Although smaller than Central Park, Bryant Park is a popular spot for locals and tourists all year round. And if you’re looking for a place that captures the natural greenery and gardens of Central Park as well as the urban vibrance of New York City in your engagement session, Bryant Park is a wonderful combination of both. With blooming flowers, lush greenery, and elegant architecture, Bryant Park is an ideal place for couples looking to create unforgettable, romantic memories.
Springtime Beauty in Bryant Park
Bryant Park is one of New York City’s most beloved parks, second only to Central Park in popularity. Right around the corner from the New York Public Library, Bryant Park is a small slice of garden oasis nestled right in the middle of Midtown Manhattan. With events like ice skating and the Winter Village shops in the colder months and live music, movies, and events on the Lawn during the warmer seasons, the park attracts thousands of visitors throughout the year.
Spring, however, is one of the most beautiful times to visit the park. The park’s manicured gardens burst with color from a variety of different flowers, creating a colorful and romantic backdrop perfect for an engagement session. Just imagine you and your partner strolling hand-in-hand along the garden paths, sharing a ride on the carousel, or enjoying a romantic picnic on the Lawn. The lively atmosphere of Bryant Park in the spring is a great way to feature the vibrant heart of NYC and capture your love story in your engagement photos.
For the best engagement session experience in the park, plan your session early in the morning before the crowds hit and check the park’s event schedule in advance. Even on a regular day the Lawn and the park get crowded fast. However, on event days, you can expect to see larger crowds than usual.
Spring Engagement Session in Bryant Park
For Jillian + Alex, having their engagement session in Bryant Park was the obvious choice. On a beautiful spring day, it was there that Alex proposed to Jillian. Returning to the park added an extra layer of sentimental value to their photos.
When the day of Jillian + Alex’s engagement session arrived, I met the two of them in the afternoon despite the usual bustle of the city around us. Even so, Jillian + Alex were such naturals in front of the camera that the rest of the world seemingly melted away around them. We began the session by the gardens, capturing photos in front of a full bed of tulips. The elegant white bulbs added a touch of classic beauty to their photos, perfectly complementing the loving smiles that never left their faces.
From there, we strolled past the carousel, down paths lined with stone architecture, and then paused beneath the whimsical wisteria hanging around the Bryant Park Grill. Every place we snapped pictures in throughout the park added a unique element to their photos, reflecting their personalities and the love they share as they walked down memory lane and relived the place of their engagement.
Exploring the Architecture of the New York Public Library
After wandering around Bryant Park, we made our way around the corner to the New York Public Library. This historic landmark opened its doors in 1911 as New York’s first public library. After a competition among New York City’s most prominent architects, the small architectural firm of Carrère and Hastings were selected to design the iconic building we see today. The Beaux-Arts design featuring huge columns, a grand front staircase, and the beloved Library Lions, Patience and Fortitude, was the largest marble structure ever attempted at the time. Now, over a century later, this magnificent building stands as the city’s symbol of education and opportunity.
As we approached the library steps, Alex looked positively dapper in his dark suit, exuding a classic elegance. Meanwhile, Jillian looked like a goddess straight out of the pages of a book in her ivory dress. While photo sessions are not allowed inside the library itself, the sweeping steps and grand marble architecture at the front entrance are all you need for magnificent photos.
Together, the two of them walked up the front steps and posed in the alcoves around the library’s entrance. The marble architecture of the building complemented their stylish attire, giving their photos an air of sophistication.
A Toast to a Wonderful Couple
On the night of their engagement, after Alex proposed in the park, they shared a decadent dinner at the Polo Bar. They had hoped to get reservations at the bar again so we could snap pictures there during their engagement session. Unfortunately, reservations at the Polo Bar are hard to come by and there were no openings on the evening of their session. Instead, to close out their engagement session, we headed back to Bryant Park one final time.
Back at the park, Jillian + Alex popped open a bottle of champagne and found an empty park table to share a toast. Even though they weren’t able to get a reservation at the Polo Bar, the champagne they opened was the same they shared there the evening they got engaged. I love when couples bring something special to their story to their engagement session – even if it’s just a bottle of champagne. It’s a sweet and simple way to make your session just that much more special. For Jillian + Alex, this sweet toast was a wonderful way to end such a lovely engagement session filled with love, laughter, and anticipation for the beautiful journey they have ahead.
Did you enjoy Jillian + Alex’s romantic spring engagement session in Bryant Park? Whether you’re considering Bryant Park or anywhere else in NYC for your engagement session, I’d be honored to photograph it for you!
Hey there! I’m Rachael Crowe of OkCrowe Photography. As a New York City wedding and engagement photographer, I love helping couples capture their love story anywhere they choose in this wonderful city. Thinking of somewhere outside NYC? No problem! Just let me know and I’d be more than happy to travel wherever you need me to be to make sure your dream engagement photos become a reality. All you have to do is reach out through my contact form to get started!
Engagement Session Information:
- First Location: Bryant Park
- Second Location: New York Public Library
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