When Rich and Stephanie decided to have their engagement photos taken at The Met, it wasn’t just about the iconic backdrop— it was personal, deeply meaningful, and uniquely them. For them, The Metropolitan Museum of Art isn’t just another beautiful spot in New York City; it’s where Rich proposed to Stephanie, and as an artist herself, the museum holds a special place in Stephanie’s heart. Their engagement session was more than a photoshoot— it was a celebration of their shared love for art and each other :’)

A Love Story Woven Through Art

The Met is undoubtedly one of the most iconic places in NYC for engagement photos, but for Rich and Stephanie, it was the only place that made sense.

On a sunny morning in May, after waiting on line for the museum to open their doors to the morning rush, Rich and Stephanie walked me through their favorite galleries and their favorite memories together. They told me the story of how they met and fell in love, when + why they decided they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together, and caught me up on the wedding which will take place next month at Gran Eléctrica in Brooklyn.

As we came to the American Wing, Rich and Stephanie guided me to two Lily Martin Spencer paintings— one of a husband and one of a wife.

“This is where Rich proposed!” Stephanie’s face lit up.

She told me, “the two paintings (shown above) are of a newly married couple both humorously bumbling their way through their first days of married life. Lily Martin Spencer’s husband modeled for these paintings, having devoted his life to helping his wife pursue her career as a painter. When Rich first started proposing he began by talking about these two paintings and ended the proposal by saying he wanted to devote his life to being a supportive partner that would always be by my side, supporting me and my art career, just like Lily Martin Spencer’s husband.”

It made sense to me then why R+S had wanted to come back to this museum for their engagement photos. It wasn’t even just this specific gallery that made it so special for them, though. Stephanie, being an artist, has spent much of her life exploring art museums, discussing different pieces, and finding inspiration. Art museums + galleries have been a meeting point for Rich + Stephanie since the very beginning. Both physically— a place where the two would meet for dates early on, but also emotionally as a place where Rich and Stephanie came together on their passions, world views, and their feelings for each other. It was only fitting that their engagement photos captured this essential part of their relationship. The Met, in all its grandeur, provided the perfect setting to tell their love story.

The Spaces That Tell Their Story

Stephanie and Rich were so thoughtful and intentional about where in The Met they wanted their photos taken. They chose specific spaces that held deep meaning for them, creating a narrative that reflected their shared appreciation for art. Here are the places they chose together:

• Choir Screen from the Cathedral of Valladolid: We started in the Medieval Art Gallery, right as the museum opened, giving us the rare opportunity to have much of the space to ourselves.
• Lilly Martin Spencer Paintings: Young Husband; Young Wife: Located on the 2nd Floor, Gallery 758, this painting is where Rich proposed to Stephanie. Returning to this exact spot added a layer of sentimentality and nostalgia to their session. It was like reliving that beautiful moment all over again, and the emotion in their eyes was undeniable.
• Cantor Roof Garden Bar: If you’ve never been, you need to know about the Cantor Roof Garden. It’s one of the best-kept secrets in NYC—a place where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city while sipping on a cocktail. The roof garden was the perfect finale to their session, with the city skyline serving as a reminder of the urban love story they are writing together.

A Perfectly Personal Engagement Session

To make the day even more special, it was Stephanie’s birthday on the day of their engagement session! Celebrating her birthday surrounded by the art she loves, in the place where she got engaged, with the person who makes her heart sing—it doesn’t get much better than that. Rich and Stephanie’s engagement session at The Met was more than just a photoshoot; it was a heartfelt tribute to their shared love for art and each other. The Met’s timeless beauty, combined with the couple’s personal connection to the museum made for a session that was both intimate and iconic.

I love how thoughtful R+S were with their morning at The Met. It’s a reminder that your engagement photos should reflect who you truly are as a couple. They’re more than just pretty photos; they’re actually documenting a special time in your life. An era that can never be replicated! When you infuse your session with meaning and intention, the results are nothing short of magical.

Whether you’re considering an intimate wedding in NYC or engagement session, think about the treasures hidden in your own story and the special places that mean the world to you. As an NYC wedding and elopement photographer, it’s a privilege to capture these unforgettable moments. Also, check out my Pinterest profile for more inspiration and follow me on Instagram!