A Whimsical Winter Morning: Rona & Chris’ Engagement Session at Bethesda Terrace in Central Park

There’s something undeniably magical about Central Park in the winter—especially when it’s dusted with a delicate layer of snow. Rona and Chris’ January engagement session at Bethesda Terrace was nothing short of enchanting. The soft snowfall, combined with the quiet calm of a crisp morning, made for an ethereal backdrop that perfectly complemented their love story.

In the early morning hours of New York City, Central Park was still and serene. The fresh dusting of snow covered the iconic terrace in a shimmering white veil, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere. The stone arches and intricate carvings of Bethesda Terrace looked even more majestic with frosted edges, and the frozen surface of the nearby fountain added a touch of winter’s stillness.

Rona and Chris were all smiles as they strolled hand in hand beneath the terrace’s arches. The warmth of their connection was palpable, standing out against the cool, muted tones of the winter landscape.

Rona & Chris under the iconic arches of Bethesda Terrace

We started the session beneath the terrace’s grand archway, where the warm glow of the early light filtered through, creating a soft, golden haze. The couple shared an intimate embrace as snowflakes gently drifted around them, making it feel like they were caught in a dream.

Next, we wandered toward the fountain, where Rona and Chris had a playful moment—her breathless laughter echoing as he twirled her around in the snow. Their joy was contagious, and the scene was made even more poetic by the faint sound of footsteps crunching in the snow from the occasional passerby.

We continued to explore, savoring the moment of connecting with each other. We took our time wandering through The Mall, a wide, tree-lined promenade that stretches gracefully through the park, stopping occasionally to take photographs and capture the essence of the moment.

As we approached the Naumburg Bandshell, a historic structure renowned for its stunning architecture and rich cultural significance, we couldn't help but admire its intricate design. Nestled in the heart of the park, this was the first time I had been there and knew it would be the perfect backdrop for a few more photos before we parted ways.

There’s a rare beauty in winter mornings - the quiet stillness, the crisp air, and the way the snow seems to soften the world. For Rona and Chris, it was the perfect setting to celebrate their upcoming union. Their session was filled with authentic, joyful moment - glances exchanged, hands intertwined, and sweet kisses stolen beneath the stone arches.

As we wrapped up, the snow began to melt and the terrace came alive with the bustle of foot traffic of New York awakening, creating a fitting end to a truly magical morning.

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📷 If you’re dreaming of a winter engagement session with the timeless charm of Central Park, reach out! I’d love to create magic with you in this iconic NYC setting.

I'm Bree from Bree Renee Photography and I'm a documentary wedding photographer serving New York and Pennsylvania: Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, New York City, Finger Lakes, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Central PA and Beyond.

If you're still looking for your wedding photographer - I would love to hear more about your wedding day and figure out a plan of action to cover everything you want captured. Plus, I'll share all my tips and tricks I've learned along the way.

Let's make magic together!