Surprise Proposal at The Hermitage Hotel | Nashville Wedding and Proposal Photographer Kalilah and Trey

Surprise Wedding Proposal at The Hermitage Hotel’s Sippin’ Tea in Nashville

As a Nashville wedding photographer, I’m always honored to capture life’s biggest moments — but proposals are a whole different kind of magic (and stress!). You only get one chance to photograph a “yes,” and there’s no re-do.

Troy planned a surprise wedding proposal to Kalilah during Sippin’ Tea at The Hermitage Hotelrnoon-tea/, Nashville’s elegant afternoon tea experience in their gorgeous blue Veranda. The challenge? There was nowhere to hide with my camera gear without giving myself away.

While Kalilah enjoyed her tea service, Troy slipped away to meet me in the hallway so we could finalize our game plan. I would wait outside the Veranda and quietly step in moments before he asked the big question. While I waited, the incredibly kind Hermitage staff brought me my own tea service — a sweet (and very welcome) surprise that helped me blend in until it was time.

When the moment came, Troy got down on one knee beside their table, tea cakes and fine china just inches away. Kalilah’s face lit up in the biggest smile — pure joy. She kissed him as soon as she said yes, her eyes full of love and excitement.

After the proposal, we wandered through the historic Hermitage Hotel for posed portraits — from the quiet elegance of the now-empty Veranda, to the grand lobby, to charming nooks outside. Every photograph captured their adoration and the magic of their engagement day.