Couple smiling close together outside a restaurant during a winter engagement shoot in Bryant Park, New York City.

The opening of Winter Village in Bryant Park is one of New York City’s most magical moments—the lights, the ice rink, the cozy atmosphere… it’s the ultimate sign that the holidays have arrived.

When Lauren and Cal—high school sweethearts turned lifelong best friends—chose Bryant Park for their engagement photographs, I knew it would be something special. Cal originally planned to propose at the Winter Village, but as love stories go, the actual proposal happened elsewhere. Still, this iconic NYC spot was the perfect setting to celebrate their next chapter.

Romantic Engagement Photography at Bryant Park & Tudor City

We kicked things off at Bryant Park, soaking in the festive energy of the Winter Village. Between the twinkling lights and the hustle of holiday-goers, the city had a certain glow. These two were naturals—laughing, dancing, and embracing like no one else was around.

After Bryant Park, we wandered over to Tudor City, where we captured some stunning urban moments with the skyline as a backdrop. And yes, we waited just the right amount of time to catch that classic yellow NYC taxi in the shot—worth it every time.

Their Story, in Their Own Words

When you’re young, there’s always that one crush that you used to write notes to, want to hold hands with in the hallway, and dream about growing old together with.

Calvin and I were lucky enough for that dream to become a reality.

We met when we were in middle school in 2007 through mutual friends, quickly became best friends, and eventually became boyfriend and girlfriend in 2008. In the 14 years we’ve been together, we grew as individuals and as a couple—through the middle school drama, the defining high school moments, college core memories, the struggle of long distance (California to New Jersey), a pandemic, and the bliss of finally being able to call each other fiancés.

Above all the different dynamics and stages in our relationship, the most important one we’ve kept is being each other’s best friend first.

What we’re most excited about for this engagement and our wedding is celebrating our family and friends who have supported us throughout all these years. We’ve spent more than half of our lives together and we’re excited to experience the rest as husband and wife.

Did anyone else get all the warm, fuzzy feelings, or is it just me?! 🥹

NYC Winter Magic, Captured Forever

I’m so grateful Lauren and Cal trusted me to document this moment in their journey. Their session is proof that winter engagement photographs in Bryant Park NYC can feel both dreamy and personal, full of both sparkle and soul.

Cheers to you both 🥂—for your next chapter, for the memories you’re going to create, and of course… for all the future food adventures.