You know that one friend you had as a kid that you just knew would be there for a lifetime? For me, that’s Kathryn. Kathryn and I met as kids performing theater productions together. She’s like family to me. So when her fiancé Blake asked me to capture their proposal on the East River in NYC, my answer was an immediate ‘YES!’ Shooting this proposal was such a special experience for me that I had to dedicate an entire post to it! I even shared some BTS from their NYC proposal on the East River here. Keep reading for more details on how they pulled off this epic waterfront proposal in NYC!
Where The Love Story Started
The first thing to note about Kathryn and Blake is that they’re both actors and met through work doing a show together. So in case you’re wondering how one couple could be so photogenic and comfortable in front of the camera, that’s why! They initially started dating in the Fall of 2019, so when COVID hit, they had only been dating a few months. They decided to take a gamble and quarantine together and haven’t lived separately since!
Planning an NYC Proposal on the East River
Blake planned out the entire proposal down to the last detail and everything came together perfectly… minus the fact that somehow Kathryn knew exactly what was happening that day the minute they woke up!
Close family and friends gathered at the pier and hid nearby to witness the entire event. I was also hiding out at a bar on the pier wearing a hat so Kathryn wouldn’t recognize me from afar.
After it was clear that Kathryn had accepted the proposal, family and friends cheered from across the dock and came over to congratulate them and get photos. It was a magical night!
Leading Up to The Proposal
After the fact, Blake shared some of the thoughts running through his head during the moments leading up to their NYC proposal. Will where I’m planning to propose be packed with people? Will it surprise her? How will the weather be? Why is that random truck sitting at the end of the exact pier that is definitely not open to cars?
The best part of this whole proposal was the fact that Blake proposed at the pier where Kathryn had broken up with him early into their relationship. Yup, you read that right. Blake said that he wanted to reclaim that space in a positive light, and boy, did he.
Some of Kathryn & Blake’s favorite photos from their NYC proposal shoot:
Check out Kathryn & Blake’s recap of their proposal photography experience. BRB crying.
“Lauren has a way of making you feel comfortable from the start. Her easy-going nature, upbeat personality, and humor will have you laughing through your session, all while making you feel like a million bucks. As someone who grew up modeling and working with various photographers, Lauren is, hands down, my favorite. Her work captures the essence of who people are and helps bring their personality to the final product with such ease.”
I can’t wait for these two to officially tie the knot on August 30th at Waterworks by Cescaphe in Philly!
Outfit details
Dress: The Twilight Dress in Emerald, Reformation
Work With Lauren E. Bliss Photography Team
If you’re on the hunt for a wedding, engagement, and proposal photographer in the Northeast, Lauren E. Bliss Photography would be honored to tell your love story. Whether you’re an NYC, NJ, or PA bride, booking a destination wedding, or eloping in private, my team and I will be with you every step of the way to capture the moments you’ll cherish forever. So what are you waiting for?! Tell me more about your love story. Let’s pop that bottle and do this thing!
