Engagement photos aren’t just about poses and pretty backdrops—they’re about telling your love story, capturing authentic moments that truly reflect who you are as a couple. I recently had the pleasure of photographing Caitlin and Gunnar, whose wedding is set for October 2025 at CJ’s Off the Square in Franklin, TN, during their engagement session at Centennial Park in the heart of Nashville. This shoot was full of personal touches and real, candid moments that really brought out the essence of their relationship.
If you’re looking for the perfect spot to capture your engagement photos in Nashville, Centennial Park is one of the most iconic locations in Music City. Here’s a peek behind the lens at how we made the magic happen with Caitlin and Gunnar, plus tips for couples who want to capture authentic moments in their own engagement photos—whether you’re planning a session in Nashville or beyond.
Choosing a Meaningful Location in Nashville
Centennial Park was the perfect setting for Caitlin and Gunnar’s engagement photos. Not only is the park beautiful, with its iconic Parthenon, lush greenery, and serene lake, but it also holds special meaning for them as a couple who loves exploring Nashville’s hidden gems. When picking your engagement shoot location, especially in a city like Nashville, think about places that resonate with your story—whether it’s your first date spot, a favorite park, or a location that offers that quintessential Nashville charm.
Choosing an iconic Nashville spot like Centennial Park also adds local flavor to your photos, making them instantly recognizable for friends, family, and guests who love Music City.
Tip: Choose a location in Nashville that sparks memories and feels like “you” as a couple.
Let the Candid Moments Shine
While it’s great to get a few traditional posed shots, the real magic happens when couples let their guard down and allow spontaneous moments to unfold. Caitlin and Gunnar were naturals at this. One of my favorite shots came from when they were walking hand in hand, laughing about an inside joke—no forced smiles, just real joy.
To capture these kinds of moments, I encourage couples to interact with each other as they normally would—whether it’s a quick kiss, a whispered secret, or a burst of laughter. These unplanned moments always result in photos that feel genuine and full of personality.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to be yourselves. The more you connect and interact with each other, the more authentic the photos will be.
Incorporate Movement
Static poses can feel stiff, so incorporating movement is a great way to keep things lively and natural. For Caitlin and Gunnar, we played with a few walking shots and even had them do a little dance under the trees in Centennial Park. Movement brings energy into the photos and helps couples loosen up, making everything feel more relaxed.
Whether it’s twirling, walking, or even running, small actions can add a playful, dynamic element to your shoot, especially when you’re working with the backdrop of a vibrant city like Nashville. Centennial Park’s open spaces and iconic features like the Parthenon give plenty of room for movement-based shots that feel organic and fun.
Tip: Don’t worry about nailing the perfect pose—just move and have fun!
Embrace the Quiet Moments
Amid the laughter and playful poses, it’s important to capture the quieter, more intimate moments. Caitlin and Gunnar had a beautiful moment sitting on the steps of the Parthenon, simply holding hands and taking in each other. There’s something powerful about these still, reflective moments that show the deeper connection between two people.
These quiet, intimate moments are even more special when set against the scenic backdrops of Nashville’s parks, rivers, and historical landmarks. Centennial Park’s serene setting made it easy to capture this kind of moment for Caitlin and Gunnar.
Tip: Don’t rush—take a moment to pause and just be with each other. These quiet moments often turn into the most meaningful photos.
Be Yourself
The most important element of any engagement shoot is staying true to who you are as a couple. Caitlin and Gunnar brought their personalities to the forefront, whether they were cracking jokes or sharing a sweet embrace. Every couple has their own unique energy, and your engagement photos should reflect that. Don’t worry about how you think you should look—just focus on being you, and the authenticity will shine through.
For Nashville couples, it’s all about finding that balance between showing off the city’s charm and letting your personality take center stage. Whether you’re photographing in a park like Centennial or one of the many unique Nashville neighborhoods, being yourself is the key to photos that will stand the test of time.
Tip: Don’t overthink it—embrace your quirks and let your love story unfold naturally.
Capturing Caitlin and Gunnar’s engagement session was a joy, and I can’t wait to photograph their wedding next year at CJ’s Off the Square in Franklin, just outside Nashville. If you’re a Nashville couple planning your engagement session, remember that the best photos come from simply being present in the moment and enjoying the experience with your partner. Authenticity always wins when it comes to telling your love story through photography.
If you’re interested in more tips for your Nashville engagement or wedding photography, check out the rest of the blog, or feel free to get in touch to schedule your session!
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