted to try it on the ice at Rockefeller Center however he stated he is a terrible skater. What he was sure about in his email was having a professional capture the proposal would mean the world to Jackie. After I read the email I was hoping I would be the lucky photographer to capture this all. I simply responded to the email telling Cory that Rockefeller Center was absolutely insane that time of year and I had another idea for making this work. We chatted and came up with an idea that I was a NYC people photographer who captures tourists on vacation(lol). He would tell Jackie that he hired a photographer to take some holiday photos of them in Central Park. Little did I know Jackie had no clue about this until she shook my hand. I’ll never forget the “and who are you?” look she had on her face when we met. It was pretty funny. All Cory told her was he got her a gift and she needed to dress nice because they were going to do their gift. After I met up with these two we started taking pics. Earlier that morning I scouted out Central Park and found the spot I wanted the proposal to go down at. I treated this as a portrait session of course with my style sprinkled in. We worked our way into the park and as we approached the spot I have to admit I was a little nervous. What if someone walked into the frame or the light was bad? You know those type of concerns. Since it was cold throughout the whole shoot they had gloves on. When we arrived at the spot I was like “let’s loose the gloves for this one.” Although that wasn’t “the code” I think Cory knew it was coming. My code was basically to say “I think this is the most beautiful spot in all of Central Park.” When I said that without skipping a beat Cory’s right hand went into his pocket as he got down on bended knee and for that moment in time they were the only two people in Central Park. I have to say it was simply incredible to document this. Jackie had no clue! He reaction was just perfect. After the proposal went down a small crowd watching behind us applauded. I’m sure not only will Jackie and Cory share this story during the holidays but all the people who watched on will share it too. As Jackie stared at her new bling we continued to shoot a little more. Yes it was still cold but those gloves never covered Jackie’s hands again.
I can’t thank Cory enough for having me document this. I know he put a lot of research into this and I’m just thrilled I was the one who witnessed it thru my lens. As for you both, congratulations! Enjoy this special time in your lives. Being engaged is almost as fun as being married. Oh and if you want me to head to Texas or Oklahoma or wherever to shoot the wedding you just let me know ;)
Peace,
JP
Meet Cory and his then girlfriend Jackie..
We’re now in the park.
There’s something timeless about a b&w in Central Park..
There are all these great arches and tunnels in the park. It’s really an amazing place.
I just love this one.
this one too I love.
I can only wonder what they’re both thinking. Cory: “You have no clue I’m going to propose.” Jackie: “Thanks for this spontaneous photo session.”
Ok so this is the spot. You see I had them take their gloves off? As I’m shooting this image I’m now saying the code: “I think this is the most beautiful spot in all of Central Park.”…
Yup… wait it gets better.
You can’t fake emotions like this.. insert tissue here.
She literately fell to her knees..
and said yes..
Then realized I was in on it too!
Without me even saying anything she did the “bling shot”! You’d think she followed my blog?
We kept on shooting.. Ladies, after you get that ring the way you take pictures changes huh?
Classic Central Park.
She can’t stop staring at her ring. It was so cute.
I really love this one. Can we all agree that Cory looks totally relaxed/relieved here?
Another favorite of mine.
Just fantastic.
Christmas came early for these two. Here is my official “bling shot”! Congrats you two!!
Oh lastly… If you have a moment watch the proposal series below.
Links
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This is SUCH a great story and equally amazing photos! I got goosebumps just reading through it and looking at Jackie’s adorable expressions. Love this story! I’m with Petite Fleur, the couple’s wedding florist, and she actually won one of our free bridal bouquet contests. Was checking out her wedding progress since she’s the winner and came across your blog post. Thanks for sharing! And we’ll definitely be blogging about their wedding day on our main company blog, The French Bouquet: http://www.thefrenchbouquettulsa.com/blog You should check it out!
that proposal series literally made me tear up. so gorgeous! someone from ILP sent me to your site and honestly I am in love with your style. beautiful!
Wow!! These are just unbelievable!! I love them!! The slideshow even made me tear up! Fabulous job JP!
WOW! What a beautiful shoot. I felt like I was there! So awesome JP. Congrats to the happy couple!
Deja Vu!! Congrats! These images will be cherished forever!!
Perfect! Amazing job of capturing this! Keep up the awesome work!
I am a silent blog stalker as well! I actually shed a little tear here!! beautiful pictures!! and secret hope I someday find someone who’ll do the same and ask you to be my wedding photographer !! I’ll fly you to Europe if I have to!!!
When Jackie sent me a picture of her ring I thought she was joking. She later sent me one of the proofs you had sent her, and it became very realitic. JP, you did an amazing job capturing the purity and rawness in both of their emotions. So, thank you from the big sister of the very happy bride to be!
amazing! It makes you wanna cry ,It’s so sincere and beautiful and real !!!
Wow JP! This was amazing you did a great job of capturing every moment and emotion. Congrats to the happy couple!
CONGRATULATIONS! What a perfect proposal! When does their movie come out?! Absolutely stunning!
Cory, you made your Aunt Pat cry with tears of joy for this thoughtful and romantic proposal. I can hardly wait to meet Jackie and welcome her into our fold. Congratulations to both of you and I’m looking forward to the wedding day.
Wow! Great Pictures!
These are amazing photographs! And how incredibly romantic of Cory! Its so nice to be able to share in the moment with them. Congratulations Jackie and Cory……from the Virginia Reese’s!
These are amazing!!!! I agree with the earlier comment – definitely one of my favorite posts ever (and I’ve been a silent blog stalker for a long time!!). Such a beautiful gift and a beautiful couple. Jackie is a lucky girl!
Amazing…… It is so touching and thoughtful!! Will definitely come back to this post a few times to watch the series.
Just looked at this again with Andrew and really let the tears go this time. So so so so so so beautiful. The look on her face throughout is incredible. Pure emotion and joy
As the mother of Jackie I want to thank you for these amazing pictures. Even though her dad and I couldn’t be there these pictures made it seem as if we were. Thank you Cory for loving and “adoring” our daughter. So very thoughtful and I know that you and Jackie are going to have a wonderful life together. (Jackie gets those beautiful blue eyes from my mother Hazel who was a wonderful woman and would be so proud of her granddaughter.)
Absolutely AMAZING!!!! Congrats to the happy couple AND Kudos to the fantastic photographer!
As the mom and mother-in-law to be, this was absolutely the most beautiful thing. Even I did not know he was going to do this. Cory you are such a remarkable man and Jackie, my son is so very lucky to have you in his life. Congratulations to you both…I am so happy!
lovely images for a “love story” I wish I had been you for a day! I think it would be so special to be apart of a story like this one.
A-Mazing! Thank you so much for capturing this special moment for my best friend! She was beyond thrilled. And thank you for taking time to blog through the story…it means the world to her and to me, who obviously wasn’t there in person! I love your work!!!
I got tears reading this and following the segments, this might be my all-time favorite blog, although there have been so many – for sure in the top 5. Great work; it just gets better and better.
Well as his sister…I said “it’s about time!” Yahoo…I get a sister!! I love these photos…what spectacular scenary and perfect for the moment!!
Wow. I definietly got choked up watching this beautiful love story unfold through the pictures. JP – awesome job capturing their moment! Lots of credit to Corey for being SO prepared for the big moment. CONGRATULATIONS to the newly engaged couple – you can feel the love!!! Happy wedding planning :)
best photo story I have seen online. Nobody should get engaged in NY without you.
Great job.
I think you did find the most beautiful spot in all of central park!
These pictures are beautifu! and congrats to te happpy couple! Hope you get to do the wedding photos!
Superb photographs. Love the tones here. Awesome processing. Great shots near the arches.
Well done.
Wow, wow, wow, wow, WOW! Props to Cory for planning such an amazing proposal. Girls dream of proposals like this! JP, you are so incredible. Your images bring out such emotion. They also make me want to catch the next flight to NYC. I miss it so much. I did not appreciate living there and now I would give anything to live there again! Anyway, fabulous work. I hope they buy a print of every photo and hang them on their walls. They’re amazing!
This made my day. Doesn’t get any better than that. This guy is going to make one FANTASTIC husband. Good luck to you both. And of course JP pics were out of this world…as always!
JP….Thank you again for helping me put this proposal together. This was an incredible day for Jackie and I. We will always have these amazing photos to remember and share with our family and friends. Christmas just doesn’t get any better than this!
WOW!!! This was amzaing!! Props to Cory way to be a planner!!! JP that was definately a great spot in central park…. i don’t think Jackie was looking around too much though haha. Congrats you two!!! The drop to the knee shot is great!!!
Congrats!! Wow-I think was the most emotional photoshoot I’ve ever seen on here. That entire proposal series was just amazing…fabulous!!
JP,
Very nice work! Kerstin and I were engaged in Central Park last Valentine’s Day, and the same instance happened with us; at the time I decided to propose, it seemed as if we were the only two in the park! It’s definitely a moment I’ll never forget and these images made my memories of our proposal visceral! Very nice job bro! You’ve absolutely done it again!!
i cried at work too…. JP you are TOO good at this. I LOVE how jackie got down on her knees with him….so sweet. AND her eyes are ridiculous, right?
What a neat and sweet story. That is one that every woman would dream off. GOOD JOB CORY!!!! Congratulations you two!
I’m in my office right now with one tear desperately trying to jump ship over my lid. There it goes. Wow that was beautiful. You hit the nail on the head when you say it brings you back to your own proposal – I was looking at these remembering the surprise, happiness and emotion of my own (and I also fell to my knees to embrace Andrew). This is just amazing. And JP – NICE WORK on the location.
Cory – way to go man. That’s all I can say there. Way to go :)
Jackie – Holy blue eyes on you, woman! Beautiful, wear your new ring in good health
Congrats to you both!!! Amazing amazing amazing.
OMG that man is amazing to have set that up for her. That is so sweet. and JP you did an awesome job capturing it, no surprise there. Congratulations to the happy couple!!! and you’re right, she had an attitude change after the ring came out, lookin’ sassy and happy :)
This is the sweetest thing ever! I loved watching the series of the proposal!! I know that I’ll always remember my husband’s proposal to me, but having these images (and amazing ones at that! Classic Central Park b/w one is my favorite!!) to look back on and to show your family, friends, future children, etc. is priceless!! Great job Cory on this proposal idea! It’s a proposal and an Elario engagement photoshoot all in one! What more could a girl want?? Congratulations Cory and Jackie! :)
Awesome!
Alright, I cried, at work reading this blog. Amazing photo’s and you captured the moment perfectly.
Your “Insert tissue here” – perfect timing! What a special and thoughtful gift to have this moment documented. Congratuations Cory and Jackie!!!!
What an amazing surprise for Jackie!! I love the look on her face in proposal series when she realizes whats going on. It’s awesme. Great job again JP.
I’m crying all over again. They’re beautiful and I’m so glad you were there for this moment. Thank you Jp!!
What a special time to have documented! Congrats to you both!! JP-AMAZING work as always.
they look so happy! and the shots look absolutely amazing!!