Proposing at the Grounds for Sculpture
Monet’s Bridge, Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton Township, NJ
As we wrap up the tail end of the wedding season and plans of proposals begin to brew, I can’t help but remember Javier’s proposal at the Grounds for Sculpture.
August 3rd: Javier was determined to finally pop the question on this day. There were threats of an upcoming storm, but it had to be today. His previous two attempts had been thwarted by one thing or another.
Their story started with a chase: he greeted her with a smile at every chance they met but was not met with the same enthusiasm. During her last day as an intern, it would have been the last day that they saw each other. Running into other unfortunate events that day, he asked one last time for her to give him a chance — and she did. From there, her misunderstandings of him had been cleared and they became inseparable. He knew she was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.
We had been carefully planning and exchanging messages to keep the surprise just that: a surprise.
At Rat’s Restaurant, a restaurant within the grounds, I waited for the couple to arrive at the bridge. Based on Monet’s Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies painting, the scene in front of me was as if I were looking at Monet’s work on an enlarged scale. The cascading willow and still water painted a surreal, romantic sight: the perfect spot for a proposal.
And finally, he was able to get down on one knee in front of Cristal, who had an inkling today might be the day. The sound of applause and cheers rang in celebration for the newly engaged couple.
After such a sweet moment, I introduced myself and strolled around the garden with them to capture some photos to remember the day. Here are some of my favorites:
A moment of appreciation for her engagement ring;
Javier had planned the design with a jeweler to be made in rose gold, with smaller stones inspired by constellations to complement the larger diamond.
The Logistics
If you’re considering proposing at this location, here is some helpful information:
Are there any fees or permits?
Admission is $25 for adults, with additional pricing here. It is highly suggested to purchase your timed ticket ahead of time as tickets do sell out. We wouldn’t want you to plan in detail only to miss out on the date you had you'r heart on!
There is no photography permit required for engagement sessions or proposals, however for wedding photography, there is a flat rate of $1,000 for two hours. This must be scheduled in advance and does not require individual purchase of admission tickets.
How to get there from NYC:
By Train
From Penn Station, you can take the NJ Transit to the Trenton or Hamilton Station. You can check train times here. From the train station, Grounds for Sculpture is less than 10 minutes away with a ride share.
By Car
Take the I-495 W to go through Lincoln Tunnel and get onto I-95 S to NJ-33 W.
Reminder to have some cash handy for tolls!
If you have an electric vehicle, there are Chargepoint EV chargers at the Grounds for Sculpture.
Ready to plan your proposal with me? Contact me to have that special moment documented!