Josh proposed to Lauren at Pier A Park in Hoboken, NJ, on a clear November afternoon, right under the yellow trees with the Manhattan skyline across the Hudson. The sun came through behind them as he went down on one knee, and it lit up her hair. It was our first proposal at Pier A Park, and I don’t think the light could have been any better.
Why did we pick Pier A Park?
Josh reached out less than a week before. He knew he wanted one of the piers looking at the city, in Hoboken, Jersey City or even Manhattan, he just didn’t know which one. I told him about the pier across from the W Hotel in Hoboken, and that his timing was perfect, because the trees there were turning yellow right then. I also warned him it would be busy, since everyone wants that view in the fall. He didn’t mind. He just wanted it to be special. He already had the date, though. He picked November 11 on purpose, because 11 plus 11 is 22, and 22 is Lauren’s favorite number.
I had a reason. A few years ago I photographed a wedding at the W Hoboken this same week in November, and I still remember the trees on the pier. They turn yellow this time of year, and little yellow leaves cover the whole ground. It’s gorgeous, and I was hoping we’d get it again.
How did he keep it a surprise?
They met at a good friend’s wedding. Josh called it a slow burn, and a couple of months later Lauren asked him out.
She had no idea this was coming. She didn’t think he’d propose until December, and she didn’t even think he had the ring yet. She happened to have the day off, so Josh planned a date and told her he wanted to walk the pier before their dinner reservation.
We also put the meal after the proposal, a 5 PM dinner right down the road. Nobody wants to sit through a meal with a ring burning a hole in their pocket.
How did Josh know where to stand?
We got there early to scout. There were a couple of other shoots going on at the same time, so I went over and talked to each of them. They were all really cool. Then we found our spot and made sure nobody would be walking through the background.
I have a new yellow triangle arrow that I put on the ground so the person proposing knows exactly where to stand and which way their partner should face. That plan didn’t work here. The ground was covered in yellow leaves, and a yellow arrow would have disappeared. So I cleared the leaves off one patch, set the arrow down showing which way Lauren should face, and sent Josh a photograph of it along with an Apple Maps pin to the exact spot.
The moment he dropped to one knee
Josh came in and did a full loop around the pier first, since he wasn’t quite sure where to go. Then they came around, he found the arrow, and he went down.
The sun was right behind them, rim lighting her hair. Probably one of the most perfect. You couldn’t ask for a better day or better light.
Golden hour on the Hoboken waterfront
After she said yes, we stayed with them and photographed all over the park. They were so happy, and so fun.
Lauren works in Manhattan, and her building was right there in the skyline behind her for a bunch of these. I love that.
Then we ran them back through the yellow leaves.
Sunset was incredible.
We also photographed a little in front of the W Hoboken, right next to the pier.
And we finished on the water as the light went down over lower Manhattan.
Planning a Pier A Park proposal? Common questions
When are the trees yellow at Pier A Park?
Around the second week of November, in my experience. I photographed a wedding at the W Hoboken that same week a few years ago and the trees were yellow then, and they were yellow again on November 11 for Josh and Lauren.
How does the person proposing know exactly where to go?
I scout the spot first and mark it with an arrow showing which way your partner should face. Then I text you a photograph of the spot and a map pin to it, so you can walk straight there without looking for us.
Is Pier A Park a good place to propose in Hoboken?
Yes. You get Midtown and lower Manhattan across the Hudson, open lawns and rows of trees. It can be busy with other shoots, so it pays to get there early and find a quiet spot before anyone arrives.
Can you propose at Pier A Park on a weekend?
I don’t recommend it. On a Saturday the park is packed with people, and it’s hard to keep the background clear or find a quiet spot. Josh proposed on a Wednesday afternoon, and even then a couple of other shoots were going on. Pick a weekday if you can.
Planning a proposal of your own? Here are the best places to propose in New Jersey and Philadelphia when it gets cold, plus our guide to what to wear for a proposal.
“Jordan took our engagement photos was the best choice we made, besides each other haha he was professional, kind, easy going, and made the whole experience, which was already exciting and anticipated, more fun and less complicated! His expertise and savvy made for some great pictures and he took care of us the entire shoot!”
Josh, proposal, on Google
Ready to Start Planning?
Thinking about a surprise proposal in Hoboken, Jersey City or anywhere in New Jersey? Tell us about your plans here and we’ll help you plan it.