Love is in the air—literally.
How far would you go for love? For the dauntless couple Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, they’d climb 1,454 feet— the Empire State Building. The two put their love, trust, and fearlessness to the ultimate test. While incredibly dangerous, the pair risked their lives to begin a new chapter together and used the moment to share a message the world needs to hear.
Who Are the Daredevil Climbers?
Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, who also goes by Beerkus, are a Russian couple who currently reside in New Jersey. The pair are known for documenting their extreme urban climbing, or “rooftopping,” adventures on social media. They have built a large following by scaling skyscrapers, performing gravity-defying acrobatic stunts, and capturing breathtaking views from some of the world’s tallest structures.
Their story reached a wider audience with the release of the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story. The film follows their relationship as they prepare for one of their most ambitious climbs yet—Malaysia’s Merdeka 118, the world’s second-tallest building. Throughout the documentary, the couple performs complex acrobatic maneuvers at dizzying heights, showing a behind-the-scenes look at the risks they take and the trust required to pursue their shared passion.
Inside the Empire State Building Proposal
On July 1, Nikolau and Kuznetsov climbed New York City’s iconic Empire State Building during one of the hottest days of the summer, with temperatures nearing 100 degrees. Dressed entirely in black and without ropes, harnesses, or other visible climbing equipment, the couple scaled the building to its highest point. Nikolau specifically was wearing a black cat mask, also described as a “Catwoman” mask.
The night before the stunt, the couple entered the Empire State Building like any other visitors, purchasing tickets to the 86th-floor observation deck before it closed for the evening. They remained hidden inside the building overnight, concealing themselves in a maintenance room until the observatory closed. Before dawn, they emerged from a restricted area and made their way toward the building’s spire, navigating through multiple secured sections before reaching the antenna at the very top.
Once they reached the antenna, the pair unfurled a black banner that read, “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.” They then climbed down to a nearby platform, where Kuznetsov got down on one knee and proposed to Nikolau. Of course, she said yes!
The couple shared photos and videos of both the climb and the proposal on Instagram, giving a behind-the-scenes look at their unforgettable engagement and climb.
The Cost of the Climb
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and so did the couple’s engagement high. Officers from the New York Police Department climbed approximately 1,250 feet—using safety harnesses—to reach the pair at the top of the bridge.
The couple was arrested the same day and charged with burglary, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, possession of burglar’s tools, criminal tampering, criminal trespass, and disorderly conduct. Following a court appearance on July 2, they were released from custody under supervision.
While the stunt made for unforgettable wedding photos, it also sparked criticism over the safety risks involved and the unauthorized climb of one of New York City’s most recognizable landmarks. The incident serves as a reminder that viral moments can come with serious legal consequences.
After the court appearance, reporters asked Kuznetsov why the couple chose the message displayed on the banner. His response was simple: “Because we believe in love.”
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