When it comes to how to propose to your partner, I can’t help but smile when I think about Elliot’s story. He reached out to me in January 2021, already dreaming of popping the big question to Sabrina in April. From the very first phone call, his excitement radiated—you could hear it in his voice. He was ready to ask her to spend forever with him.
Over the next few months, Elliot and I planned everything down to the smallest detail. We fit in calls whenever Sabrina wasn’t around—quick chats while Elliot ran to the store or while she stepped out for errands. Despite all the planning, Sabrina never realized Elliot was crafting a proposal that felt deeply personal and unforgettable.
We worked out the logistics together. We decided how we’d recognize each other without blowing the surprise and coordinated every little detail, including what we’d both wear that day. As I think about it now, I realize that guys have this almost instinctive way of recognizing each other without saying a word—something that worked in our favor when the big day came.
When the proposal day finally arrived, I positioned myself a few hundred feet from Gapstow Bridge in Central Park, blending in as a tourist. It wasn’t hard to act like I belonged there, but I still worried about being spotted. Elliot kept me updated, sharing his Uber ride status as I stood by, ready for their arrival.
As soon as they entered the park, I spotted Elliot instantly. His sharp blue suit stood out among the sea of casually dressed tourists. Sabrina walked beside him, completely unaware of what was about to happen. They passed right behind me—within 10 feet—and I held my breath, hoping she wouldn’t notice me. Luckily, she didn’t, and they continued toward Gapstow Bridge, the spot where they had their first date eight years ago.
From a distance, I followed them discreetly, holding my camera steady with a telephoto lens set to 200mm. Elliot took a deep breath, dropped to one knee, and asked the question. What happened next? Well, I’ll let you figure it out from the photos below.
