Some proposals feel planned, others feel like they’re simply meant to happen, like the moment the universe finally says, “Yes, this is the one.” That’s the energy Rahul and Natasha brought to their rooftop proposal in New York City.

I’ve known Rahul for a while, so I got to hear about Natasha long before this day arrived, how a one hour date became an entire day together, how she understood him effortlessly, how this relationship just felt… different in the best way possible. When he reached out to tell me he was ready to propose, I was elated.

His plan was heartfelt from the start. To do it in the city where they met and fell in love, with oysters (their favorite date food) and a view of the Empire State Building right behind them. The rooftop at Vintage Green in NYC had exactly that, a mix of indoor and outdoor space, cozy ambience, and a skyline backdrop you can’t help but stare at.

I arrived early, camera hidden, hat low (channeling my inner Carmen Sandiego) making sure I had the perfect vantage point while still blending into the Saturday rooftop scene. I watched them laugh, snack, and share the familiar comfort of just being together. And the second Rahul got into position… I launched into photographer mode!

Happy tears immediately streamed down Natasha’s face as he professed his love and asked her to marry him. Applause erupted from the staff and guests nearby, champagne was brought out, and they melted into each other with pure joy and disbelief in their eyes.

And the romance didn’t stop there, Rahul had planned a full day of their first engaged day: a Broadway show, a night wandering their city, dinner at a fancy restaurant, all to soak up the sweet knowing of doing life together now.

Photographing proposals like this is one of my favorite parts of this job, I get to be present at the exact frame where a love story turns its next page.