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

Troy surprised Kalilah with a romantic wedding proposal during Sippin’ Tea at The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville. From the moment he got down on one knee to the joyful “yes,” every detail — from the fine china to the grand lobby portraits — was captured by Nashville proposal photographer Erin Lee Allender.

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.

Elegant afternoon tea place setting with fine china teacup, saucer, and Sippin’ Tea menu at The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville, photographed before a surprise wedding proposal.

Groom-to-be proposing on one knee beside an afternoon tea table with tea cakes and fine china in The Hermitage Hotel’s blue Veranda, Nashville proposal photography.

Engaged couple sharing a kiss moments after surprise proposal during afternoon tea at The Hermitage Hotel, captured by Nashville proposal photographer.

Engaged couple sitting at an elegantly set table in the historic blue Veranda of The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville.

Fine china tea set and menu in focus with newly engaged couple softly blurred in the background, Nashville proposal photography at The Hermitage Hotel.

Newly engaged couple posing outside the blue Veranda of The Hermitage Hotel, Nashville engagement photographer.

Detailed close-up of diamond engagement ring on bride-to-be’s hand after proposal at The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville.

Romantic portrait of newly engaged couple in the grand lobby of The Hermitage Hotel, Nashville proposal photography.

Engaged couple sharing a quiet moment in the empty blue Veranda of The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville.

Erin Allender 9/12/17 Erin Allender 9/12/17

Sunset Nashville Skyline Proposal - Bill & Becky

A out of town marriage proposal on the Nashville Walking Bridge photographed by Erin Lee Allender Photography.

Bill contacted me a month ago and said that he and his girlfriend Becky were going to be visiting Nashville and he was going to surprise her by proposing! Would I be interested in photographing it? Of course! Last Friday I found my spot on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge and fended off millennials with selfie sticks. When Bill walked, up two bicyclists had taken over my location and I had to motion to Bill to propose in a different spot. There is always something, but it all worked out! Becky was excited and shocked. You'll see the shot where Bill pointed me out. Congratulations Bill & Becky! Thanks for choosing me to photograph your Sunset Nashville Skyline Wedding Proposal!