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Dreamy Tennessee Proposal on a Hidden Waterfall Trail

  • Writer: Katie Mae Williams
    Katie Mae Williams
  • Jun 26
  • 2 min read

A behind the scenes look at a surprise engagement, thoughtfully planned and intentionally captured.


This morning started like so many of my favorite days do... boots on, coffee in hand, and a camera bag packed for something special. I hit the road just after sunrise, driving from Knoxville to one of my favorite hidden gems in Tennessee. But this wasn’t just any shoot. I was on my way to document a surprise waterfall proposal!


Person kneels proposing by a waterfall, surrounded by rocks and greenery. Emotional moment with cascading water background in nature.

When Corey first reached out to me with his idea, I was so excited! Photos that involve hiking, waterfalls, and a little bit of adventure? That’s my bread and butter. We ended up scouting the location together the day before the proposal to finalize our plans. The trail to the falls took just under 30 minutes, and we carefully mapped out every detail: where he’d kneel, where I’d set up with my camera, how we’d time the hike so I’d be ahead and hidden before they arrived.


At 8 a.m. sharp, I started hiking solo, blending in as just another hiker with a camera, pretending to photograph the waterfall while I waited. Corey and Logan followed an hour later, completely unaware of what was about to happen.


Set up and ready to go!

As they made their way down to the rocky shoreline, I watched through my lens as Corey paused, took her hand, and dropped to one knee. Logan was completely surprised—and her reaction was so genuine and full of joy. I shot the whole moment with two cameras: one with a 35mm lens to capture the full, sweeping beauty of the landscape, and one with a 70–200mm to zoom in close on their expressions. Every frame turned out beautifully.



After she said YES and we had a round of congratulations, we spent some time exploring the falls and taking portraits to mark the occasion.


A diamond ring in a green box rests on a dark stone with rippling water. The setting is serene and elegant, highlighting the ring's sparkle.
I grabbed the ring for a few minutes to get some detail shots- Corey was thoughtful enough to buy a velvet ring box in Logan's favorite color. I absolutely love how this shot turned out of the ring sitting on top of the river rocks!
Two people stand on rocks by a waterfall, holding hands. One has a colorful tattoo on their leg. They're wearing brown and black shorts.

Finally, these two adventurers decided to take a celebratory dip in the crystal-clear water.

Moments like this remind me why I love what I do. Getting to document not just the big “yes,” but the laughter, the nerves, the cold plunge, and the pure happiness that follows.


A couple embraces and kisses in a serene waterfall pool. The man has tattoos, and the woman wears a black swimsuit. The mood is romantic.

Two people embrace in a serene pool beneath a cascading waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery. The scene feels peaceful and intimate.


Corey and Logan, thank you for trusting me with this memory. This is only the beginning of your greatest adventure yet. 💍🌲💧


Looking for a photographer to capture your proposal?


I’ve spent years helping couples craft beautiful photography experiences unique to them! Whether you need help finding a location, planning your proposal, or finding local vendors, I’m here for all of it.


Woman in a white shirt and green pants, holding a camera, stands smiling in a grassy field with rocky mountains in the background.

Let’s make your photography experience one you’ll never forget, and one you’ll want to relive every time you look at your photos.


Check out more information about my photography packages and inquire below:


Want to check out the behind the scenes video for this proposal? View it out here, and make sure to give a follow along on my Instagram page to see similar content!


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