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a happy couple during a surprise proposal at cheekwood by a Nashville engagement photographer.

Surprise Proposal at Cheekwood | Nashville Proposal Photographer

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There’s something extra magical about a proposal that happens quietly, intentionally, and completely wrapped in wonder — and this surprise proposal at Cheekwood Botanical Garden in Nashville was exactly that.

With holiday lights glowing and emotion filling the air, this evening was one of those moments that reminds me why I never get tired of photographing proposals.

Planning a Surprise Proposal in Nashville

For this proposal, my partner and I went full secret ninja mode.

We arrived early, scoped out the perfect proposal spot, and tucked ourselves completely out of sight. We watched as the couple wandered through Cheekwood’s holiday lights. From a distance, they looked like any other couple enjoying a festive winter night in Nashville, unaware that a life-changing moment was just minutes away.

I photographed them quietly as they walked hand in hand, surrounded by twinkling lights that felt straight out of a movie scene!

The Proposal Moment at Cheekwood

When he dropped to one knee, everything stopped.

We stepped out from hiding and captured the entire moment as it unfolded naturally. The gasp, the laughter, the disbelief, and the overwhelming joy written across both of their faces. She later shared that she had some suspicions this might be the night, but the surprise still landed beautifully. Her excitement was radiant, and his happiness was contagious!

They completely lit one another up, and witnessing that kind of love is something I’ll never take for granted.

Engagement Photos with Cheekwood’s Holiday Lights

After the joyful “yes,” we spent the rest of the evening strolling through Cheekwood, creating engagement portraits beneath the holiday lights.

There was no rushing and no pressure. Instead, we focused on letting them soak in the moment while capturing images that felt romantic, natural, and true to who they are. The glowing lights, the quiet pathways, and the shared excitement made the perfect backdrop for portraits that I know they’ll look back on for years to come.

Why I Love Photographing Surprise Proposals

Surprise proposals are some of my favorite sessions to photograph because they’re unscripted, emotional, and full of genuine joy.

Every proposal unfolds differently. However, they all share that once-in-a-lifetime energy that can’t be recreated. These moments aren’t just about getting beautiful photos — they’re about preserving how it felt when everything changed.

Recently Engaged or Planning a Proposal in Nashville?

Whether you’re planning a surprise proposal at Cheekwood, popping the question somewhere else in Nashville, or you’ve just said yes, documenting this chapter of your story is about more than photos. It’s about remembering the excitement, the nerves, and the joy of this season of your life!

If you’re newly engaged or dreaming up a proposal in Nashville, I’d love to help you plan and capture something unforgettable.

Let’s chat!
A man kneels and proposes to a woman outdoors at night, surrounded by string lights and a rustic table with champagne. Captured by a Nashville Proposal Photographer, this surprise proposal scene is warm, romantic, and unforgettable.
A man kneels to propose to a woman outdoors at night under string lights and a decorated arch at Cheekwood. A proposal photographer captures the moment, with champagne and glasses on a table beside them. The image is split into color and black-and-white.
A couple shares a kiss in front of softly glowing string lights at Cheekwood, the image out of focus to create a romantic, dreamy atmosphere—perfect for capturing a surprise proposal with a Nashville proposal photographer.
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A man and a woman stand in front of hanging string lights at night at Cheekwood. The man smiles, holding a small box, while the woman looks surprised and covers her mouth—capturing the magic of a surprise proposal.
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A woman smiles at her phone while a man beside her looks on and smiles. They are outdoors at night, standing in front of trees at Cheekwood, both appearing happy and relaxed after a surprise proposal.
A smiling couple stands close together outdoors at night, looking at a phone in the woman’s hand. String lights and greenery create a warm, festive atmosphere—perfect for a surprise proposal captured by a Nashville Proposal Photographer at Cheekwood.
A couple stands on a leaf-covered path at Cheekwood, sharing a kiss under string lights. The man wears jeans and a beige sweater; the woman, a green plaid shirt and light blue jeans—a magical moment captured by a Nashville Proposal Photographer.
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A black-and-white split image shows a couple sitting on steps at Cheekwood. The man hugs the woman from behind, kissing her head, while she smiles with her eyes closed, savoring this affectionate surprise proposal moment.
A couple embraces and kisses on a stone walkway at night at Cheekwood, surrounded by trees wrapped in glowing string lights. They look happy and affectionate, sharing a romantic outdoor moment captured by a Nashville proposal photographer.
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A smiling couple stands hand in hand under a tunnel of glowing, golden fairy lights at Cheekwood. Outdoors at night, they're framed by arching branches and twinkling lights, creating a warm and festive backdrop for a surprise proposal.
A couple stands close together, embracing and touching foreheads, surrounded by a tunnel of golden, glowing holiday lights—creating a magical, romantic atmosphere perfect for a Nashville Proposal Photographer capturing a surprise proposal.
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A close-up of two hands: one with a watch and the other wearing a diamond engagement ring, gently touching under warm lighting and a blurred background—captured by a Nashville Proposal Photographer during a surprise proposal at Cheekwood.
Close-up of a hand wearing an engagement ring with a diamond on the ring finger, gently resting on another's hand. Captured in black and white by a Nashville Proposal Photographer, this image beautifully celebrates a surprise proposal.

MY GOODNESS that ring was so beautiful!! He found it at Golden Eagle Jewelry – I was obsessed with it!

Are you ready to do this thing? Let’s make it happen! Reach out below and let’s chat!

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