If you’re dreaming of a Central Park engagement session that feels romantic, cinematic, and effortlessly timeless, you’re going to fall in love with Xun and Frank’s dreamy day in New York City. As an NYC engagement photographer, I’m always chasing those real, soulful moments—and this session was full of them.

We met on a misty afternoon, the kind that softens the edges of the city and adds a bit of magic to everything it touches. From quiet walks beneath towering trees to city stoops in the Upper West Side, this was a day that captured the beauty of love in one of the world’s most iconic locations.

1. Literary Walk & The Mall – A Storybook Beginning

We kicked off Xun and Frank’s NYC engagement shoot at The Mall and Literary Walk—an absolute dream for any couple wanting that classic Central Park look. The overcast skies gave the elm-lined path a moody, romantic tone. With statues of literary legends looking on, we started the session with quiet strolls and sweet moments that set the tone for the whole shoot.

2. Central Park Boathouse Rowboats – A Romantic Escape

Next, we made our way to the Central Park Boathouse. Due to the weather, we were unable to rent a rowboat, so we found a beautiful spot for photos along the lake’s edge. If you can’t take a rowboat ride, you can at least capture boats in the background, along with stunning views of the San Remo building. There’s something so intimate about being surrounded by water and trees with the city skyline in the distance. With the extra time to explore, we also made a brief stop at Bethesda Fountain.

3. Bow Bridge – Iconic NYC Romance

Of course, no Central Park engagement photo session is complete without a stop at Bow Bridge. It’s iconic for a reason—the view, the architecture, the way it frames a couple perfectly. With the surrounding lush greenery and the light mist in the air, it looked like a scene straight out of a vintage film.

4. The Ramble & Shakespeare Garden – Hidden Gem Vibes

We wandered deeper into the park into The Ramble, a lush, winding woodland perfect for those who love a more natural, adventurous and secluded setting. From there, we stopped at the Shakespeare Garden, a quiet, romantic corner with blooming florals and stone steps—it felt like we’d stumbled into a secret garden. The rain started to pick up, but it was the perfect spot to pull out the clear umbrellas I brought along for this exact moment.

5. Upper West Side Brownstones – City Chic Ending

To wrap up the shoot, we headed just west of the park to the Upper West Side brownstones between 78th and 81st street. It was the perfect contrast to the nature-heavy vibes earlier in the day. We caught a break in the rain, so we put the umbrellas away for a stylish, editorial twist to end of their New York City engagement session.

Planning a Central Park Engagement Session?

If you’re looking for an NYC engagement photographer who captures real emotion, artistic detail, and the soul of your love story, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re dreaming of Central Park photos, urban-chic streets, or somewhere totally off the beaten path, I’m here to make it magic.

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