Surprise proposals, engagements, and City Hall weddings in New York City — planned around the best light, captured discreetly from a distance, and delivered as sneak peeks within 24 hours. You handle the ring. I handle the rest.
01Selected Portfolio
Surprise proposals, engagements, City Hall elopements, and private celebrations photographed across New York City. I stay out of the way for the real moment, then guide you naturally once the surprise is out.
02NYC Location & Light Guide
The difference between a crowded tourist snapshot and a cinematic proposal frame comes down to timing, lens choice, and knowing where to stand. Here is how we plan New York’s best spots.
Most Requested for Proposals
Intimate wooden pavilions, water reflections, and tree-lined paths. I scout your exact spot 20 minutes early, clear the sightline, and shoot with a long telephoto lens so she never suspects a thing.
Plan a Central Park proposal
Rain-Proof Architectural Icon
Grand sandstone staircases and the famous vaulted arcade ceiling. Ideal for dramatic engagement portraits, weddings, and a built-in weather-proof backup if New York skies turn rainy.
Plan a Bethesda Terrace shoot
Skyline & Waterfront
Sweeping views of Lower Manhattan, cobblestone streets, and waterfront piers. We time the session so you get warm golden-hour portraits followed by the city lights coming alive.
Plan a Skyline session
Elopements & Civil Ceremonies
From your ceremony inside the Manhattan Marriage Bureau to champagne on a private hotel terrace or portraits through SoHo and the West Village. Candid, effortless, and unmistakably New York.
Plan a City Hall or Rooftop shoot03Why Couples Book Lex
Planning a surprise proposal in a busy city—especially if you are visiting New York—can feel overwhelming. Most of my job happens before you ever drop to one knee.
I arrive early, blend into the surroundings, and shoot with a longer lens from a distance. She sees you—never me.
Exact map pin, best light window, crowd timing, and how to walk her into position without raising a single suspicion.
You get edited sneak-peek highlights within 24 hours—ready to share while the excitement is fresh and family is asking.
101 hires on Thumbtack, background-checked, and Thumbtack Top Pro 2025. Transparent rates confirmed in writing up front.
Verified Proposal Client“the photos turned out better than we could have hoped.”
Will M. · Surprise Proposal, June 2026 · Verified on Thumbtack ↗
04How It Works
You do not need a complicated production or a script. Here is how we take your idea from first message to finished gallery:
Share your date, a spot you have in mind (or ask me for suggestions), and what matters most to you. That is all we need to start.
I help you lock in the exact location, time the light, and set a simple signal. On the day, I arrive early to scout the angle and stay completely discreet.
You focus 100% on her. I photograph the reaction from a distance, guide a relaxed engagement shoot right after, and send sneak-peek photos within 24 hours.
05Transparent Pricing
Weekday rates in USD (weekends may vary). Sessions start at $350. Your final quote is confirmed in writing before booking — no hidden fees. Discounts for repeat clients and referrals.
Most Booked
The Big Question
Starting from $350
Complete undercover proposal capture plus a relaxed newly-engaged portrait session right after she says yes.
Elopements to Full Days
Weekday rates from $350 / 1 hr
From an intimate Manhattan City Hall ceremony to a full-day celebration with everyone you love.
Corporate & Private
Weekday rates from $250 / 1 hr
Engagement parties, corporate gatherings, graduations, and milestones that deserve better than phone photos.
Select your session type and coverage duration to preview the weekday rate and pre-fill your inquiry.
| Duration | Wedding | Corporate Event | All Other Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | $350 | $250 | $250 |
| 2 hours | $550 | $400 | $350 |
| 3 hours | $700 | $500 | $450 |
| 4 hours | $900 | $650 | $550 |
| 5 hours | $1,050 | $800 | $700 |
| 6 hours | $1,200 | $950 | $850 |
| 7 hours | $1,350 | $1,050 | $1,000 |
| 8 hours | $1,700 | $1,300 | $1,150 |
| 9+ hours | $2,000 | $1,500 | $1,300 |
Sessions start at $350. Final quote confirmed before booking — no hidden fees. Discounts for repeat clients and referrals. Accepted payment methods: Cash, Check, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
Complete Story Galleries
Anyone can post one lucky frame on Instagram. Browse complete, unedited-story client galleries—including Sean’s surprise proposal in Central Park—to see how an entire session unfolds.
lexsimoes.pixieset.com
06Verified Client Reviews
“the photos turned out better than we could have hoped.”
“It was all seamless and easy and perfect.”
“He showed up on time.”
07Behind the Camera
Based in Harlem, New York City, I specialize in the few seconds where people completely forget there is a camera around. Whether you are dropping to one knee in Central Park or walking out of City Hall married, my job is to make sure you can stay 100% in the moment.
Before the shoot, we map out the spot, the light, and how to keep the secret intact. Once she says yes, I step in with calm, simple direction so even camera-shy couples look effortless.
08Common Questions
Have a specific question or a last-minute plan? Email alexcot25@gmail.com or call/text +1 (646) 520-7776.
Almost never. I arrive 15–20 minutes early, blend into the crowd, and photograph from a distance with a telephoto lens. To anyone walking by, I look like a tourist or landscape photographer. We also share a pin drop and a quick photo of what you are wearing so we never have to wave or make eye contact beforehand.
New York weather changes fast, so we always build a Plan B into your session—such as covered architectural spots like Bethesda Terrace Arcade, Dumbo archways, or adjusting the time window. If severe weather makes shooting impossible, we reschedule according to the clear terms we confirm before you book.
As soon as you know your target date—especially for weekends in spring, summer, and autumn foliage season. Travelling to NYC on short notice or planning a proposal for this week? Reach out anyway; if my calendar has an opening, we can plan the entire blueprint in 15 minutes.
You receive edited sneak-peek highlights within 24 hours so you can announce the news right away. Your complete, high-resolution private online gallery follows on the exact delivery timeline confirmed in your booking quote.
Yes. I cover all five boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island) as well as surrounding areas in New Jersey, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley. Share your location and I will confirm any travel details up front.
Your exact rate, deposit details, and cancellation terms are confirmed in writing before you commit—never hidden fees. For your convenience, I accept Cash, Check, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
95% of the couples I photograph say the exact same thing before we start. During the proposal itself, you are just focused on each other. Afterward, I give simple, natural prompts—walking, talking, holding hands—so you never feel like you are holding a stiff pose.
09Check Availability
Send your details below and I will reply personally—usually within a few hours—with availability, location ideas, and your exact price in writing. No deposit or commitment is required just to check your date.
Proposals from $350 · ★ 5.0 (57)Sneak peeks in 24h · Discreet NYC planning
Check date →