A Quiet Morning in Central Park’s Conservatory Garden

A Hidden Gem in the Middle of Manhattan

The garden was quiet. The peonies were blooming. The light was soft and golden—everything just lined up.

Mornings in Central Park hit different—especially in the Conservatory Garden. It’s one of those places that still feels like a secret. Tucked just beyond the noise of the city, the gates open early—and if you time it right, it can feel like the whole space is yours. For Tyler and Morgan’s NYC engagement session, it was everything we needed: quiet, romantic, and effortlessly beautiful.

Tyler and Morgan flew in from Colorado for their session. New York has no shortage of iconic photo spots, but I suggested we start here. It’s a favorite of mine for how peaceful and intentional it feels. That morning, it absolutely delivered.

Effortless Chemistry and a Lot of Laughing

From the start, these two were completely at ease with each other. No over-posing. No stiff moments. They just moved together in a way that felt effortless—laughing, holding hands, brushing hair out of each other’s faces. It was one of those sessions where you could feel how grounded their connection was.

They were fully present, and that always translates into images that feel real.

Why the Conservatory Garden Worked So Well

If you’re planning an engagement session in NYC and want something timeless, elegant, and calm, the Conservatory Garden might be the most underrated location in the city. It’s made up of three sections, each with its own character—and that variety gave us so much to work with.

Even without spring’s flashier blooms, the garden felt alive. Peonies were just starting to open, and everything else was lush with layered greens and textured backdrops. The architecture, the iron gates, the tree-covered walkways—it all gave us options without needing to go far.

A Session That Reminded Me to Slow Down

One of the things I love most about sessions like this is the chance to just slow down. There’s no rush to find the next shot. No pressure to make the moment happen. Instead, you just follow the light, follow the energy, and let things unfold naturally.

We didn’t need to force anything—the calm and connection were already there.

Capturing Love Through Their Eyes

One of the most unique parts of this session was allowing Morgan and Tyler—the talented pair behind the lens—to capture the couple from their own perspective. I handed them my camera, stepped back, and let them record each other as they saw one another. The result? Some of my absolute favorite photos in the gallery. These images not only offer a fresh, personal take on the session, but they also bring an authenticity and intimacy that’s truly unforgettable.

When the Sun Came Out: Bethesda Terrace & the Heart of the Park 🌞

After wrapping up at the garden, we made our way toward the center of Central Park, and the timing couldn’t have been better. The sun had just broken through, and everything shifted—the energy, the light, the way they moved together.

Bethesda Terrace is one of the most iconic locations in the city for a reason, but it still somehow felt like ours that morning. The light poured in through the arches, catching them mid-laugh, mid-step. It was the perfect final chapter to the session.

Planning Your Own NYC Engagement Session?

If you’re dreaming of an engagement session that captures raw, genuine moments in iconic settings—from hidden gardens to sunlit terraces—let’s connect.

Let’s find the perfect spot that tells your love story.

A Note on Film

Some of the images in this gallery were photographed on 35mm film, which always adds a layer of softness and honesty that digital just can’t replicate. The texture, the tones, the imperfections—they all lend themselves to the kind of storytelling that feels timeless. Slowing down to shoot a few frames on film made space for even more intentional moments, and I’m so glad we carved out the time for that.

Shot on Contax G2 – Portra 800

Keywords | NYC engagement session, Central Park Conservatory Garden engagement, Bethesda Terrace photoshoot, intimate couples photography in New York |