Romantic Cheekwood Proposal

Ok, wow. When I got the call from the most amazing wedding planner, Demiana, that her client was in need of a photographer to shoot his proposal at Cheekwood, I was so excited! If you have ever been to Nashville, you just know how majestical Cheekwood Botanical Garden is. Any chance I have… I want to go to there…. and I most certainly want to go there with camera in hand to photograph a proposal. 

This is why. 

Every corner is absolutely beautiful. From Cheekwood’s Reflecting Pool, to the mansion overlooking Nashville, the cascading double staircase leading up to Cheekwood’s most photographed spot, an arbor covered in vines. 

Trust me when I say, Cheekwood Botanical Garden is so dreamy.

I met Ponkham and Nancy at the Reflecting Pool. I was on one side of the pool while Ponkham and Nancy were on the other. Of course, Nancy had no idea that I was there to photograph her soon to be engagement. She probably presumed I was another tourist photographing the glory of Cheekwood as most were. But I was certainly there for the two of them. 

Ponkham chose the location at Cheekwood and it did not disappoint! The Reflecting Pool is exactly what it sounds like. A pool with the most beautiful reflection, especially a reflection in which has a couple getting engaged with the groom to be down on one knee. And of course, the sweet bride to be said yes! 

After giving Ponkham and Nancy a little moment to theirselves, I met them on the other side of the Reflection Pool and we did a portrait session. We walked all along the premises where the Cheekwood mansion is. We took photos on that beautiful cascading staircase I mentioned above, in front of the mansion and even under the beautiful arbor. 

Hey, fun fact about Cheekwood’s arbor! It’s called the Wisteria Arbor and is located at Cheekwood’s Mansion’s west wing. It overlooks the beautiful Warner Parks. Well Warner Park is another favorite park of mine in Nashville. It has the most beautiful staircase… ok, I’m getting off subject but you can imagine. Also, I know, I have a thing about staircases. Trust me! So pretty! I love it there! 

Ponkham and Nancy were and are truly the sweetest couple. They were so easy to photograph because their love was so authentic. You can really tell when a love isn’t so forced and I never felt that way with them. They were truly, genuinely, happy and in love. I couldn’t be more ecstatic for them! 

One tradition I always love to include in my portrait sessions… a champagne pop! I absolutely adore including a champagne pop because well! For the obvious! What an exciting time for my couples and I want them to feel it. I want you to feel special, I want you to feel that excitement, to be happy and in the moment. Plus, you have to admit, champagne pops certainly make the best photos. They’re so much fun! So that’s what we did to conclude Ponkham and Nancy’s proposal at Cheekwood. A quick pop! 

Ponkham and Nancy, thank you for letting me in on such a beautiful moment in your love story at Cheekwood. It was an honor! 

“Christina was absolutely amazing with guiding us to pose after our proposal. She captured the proposal itself beautifully. Her pictures are worth the wait!”

Check out my other blog post about Cheekwood here!