Jonathan Wong and Kit Lam came to New York for a week vacation. Jonathan works in Abu Dhabi and Kit works in Hong Kong. They are both in the finance industry, so the vacation was much needed.
The couple met back in college during the interview workshop in freshman year. And get closer in the final year as they both took a gap year.
“ The first thing I like about Jonathan was him humble nature. He is very knowledgeable. Always well-planned like a mature adult but laughs like a kid,” Kit says. “ Our first date was funny. It wasn’t meant to be a date but his gf back then ditched the dinner. So ended up just us two at a vegetarian diner. And Jonathan dropped the salad on my white skirt – probably trying to get some attention. “
So after dating for one year Jonathan knew exactly what to do. Kit was the one and he was ready to propose. Jonathan contacted us to help him to set up a surprise proposal in Central Park.
“He picked me up from work and appeared quite furious as my meeting overran for an hour. I’d never seen him that mad before. So i was very busy calming him down in the cab. But the moment we stepped into Central Park, he seemed all relieved and happy (i was worried I was dating a bipolar!). And he took a selfie of us….. to a chat (i spotted)… WEIRD…. I kept asking him what was going on as i smelled something fishy. I was expecting a surprise perhaps but not a proposal. Then we walked to the castle and someone told us to go to the Shakespeare Garden – my suspicion grew!! But still didn’t believe it was happening. Then he led me up to the stairs and there sat a guitarist singing OUR SONG. And he knelt!!! And popped the question. I was told later he said a couple other lines but i totally missed those!! Lol “ , Kit shares.
“Oh, well. Originally thinking of proposing in Rome a month ago when we were on holiday there a month ago, but the ring didn’t make it turns out a blessing and central park was a better idea. I thought of doing in New York central park because that happens a lot in movies and would like to be somewhere very memorable. I wanted us to listen to the song (Lucky) while I am proposing and have someone to capture the moment for us,” Jonathan said.
It was meant to be nervous until she was late for almost an hour, everything pretty much according to plan except I planned to relax with her in central park for a bit before going to the proposal location otherwise it will be much smoother,” said Jonathan.
Kit was surprised, because she never suspects him to propose in New York. Jonathan was always whining about this city, so that was surprise. But she was very delighted he did all that to surprise her.
After the proposal and photo session with Vlad, the couple went to the French bistro for a dinner celebration and announces the news to the families.
Congratulation on your proposal Jonathan and Kit!
If you planning to propose in New York, or maybe you looking for some homecoming proposal ideas, make sure you contact Proposal007 to help you plan and record the proposal of photo and video. Our experienced team is here to help you make this day unforgettable.
If you looking for a romantic proposal with guitarist and photographer, feel free to contact us. We are the only proposal planning company based in New York City.
New York City, with its bustling streets and towering skyscrapers, might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of cherry blossoms. However, come spring, certain areas of the city transform with the soft, ethereal beauty of cherry blossoms, creating a romantic backdrop perfect for a marriage proposal. Here are some of the best cherry blossom marriage proposal ideas in New York to make that special moment even more unforgettable.
Where to see Cherry Blossoms in New York?
Central Park, one of the most iconic locations in New York, is home to several cherry blossom trees, particularly around areas like Cherry Hill and the Reservoir. These spots become popular destinations for both locals and tourists, who flock to the park to enjoy picnics, leisurely walks, and the picturesque scenery offered by the blooming trees.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is another cherry blossom haven, especially famous for its Cherry Esplanade. The garden hosts an annual event, Sakura Matsuri, which celebrates Japanese culture and the cherry blossom season with a variety of performances, art, and traditional ceremonies. The rows of cherry trees create a stunning canopy of blossoms, offering a truly immersive experience. This location is particularly perfect for a secret proposal and photography.
Riverside Park and Roosevelt Island offer more serene settings for cherry blossom viewing. Riverside Park’s cherry trees line the Hudson River, providing a peaceful escape with waterfront views. Roosevelt Island, with its annual Cherry Blossom Festival, offers a unique vantage point of the blossoms with the Manhattan skyline in the background, enhancing the beauty of the blooms. Both locations are less touristy and provide the perfect backdrop for a proposal. We would highly recommend hiring a secret videographer to capture the moment.
The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx also participates in the cherry blossom celebration, featuring a diverse collection of cherry trees throughout its expansive grounds. The garden provides an educational as well as a visual feast, with various species of cherry trees and related programming during the bloom season. This garden is perfect for an engagement session in New York, but keep in mind you will need to get a special photographer permit, so plan your proposal earlier.
Best Cherry Blossoms proposal ideas in New York
Creating a memorable marriage proposal during the cherry blossom season in New York City requires a mix of creativity, planning, and a touch of spontaneity. Here are some more specific and imaginative ideas to take advantage of the picturesque cherry blossom backdrop in NYC:
Cherry Blossom Picnic in Central Park
Organize a romantic picnic under the cherry blossoms in a quiet corner of Central Park. Lay down a blanket, bring a basket filled with your partner’s favorite treats, and perhaps a bottle of champagne for celebrating. As you both enjoy the serene beauty and the petals falling gently around you, it sets the perfect stage for you to pop the question. Don’t forget to hire a NYC photographer to document the stunning moment.
Sunrise or Sunset Proposal at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Plan a visit to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden either at sunrise or just before sunset. The soft light during these times creates a magical atmosphere among the cherry blossoms, making it an idyllic setting for a proposal. Check the garden’s opening hours and perhaps coordinate with the staff for any special arrangements.
Rowboat Proposal on The Lake in Central Park
Rent a rowboat for just the two of you and propose in the middle of The Lake in Central Park, surrounded by the beauty of cherry blossoms along the shoreline. The sense of isolation on the water, combined with the scenic views, creates a private and romantic setting. You could even hide the ring in a small treasure chest for an added element of surprise. Our secret proposal photographer will be there to capture her surprise reaction.
Cherry Blossom Walk in Riverside Park
Plan a leisurely walk along Riverside Park, timing your stroll to coincide with the peak bloom of cherry blossoms. You could lead your partner to a pre-arranged spot where “Will you marry me?” is set up with letters amidst the blossoms or simply choose a spontaneous moment when it feels just right, perhaps as petals fall around you like soft pink snow.
Scavenger Hunt through Cherry Blossom Locations
Create a scavenger hunt that takes your partner through various cherry blossom spots across the city, with each clue leading closer to the ultimate question. The final clue could lead them to a beautifully decorated spot under the cherry blossoms, where you await with the ring. This idea adds an element of adventure and surprise to the proposal.
Cherry Blossom Festival Proposal at Roosevelt Island
Coordinate your proposal with the Roosevelt Island Cherry Blossom Festival, where you can enjoy cultural performances and activities before finding a quiet moment under the blossoms to propose. The festive atmosphere will add joy and excitement to your special moment. Our secret marriage proposal photographer and videographer will be following you throughout the event documenting every step.
Private Garden Gazebo in Central Park
Find a secluded gazebo or bench in Central Park surrounded by cherry blossoms for a private moment. You could have the spot decorated subtly with candles or fairy lights (be sure to check with garden policies) to enhance the romantic setting. There is nothing like a candlelight proposal and the gentle smell of the blooming flowers for a perfect proposal setup.
Helicopter Ride Over Cherry Blossom Sites
For a truly grand gesture, book a private helicopter ride over New York City during the cherry blossom season. While not directly among the trees, this unique perspective offers a breathtaking view of the blossoms from above, providing a memorable and exhilarating backdrop for your proposal. Dont forget to hire our secret proposal photographer to capture the grand surprise.
Custom Cherry Blossom Art Installation
Collaborate with a local artist to create a temporary cherry blossom-themed art installation in a public space (with necessary permissions), where the centerpiece is your proposal. This could be a path lined with handmade cherry blossoms leading to a central spot where you propose, adding a personal and creative touch to the moment.
Cherry Blossom Canopy Dinner
Arrange for a private dinner under a canopy of cherry blossoms in one of the parks or gardens, with a table set for two. This could be done through a pop-up dinner company or a private catering service that specializes in outdoor events. The intimate setting under the night sky, surrounded by the soft glow of lanterns and the scent of cherry blossoms, would make for an enchanting proposal.
Each of these ideas can be tailored to fit your relationship, ensuring that your proposal is as unique and special as your love story. Remember to consider your partner’s personality and preferences, and whatever idea you choose, the natural beauty of the cherry blossoms will add an unforgettable backdrop to your proposal.
Tips for a Perfect Cherry Blossom Proposal
Timing is Everything: Cherry blossoms have a very brief blooming period, so keep an eye on the bloom forecasts and plan accordingly.
Plan for Privacy: While these spots can get crowded, especially during peak bloom, try to find a more secluded area or choose an off-peak time for the proposal. For example, rent a private New York rooftop proposal and decorate it with the Cherry Blossoms theme decor.
Photographer on Standby: Hiring a photographer to capture the moment can provide you with beautiful memories to cherish forever. We are familiar with these locations and can suggest the best spots and times.
Respect Nature: Remember to respect the natural beauty of the cherry blossoms and the surrounding area. Avoid picking flowers or branches and stay on designated paths to preserve the environment for everyone to enjoy.
A marriage proposal under the cherry blossoms in New York combines the beauty of nature with the iconic backdrop of the city, making it an unforgettable start to your journey together. With a bit of planning and an eye for the perfect moment, you can create a proposal that captures the essence of your love amidst the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossoms.
If you’re planning to propose in New York this spring and are unsure where to begin, our team is here to assist you. With extensive experience in crafting bespoke marriage proposal experiences, we are dedicated to making your special moment truly unforgettable. New York City, with its iconic landscapes and the enchanting beauty of cherry blossoms, provides a romantic backdrop like no other.
Our services include:
Venue Selection: From the serene ambiance of Central Park under a canopy of cherry blossoms to the exclusive settings of private gardens, we’ll help you choose the perfect location based on your preferences and story.
Personalized Planning: Every couple is unique, and so should be every proposal. We’ll work with you to understand your relationship, your partner’s expectations, and how you envision the proposal, ensuring every detail reflects your personal touch.
Decoration and Setup: Whether you dream of a simple, elegant setup with petals and candles or a more elaborate theme, we’ll take care of all the arrangements, adhering to the highest standards of taste and elegance.
Photography and Videography: Capture the moment she says “Yes!” with our professional photographers and videographers, who specialize in discreetly capturing the raw emotions and joy of your proposal.
Surprise Elements: From flash mobs to private serenades or even a scenic helicopter ride over the city, we can add surprise elements to elevate your proposal experience.
Logistical Support: We handle all logistical aspects, including permits for public spaces, coordinating with vendors, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly on the day, allowing you to focus solely on the moment.
Contact us now at head@proposal007.com to start planning the most unforgettable marriage proposal experience in New York this spring. Let us take the stress out of planning and help you create a magical moment that both of you will cherish for a lifetime.
Tatiana Caicedo
Where to propose in Central Park? Public and less public locations.
Allow professionals to take care of your proposal in New York
A Central Park proposal is a declaration of love, a promise of commitment, and the commencement of a lifelong journey. This iconic urban oasis provides a multitude of breathtaking backdrops that serve as an idyllic canvas for couples seeking a romantic setting to pop the question. With its diverse landscapes, captivating architecture, and serene ambiance, Central Park offers an array of locations tailored to individual preferences, ensuring each proposal is as unique as the love it celebrates. Central Park is a very popular destination and sometimes it might get too crowded, so here are our favorite intimate proposal locations in this iconic park.
Shakespeare Garden: Where Love Blooms
Tucked away in a secluded corner of Central Park lies the enchanting Shakespeare Garden. Inspired by the Bard’s timeless works, this botanical paradise is a testament to the enduring power of love. Filled with fragrant blooms and lush greenery, the garden provides an intimate and whimsical setting for a proposal. It’s seclusion and romantic ambiance make it a truly special place to begin your journey towards a lifetime of happiness. This stunning location doesn’t need any additional decorations as it’s very green and natural. If you still want to add a little personal touch consider adding a musician or a flower heart.
Also, keep in mind that any location is busy on weekends so try to propose on a weekday. Our secret photographer would help to choose the best time and capture secretly your proposal.
The Conservatory Garden: An Enchanting Floral Haven
Nestled at the northeastern corner of Central Park, the Conservatory Garden is a hidden gem of exquisite beauty and serenity. Divided into three distinct sections—the Italian, French, and English gardens—it offers a picturesque setting for a romantic proposal. Immerse yourselves in a captivating world of blooming flowers, manicured hedges, and graceful fountains, creating an intimate atmosphere that is sure to make your proposal truly unforgettable.
This location is absolutely stunning and doesn’t require any additional decorations. In order to have your proposal at the Conservatory Garden you need to apply for the permit ( 21 day notice). You still can propose without the permit but will be limited in location. Our photographer will be following you from the stunning Vanderbilt Gates to the proposal location taking pictures along the way.
Under the Gapstow Bridge: where love thriving
One of the most iconic bridges in Central Park, Gapstow Bride is a real hidden gem of the park. Located by the 59th Street entrance and 5 Av, this stone bridge arched over the Pond and has views of the Central Park South skyscrapers and Wollman rink. It is a very busy location as this bridge was filmed in numerous film and tv shows. In order to avoid the crowds you need to pass the bridge from the south and walked under it.
This stunning spot has views of the pond, bridge, and skyscrapers. A picnic setup or the flower heart proposal would be a perfect option for this location. After the proposal, you can take pictures around the pond or walk to the cat’s rock to get the iconic skyline view of the park. Our secret photographer would show you all the best photo locations in this beautiful park.
Wagner Cove: Away from the public eyes
This stunning private gazebo is ideal for small, intimate proposals. Located on the edge of the lake, this cove looks like it was made for romantic events. The location is rather small so you can’t do large decorations in there, but something small like a flower heart would fit perfectly in there. This is a very popular wedding location, so you need a permit to secure the location.
Lake viewing area: Where nature thrives
This private location is rather hard to find as it is off the walking paths and you can easily miss it. Located on the edge of the lake this beautiful spot provides great views of the lake and the famous San Remo building on the Upper West Side. This location is ideal for early morning proposals when the sun is soft and there are no boats on the lake. We love to incorporate our arches into proposals and this is one of those spots where it looks in harmony with the setting. Our secret photographer will be there to document the event.
Private Gazebo: where love hides
One of our most favorite proposal location in Central Park. This beautiful gazebo became way too popular with weddings and engagements thats its not so secret anymore. Nevertheless this gazebo is perfect for intimate marriage proposals and friends and family celebrations. Our most popular package for this location would be ” premium light the night” and we are the only company in New York who know how to photograph a proposal at night with. If magic is what you looking for this package is right for you.
Ladies Pavilion: Where love celebrated
This charming pavilion is know for its beauty, that is why weddings and marriage proposals are very popular in here. In order to secure this location you will need to apply for the permit with 21 day notice otherwise there no guarantee it will be available. This pavilion is located on the lake bank and lots of people are passing by. This is definitely not a quiet spot, but its perfect place for a setup and photography. We love setting up our ‘ Beauty and the Beast’ theme proposals in here.
As you embark on this journey to propose in Central Park, remember to carefully plan and personalize your proposal to reflect the unique bond you share with your partner. Consider the time of day, the season, and the specific spot that holds special meaning for both of you. Whether it’s a private picnic on a sunlit meadow or a quiet moment by a shimmering lake, let the magic of Central Park envelop you and your partner in a world of love and joy.
Lastly, don’t forget to capture this precious moment. Consider hiring a professional photographer to discreetly document your proposal, ensuring that the emotions and memories are forever preserved. Having these tangible mementos will allow you to relive the magic of your Central Park proposal for years to come.
Central Park is a haven of romance and beauty, offering a multitude of intimate proposal locations that are as diverse as the love stories they witness. Whether you choose a classic landmark or a hidden gem, the park’s timeless charm will infuse your proposal with a sense of enchantment and create a memory that will be etched in your hearts forever. So, go ahead and take this opportunity to declare your love amidst the lush greenery, serene waters, and captivating architecture of Central Park—a place where dreams are realized and love stories begin their new chapter.
5 Marriage Proposals trends we are about to see everywhere in 2023
Allow professionals to take care of your proposal in New York
Marriage proposals are getting bigger and are now often referred to as “mini weddings”. With venue booking, custom decor, and a professional digital team the average cost of marriage proposals increased almost twice compared to the pre-covid times. Now clients not only want to surprise their partner with a picture-perfect proposal, but they also want to celebrate the occasion.
Here is everything you should know about the top marriage proposal trends that we see rising in 2023.
Wedding Archers
Wedding archers were everywhere last year and in 2023 we can only see more of this trend. Boho archers with pampas grass and dried flowers were definitely a big hit and this year this trend will still remain along with the heart-shaped archers and grounded floral archers.
Heart-shaped archers are perfect for surprise marriage proposals as it’s eye-catching and efficient on their own. A heart arch with a neon sign, rose petals and candles would be a number one trend in 2023.
The horseshoe-shaped grounded floral arrangements are gaining popularity, especially for outdoor proposals in the park or on an open rooftop. With no big frame to assemble, this floral ground archers can be created anywhere. This would perfectly work in a place with significant views such as Brooklyn Bridge park or Gantry Plaza park.
Marquee Letters
The “Marry Me” marquee letters sign is a total hit in the marriage proposal industry for the past 5 years. We don’t see this trend going anywhere, but we can see that new variations are coming along. ” Will You Marry Me’ signs are popping up more often and it is a perfect way to propose when you want to have a more formal proposal. The full phrase looks more mature and less commanding. It is also a perfect backdrop for an engagement photo session. If you don’t want to use the full phrase, consider adding the “?” letter to the ‘ marry me” sign.
The most popular size in 2022 was 3ft tall letters. This year we can see a rise of 2ft letters (especially if you doing the whole phrase). 5ft tall letters would be a great choice for larger venues with more space for such a big sign, but overall it usually looks too big in the pictures.
Cold Sparkles
Another trend that came to the proposal industry from weddings is the cold sparkles. The cold sparkler fountain will definitely add that “wow” factor to any event. A cold sparkler machine produces non-flammable sparks that are a simulated pyrotechnic experience, not actual pyrotechnics, so it looks great in the pictures and doesn’t create any smoke or odor. Keep in mind that those machines are quite expensive, around $600 for a set of two and they run around 15 minutes.
Note, the cold sparkler machines are legal to use in the state of New York, but some venues might not allow them. Same with the public locations, you need to get a permit and park approval to use the sparkles.
Larger groups
This year we saw the number of guests at the proposal increase twice. During the past two years, the average proposal party consists of 5 guests, this year it was around 20. With the lift of all travel restrictions we now see friends and family flying to the proposal for a surprise appearance. As a result, clients now are looking for larger venues and want to combine proposal and proposal party together. We can see that in 2023 larger parties would be on trend and bigger celebrations would be normal. The most popular large group proposal option was when the client was renting the whole floor in the restaurant and was proposing on one side while the whole family was hiding on the other side of the venue. The perfect way to have a private moment with your partner and celebrate with the family right after.
Custom neon signs
This trend was popular last year and we can see it staying longer in 2023. Custom signs are everywhere, from baby showers to bachelorette parties to proposals and weddings. This is a perfect way to add a personal touch to your event and keep it later as a memory. Neon signs vary in size and color, so it is absolutely customizable and you can be creative with them. Last year we saw a lot of ‘ It was always you’, ‘ better together, and ‘will you marry me?’ signs. This year we are expecting to see more funny and personal ones like ‘ you are my fiance now’, ‘ if it’s not you its no one’, ‘ all I want for Christmas is you’, ‘it’s never too late to start all over again’ and so on.
If you planning to propose using the custom sign, keep in mind that you need at least 2 weeks to create one and the price will vary on the size and number of letters you using.
If you are planning to propose and dont know where to start, contact us now at head@proposal007.com and our experienced team will help you to create the most unforgettable marriage proposal experience in New York.
Tatiana Caicedo
Best proposal reactions of 2022
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And just like that, another year passed. 2022 was a stunning year full of love and beautiful proposal reactions. We helped more than a thousand couples to get engaged in New York. The most popular proposal locations for this year were: Dumbo, the Brooklyn area, Central Park, and the ” Sparkling ” rooftop. This year we saw New York finally getting back to its pre-covid era, more than 54 million people visited the city and all major attractions were open and operating. For many couples getting engaged in New York has always been a dream and we feel extremely proud to help so many couples of making their dreams come true.
So here are the best proposal reactions of 2022
If you planning to propose in New York and don’t know where to start, contact us now at head@proposal007.com, and our professional team will help you to create the most unforgettable marriage proposal experience in this beautiful city.
