An Iconic NYC Winter Session with Classic Style and Cozy Vintage Vibes

When Maddie and Jessie reached out for their engagement session, they knew they wanted something timeless, romantic, and unmistakably New York. Grand Central Terminal was the obvious choice—iconic, stunning, and, let’s be honest, blessedly indoors on a freezing winter morning. The New York Public Library was just around the corner, and even though our fingers were numb, we couldn’t not stop by. So we bundled up, powered through the chill, and made it happen. You’d never know how cold it was from looking at these two. They brought enough warmth, style, and laughter to make us forget we were basically popsicles.

Starting in Grand Central Station

We began at Grand Central Terminal, one of my favorite indoor locations NYC has to offer. The light that streams through the tall arched windows in the morning is soft and glowy, perfect for those dreamy cinematic portraits. The constant movement of commuters adds an incredible energy—but in the early hours, there’s just enough space to find your moment in the chaos.

We started beneath the celestial ceiling of the Main Concourse before making our way to Grand Brasserie, a French-American restaurant tucked inside the station. Even before the brunch rush, the space felt both grand and intimate. The staff welcomed us with warmth and ease, helping us set the scene by serving champagne and cappuccinos—the best kind of breakfast, obviously.

A Quick Walk to the New York Public Library

From Grand Central, it’s just a five-minute walk to New York Public Library. Despite the temperature hovering in the low 30s, Maddie and Jessie handled the chill like total pros—we took breaks to warm up between shots and powered through. We made the most of the front steps, the columns, and those iconic archways—a photographer’s dream and the perfect setting for a Carrie Bradshaw aesthetic, minus the Carrie Bradshaw wedding drama!

Inside the Library: What You Should Know

• Photography inside the NYPL requires a permit. We kept things limited to the public areas near the entrance and kept gear minimal to stay respectful.
  
• Best times to go: Mornings during the week tend to be the quietest. If you’re only using the exterior, weekends are fair game and often less crowded in early hours.
  

The inside of the library has a hushed, sacred energy, perfect for those more intimate shots, but even just the outer steps and courtyard give you enough variety to create a stunning gallery.

Making Magic in the Cold

The truth is: it was cold. Really cold. But Maddie and Jessie turned what could’ve been a quick in-and-out session into something fun, romantic, and full of New York energy. They laughed through it, leaned into the chill, and created something classic.

Their shoot is proof that winter engagement photos in NYC can be magical—especially when you’re somewhere iconic, with the right light, and the right person by your side.