A Super Proposal

A NYC Superintendent Proposes to His Girl In Front of the Building Where They Live #NYCProposal

Words + Pictures by Angela Cappetta

Peter, the Superintendent of a residential building in NYC, and his partner Kathleen, have been a team for 3 years. Peter decided he would propose at sunrise on Thanksgiving Eve. Naturally, he got the whole building involved – that’s just the kind of guy he is.  He solicited a chalk artist to draw a line of diamonds leading up to the proposal spot in front of the apartment building; he got the ring through a staff member’s family in the diamond business; and he asked me to shoot it. It was a family affair.

Peter waited on the giant chalk engagement ring on the sidewalk, nervously tapping his foot as he grinned. The guys at the front desk alerted Peter by radio when Kathy was about to hit the street. She was harried, late for work, and rushed down the diamond line to get to the subway.  Unbeknownst to Kathy, those chalk diamonds were all for her; she was walking smack into the decision of a lifetime.

She happened upon Peter, he bent his knee, and it happened. Kathleen gasped, shocked and amazed.  Random passersby applauded, offered congratulations, snapped pictures. The reality of NYC, the beauty of it and all of its energy, swirled around them.

Their public approved.

After a spell, we all went to the roof to take more pictures, capturing their still racing hearts and exhilaration of the moment.

After it was over, Peter smiled at Kathleen and said: “Let’s go down and tell the dog.”