Couple kissing during golden hour in Nashville

Fall Engagement Photos at Walton’s Ferry Arboretum | Nashville Engagement Photographer

Some couples step in front of the camera and immediately feel like old friends — and that’s exactly how it felt photographing Paul and Brynn. Their engagement session at Walton’s Ferry Arboretum in Hendersonville was the perfect blend of golden fall color, soft November weather, and the kind of laughter that makes a session absolutely fly by.

But before I get into the photos, their story deserves to be shared — because it’s such a good one.

Meet Paul & Brynn

Their journey together started years ago at Cornell, where they met and built the foundation of what has become such a genuine, steady, joyful relationship. They eventually found themselves living in Connecticut, but neither one is originally from there — and during Covid, they realized it wasn’t where they wanted to stay long-term.

So they did what a lot of couples only dream of:
They traveled.
A lot.

They explored different cities, took time to figure out what felt like “home,” and eventually discovered Nashville. And once they did… they knew.

This was it.
This was their place.

They moved here during Covid and haven’t looked back since. They adore the energy, the food, the community, the access to nature — everything about Nashville clicked in a way no other city had. And they’ve truly built a life here that feels theirs.

They got engaged last year, but they’re not in a rush to plan a wedding. They’re enjoying this season, settling into the city, and simply being present with each other. And because of that, they decided they wanted engagement photos just for them — something beautiful to hang in their home, something that feels like Nashville, and something that reflects the life they’ve built together.

Why Walton’s Ferry Arboretum Was the Perfect Location

If you’ve never been, Walton’s Ferry Arboretum is one of Hendersonville’s hidden gems — a peaceful, tucked-away peninsula surrounded by Old Hickory Lake, full of tall trees, winding paths, and pockets of gorgeous fall color.

It’s one of my favorite places for engagement photos because:

You get tons of variety in one location
The lighting is magical through the trees
There are open fields, wooded trails, and lakeside views
It’s quiet, calm, and never overly crowded

For a couple like Paul and Brynn — outdoorsy, grounded, and drawn to the natural beauty Tennessee offers — it was absolutely perfect.

The Session: A Perfect Fall Day in November

When I say the timing worked out perfectly… I mean perfectly.

The leaves were at their peak:
✨ deep golds
✨ warm oranges
✨ rich browns
✨ soft late-autumn greens

And the weather? A dream.
It was in the 60s — warm enough to be comfortable, cool enough to feel like true fall.

Paul and Brynn showed up ready to explore, laugh, and just enjoy the evening together. There was no pressure, no stress, no rush — just the two of them, soaking in the moment.

We wandered through the arboretum, stopping anytime the light hit just right (which was often). They have such an easy connection — the kind where they say one thing and both immediately burst into laughter. Photographing them felt like tagging along on a date where they honestly forgot the camera was even there.

These are the sessions I love the most — relaxed, fun, natural, and filled with moments that feel like them.

Why I Love Engagement Sessions Like This

Not every couple books engagement photos because they have save-the-dates or wedding invitations to prepare. Some do exactly what Paul and Brynn did:

They get photos because they want to freeze this season of their life.
Because they’re building a home together.
Because these moments matter.
Because someday, these photos will be framed on a wall or in an album and will tell the story of their beginning.

And honestly? Those are some of my favorite sessions.

Thinking About Your Own Nashville Engagement Session?

If you’re newly engaged, celebrating an anniversary, or simply want beautiful photos together in a place you love, I would adore creating something just as meaningful for you.

Walton’s Ferry Arboretum is always a gorgeous choice, but Nashville has so many incredible options — hidden parks, downtown rooftops, historic neighborhoods, lakesides, and more.

If you want help choosing a location or planning your session, just reach out. I’d love to photograph a little piece of your story too.

Let's Talk!