On a recent trip to NYC from Mexico city, over a gorgeous picnic, he presented her with another paper crane, this time with a stunning engagement ring nestled between its blue wings!

For more romantic proposal ideas, be sure to visit our New York page, where you’ll find proposal packages and the latest NYC engagements that we’ve helped plan and photograph!

We caught up with Omar and Eli to hear the story behind Omar’s creative engagement!  They shared their touching love story with us— from the first time they met in college, to that incredible moment she said, “Yes!”

1. How and when did you guys meet?

Omar: Back in 2008, I had a job at the promotion and public relations department of the university we both studied in, and I noticed Eli since the first time she walked into our office to apply for an internship. When she got in, I told my colleagues that I wanted her on my team, and I even set up a short trip to a college fair in the hopes of getting to know her better. Sadly, she fell asleep the whole way on that trip and I ended up chatting with the driver instead.

Eli: I knew, as everybody else, that Omar was interested, but I had a boyfriend and it was an on and on-and-off relationship. Still, we had a lot of chemistry from the start and we grew quite close. He did all sorts of things to be closer to me, like ask me out to dance in our boss’s wedding (something we both need practice in to this day), exchange Secret Santa names so he would get to give me a gift at the Christmas gift swap, and he even used his employee vouchers to buy me lunch a few times. He was very careful not to get too enthusiastic as to scare me away or get friend-zoned, and we remained distant but cherished friends for four years, even though Omar wasn’t working at the university anymore for most of that time.

Omar: In 2012, I got word that finally the other guy was out of the picture, so I looked for a way to approach Eli again. We started going out very casually in May. In July I invited her to a concert, where we had our first kiss, and in August I asked her to be my girlfriend. We had just finished a 5k race and I took out a cardboard medicine box from my pocket. I handed it to Eli and told her to take one ’cause it would make her feel better. Instead, there was an origami crane that I had made, and on its wings it said “Will you be my girlfriend?”

Eli: Cranes have had an ever-growing role in our relationship. The crane is a very mystical and holy creature in Japanese culture, believed to live up to 1,000 years. They are also symbols of peace and luck. I have true love, incredible luck, my own silver jewelry set featuring cranes, a pair of crane earrings made from hand-painted Japanese origami paper, and a beautiful ring on my hand! Now for the wedding, Omar is hand-making one thousand paper cranes, in accordance to a legend that says that anyone who folds one thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish. The legend even says I can’t help him, but he’s already got 250. This is a gift that complements our engagement and shows our desire to make our love last forever.

2. What was the first thing that attracted you to one another?

Eli: For me it was his eyes and his sense of humor. He has very deep, expressive, soulful eyes, and he was famous at the office for his one-liners.

Omar: I was very attracted to Eli’s beautiful light brown eyes, and to her cheerful, easygoing and laid-back attitude. And I can’t deny that to me she just looked absolutely gorgeous from the start!

3. When did you know that they were the one?

Eli: It so happens that the first time that Omar came to my house to meet my parents we ordered Chinese food, and when we opened our fortune cookies there was no fortune on mine. Omar’s cookie, on the other hand, had two fortunes, so he gave me one. It says: “You will know true love and peace of heart.” So it was written in the stars, or in the fortune cookie! I still keep that little piece of paper. Truly, that day I saw him chatting with my parents and I thought he fit in seamlessly. Even though we watched an awful movie I felt so content and at ease with him, that I distinctly remember that, as we were eating, I thought “I really like this man.”

Omar: I think it happened very early on in our relationship. As I got to know her better and I learned how much she likes to help others, how concerned she is for a total stranger’s well-being (for example, going out of her way to feed homeless people), I was amazed by her good heart. I felt that she loved me deeply and honestly and I knew that that this was the woman I wanted by my side for the rest of my life.

4. Why did you choose to propose where you did?

Omar: Because we had already enjoyed picnics, and I know that what she loves the most is having private, laid-back dates, the sort of outings where you have the chance to talk, enjoy a view and just hold each other. As I researched further and saw the beautiful and romantic sceneries such as Bow Bridge and Cherry Hill, I knew that Central Park was the place.

5. Did anyone help you plan the proposal?

Omar: Nobody else. I only relied on Paparazzi Proposals!

6. Where did you purchase the ring?

Omar: Many months before I proposed, I bought the ring at a big wholesaler in San Francisco. I was just waiting for the right occasion, but I knew she was the one, so I kept the ring for over a year!

Omar had the perfect romantic New York evening planned!  After the Paparazzi Proposals cameras stopped rolling, the pair went on to see Phantom of the Opera on Broadway before heading to dinner at a French restaurant he had carefully selected for the occasion!

See more photos from their romantic proposal!

He had one more surprise in store: a late-night trip to the top of the Empire State Building, to take in the view of the city lights by night!   They commemorated the trip by purchasing their first Christmas ornament as a newly engaged couple, to hang on the tree during the holidays!

Does Omar’s proposal have you inspired to start planning your own picture-perfect NYC marriage proposal?  Don’t forget to contact us today for a free consultation with our proposal planning team!  We specialize in surprise engagement photography, capturing that once in a lifetime moment to remember for years to come with gorgeous photos! 

Not in NYC? No problem.  With hundreds of proposals planned and photographed in every major city nationwide, we’ve got the experience to help you pull off your dream engagement, no matter the location!

The post NYC Proposal Ideas: Omar’s Paper Crane Picnic Engagement appeared first on Paparazzi Proposals.

Mukul told Asha that they were going for a stroll at the Brooklyn Bridge Park.  But he had a surprise in store– when they arrived, friends and family were holding up a banner that said  “Will you marry me?”

Asha could barely contain her excitement.  “Yes!” She exclaimed, and leapt into his arms!  And our photographer caught each magical moment.

How They Met:

Mukul chose the Paparazzi Proposals Photography Package and added a Post Proposal Portrait Session.

Mukul and Asha were set up by their parents, who saw a good potential match and put them in touch with one another. As they began spending time with one another, they realized that their parents were right.  They shared a true connection and quickly began to fall for one another.  Mukul loved that she had seemed carefree but was still strong enough to take care of the both of them.  Asha was instantaneously won over by his intelligence and stunning smile.

How They Knew:

Mukul knew early on that what they had was special, and was set on spending the rest of his life with Asha.  For Asha, when Mukul came to meet her in Canada, where she is from, she knew that it was meant to be.

“That first hug was the tipping point for me!” She said.

The Proposal:

Right after she said yes!

Mukul has always loved NYC and wanted to pick a proposal spot that captured the whole skyline.  So after he reached out to Paparazzi Proposals to figure out which location would offer the best view, he decided on Brooklyn Bridge Park.

He couldn’t have picked a better spot!  The proposal itself was set against a gorgeous backdrop of the Bridge and all of Manhattan.  After the initial shock wore off, our photographer introduced himself and the pair embarked on a stunning engagement shoot in the park.

View their full proposal slideshow.

Inspired by Mukul and Asha’s gorgeous engagement?  Check out our extensive portfolio of NYC surprise engagement photography.  Not in NYC? No problem.  We offer proposal planning and surprise engagement photography in every major city nationwide!  If you can dream it, we can help you plan and capture it for years to come.  Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our proposal experts.

The post NYC Surprise Engagement Photography: Brooklyn Bridge Park appeared first on Paparazzi Proposals.

How They Met:

Back in December of 2009, John and Bridget met through mutual friends at a bar.  They got to chatting and hit it off.  While talking they realized that watching football games over beer and wings with great company was a favorite activity for them both, a shared interest that tipped them off towards the possibility of a deeper connection.

They began to spend time together and truly enjoyed each other’s company.  But John was in the process of applying for other jobs nationwide, and they avoided being too serious because of the possibility that he may have to move away for work.

Two years later, on the 4th of July, John came to visit Bridget at her Jersey Shore house to let her know that he had accepted a Texas job offer and only had a few months left in NYC.  Faced with the idea of losing each other forever and wanting to make the most of their remaining time together, they decided to start dating.

Their compatibility was undeniable.

“We are both Virgos, very similar in personality,” Bridget gushed. “When we both want the same thing, the result is amazing!”

Ultimately, John declined the job offer in order to stay in NYC and see where the relationship would go.  He officially asked Bridget to be his girlfriend in a Christmas card that year.  Initially she turned him down–but not because she didn’t want to be with him.

“I didn’t want an anniversary on Christmas,” she said. “What girl does?? Our official relationship date is December 26th, as I woke up the next day and said ‘Yes I will be your girlfriend!'”

How They Knew:

They have been together for the four years since, sharing incredible experiences including travels to Canada, Aruba and return trips to the Jersey shore.

John knew relatively early on that Bridget was The One.  When he started thinking about his future, he couldn’t imagine it without her.  Bridget also sensed early on that they were meant for each other, and says she couldn’t have asked for a better person to share the experience of the last four years with.

“I can’t wait to explore the world and see what the future holds for us!” She said.

The Proposal:

John wanted his proposal to the best woman in the world to have views of the best city in the world. So he chose Long Island City as the spot for its views of Manhattan.

He reached out to Bridget’s best friend Nicole for advice, and to help coordinate having friends and family hidden nearby to join them to celebrate after he popped the question.

And on a warm summer day, he dropped to one knee in front of the retro-chic landmark Pepsi Cola sign, and presented Bridget with a gorgeous ring from Jared, The Galleria of Jewelry!

John and Bridget opted for the Proposal Photography package and post-proposal portrait session in NYC.  Learn more about this awesome proposal photography plan, here.

Get inspired!  Check out more of our NYC surprise engagement photography.  Ready to plan and capture your own dream marriage proposal? Contact us for a free consultation with one of our proposal experts.

The post NYC Surprise Engagement Photography: John’s LIC Proposal appeared first on Paparazzi Proposals.

Sneak away from the hustle and bustle of NYC for a quiet moment with your honey.  Besides offering amazing views, gardens offer a perfect floral backdrop to any marriage proposal.

So if you’re thinking of popping the question, take your special someone on a walk through one of these scenic botanical gardens and surprise them with a garden engagement.  Even better: have a photographer capture every moment leading up to that iconic, bended-knee pose with surprise proposal photography.

Fort Tyron:

Head uptown for an amazing botanical proposal with views to match.  Fort Tyron Park sits at the top of a hill, with tiered gardens and natural fauna below.  From the highest point, you can see the Hudson and the Fort Washington Bridge.  Deeper into the garden is the Cloisters Museum.  The building houses statues and artwork from all over Europe, and has a central courtyard with flowers and fountains.  Not only is this a great escape from the business of Manhattan, but it’s also a romantic place to pop the question.  Add to the romance by planning a picnic, complete with a bottle of your favorite champagne and a dozen roses.

What’s more romantic than an engagement shoot set against stunning blooms?

Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum:

Just a subway ride away from downtown Manhattan, this mid-1800’s Bronx mansion offers elegant charm and stunning gardens.  Meandering pathways, varied gardens and stone structures offer countless proposal photography options.  Whisk your special someone away for the day to wander the grounds, surprising your them when you drop to one knee.  This is a perfect proposal spot for hopeless romantics!

Central Park Conservatory:

Central Park is a favorite location for proposal photography.  From Bow Bridge to Bethesda Fountain, it has recognizable landmarks that are as iconic as they are romantic. If you’re seeking a flowery proposal, head to the Central Park Conservatory.  The only formal garden in Central Park offers beautifully manicured lawns, meandering pebble-lined pathways and colorful flowers.  With so many options, your only concern will be deciding where is the most picture-perfect spot to pop the question!

Juan opted for a Central Park flashmob and picnic proposal.  The gingham blanket and gorgeous green backdrop made his proposal absolutely picture perfect! View his full proposal slideshow, here. 

Brooklyn Botanical Gardens:

Revel in 52 acres of gorgeous garden, right near Prospect Park.  If the two of you are hopeless romantics, head to the Shakespeare-themed garden and drop to one knee amongst all of the blooms mentioned in the playwright’s plays and poems!  Then, head for a walk around the gorgeous gardens for a proposal photography shoot.

Wave Hill Botanical Gardens:

This Bronx botanical garden has it all.  From meandering wooded paths, to various gardens and Hudson River, views there’s something for everyone.  Truly an escape from the city, this is the perfect romantic spot to head to for the day. Adding a blanket strewn with roses and your favorite bottle of champagne can only improve what is sure to be a romantic (and picture perfect!) proposal day.

Inspired to get started planning your own proposal?  Reach out today for a free consultation with one of our proposal experts.  Paparazzi Proposals has helped plan and secretly photograph countless proposals in NYC and beyond.  That proposal moment only happens once, so make sure you hire the experts to capture it to remember for years to come!

The post NYC Proposal Photography – Best Public Gardens For A Proposal appeared first on Paparazzi Proposals.

You’ve chosen to have your big proposal moment captured with surprise engagement photography. But now you have another important decision to make.  What is going to be the best place for your engagement photos?  The location has to mean something to the two of you while still acting as the perfect backdrop for the photos that will capture the big day.

Luckily, as proposal experts, we’ve got some answers for you.

A Walk In the Park

The hard part was finding The One.  Your proposal should be a walk in the park— literally!

Juan opted for our Perfect Picnic package in his gorgeous proposal.

Central Park is the absolutely perfect place to propose year round.  In the spring and summer, the greenery lends a romantic atmosphere to your proposal.  The reds, oranges and yellows of autumn make a stunning backdrop.  And snow transforms the whole park into a winter wonderland in the colder months.  Make it all the more idyllic with a park proposal, like Juan’s or with a fairytale horse and carriage ride!

Landmark Moments

NYC is full of landmarks.  Make your memories last by choosing something iconic.

Jason, seen here, opted for the Times Square Proposal Package for his recent NYC engagement.

This is the perfect proposal idea for someone who may be visiting from out of town, and wants to capture the spirit of their adventure along with their proposal!  Your love story is iconic, so why shouldn’t your surprise engagement be too?  Opt for a stunning Statue of Liberty private boat cruise to include romance, privacy and a backdrop to remember!  Or, follow Jason’s lead and rent out the Times Square big screen to broadcast a custom proposal message, making the bustling city center all yours for a few magic moments.

Best Burroughs

If the two of you are from New York, personalize your proposal by making it location-specific.

James booked our classic proposal photography package for his romantic NYC proposal.

Whether it’s the place where you first met, the restaurant where you had your first date, or your neighborhood, having it in your engagement photos is an important testament to your love.  That’s what James did in his recent Lower East Side proposal, taking his special someone back to where it all began and proposing on the very crosswalk where the two shared their first kiss.  So romantic!

Rooftop Romance

Like a view?  NYC has countless places to propose with sweeping views of Manhattan below.  

David opted for our proposal photography package with an awesome engagement photography session afterwards to make sure he captured all of the magic!

This is perfect for couples who are from NYC, or pairs who want to see it all as they pop the question.  It’s a great way to include the entirety of NYC in your stunning engagement photos!  That’s what David did in his recent Top of the Rock Proposal to Jill.  The pair was visiting from out of town and he wanted to make their engagement even more of an occasion to remember. 

Check out other awesome NYC proposals we have planned and photographed.  If you’re not in NYC and still want to capture your engagement with discreet paparazzi-style photography, it’s no problem!  Our services are available nationwide.

All of these engagement photos have you thinking about your own surprise engagement?  We’ve got you covered.  Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our proposal experts.

The post NYC Engagement Photography appeared first on Paparazzi Proposals.