Planning Your Dream Waterfall Engagement Session
Dreaming of a romantic engagement session with the breathtaking backdrop of cascading waterfalls? Nashville's surrounding areas offer a plethora of stunning locations perfect for capturing your love story. But where do you start? Let's dive into some of the most picturesque waterfalls near Nashville, covering the who, what, when, where, and why of each location.
Burgess Falls
Sparta, TN (approximately 1.5 hours east of Nashville)
A series of four waterfalls, with the impressive 136-foot Burgess Falls as the main attraction.
Well-maintained trails, moderate hiking, around 1.5 miles hike to the top of the falls.
Base of Burgess Falls is only accessible via kayak. We’re down if you are!
Multiple viewing platforms, diverse scenery.
Swimming accessible only at the base of the falls.
Usually very busy on weekends.
Twin Falls
Rock Island State Park (approximately 1.5 hours east of Nashville).
A short hike featuring a set of stairs and rugged rock structures that leads you to the base of Twin Falls.
Two powerful waterfalls cascading side-by-side from the rock gorge and into the Caney Fork River.
Some areas are easy to reach, others require more challenging navigation over rocks.
Powerful water flow, rugged terrain, beautiful river views.
Entry to the water highly unadvised.
*Flancher Falls:
On Center Hill Lake in Baxter, TN(approximately 1.5 hours east of Nashville)
Intimate, secluded location.
Great rock-hounding. Full of Geodes and crystals!
Accessible only by Boat or extensive kayak trip.
Swimming encouraged.
Crafting the Perfect Engagement Session:
Timing is crucial. Your photographer should consider the sun's position and time of time day to determine how it will illuminate the falls. Personally, we prefer for the sun to be right around the horizon of the cliffs of the falls, making for the most picturesque moments.
Late spring until early fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summer provides lush greenery, while winter can create a magical, icy landscape. Although, keep in mind, water levels can be tricky if there has been an abundance of rain, making it difficult to access certain spots.
Choose outfits that complement the natural surroundings and allow for movement. Flowing dresses and comfortable shoes are ideal. For wardrobe tips, check out our blog post on picking the best wardrobe for your engagement session.
Select a photographer experienced in outdoor and waterfall photography, and specifically, the fall you want to visit. With so many variables that can be involved, and ever-changing landscapes, their expertise will ensure your vision is captured beautifully.
Planning your session with attention to timing, wardrobe, and your photographer’s style will create unforgettable memories that live with you forever. As Nashville-based waterfall and adventure photographers, we can help you find that perfect spot. Let's create some magic together!
5 Tips for Choosing Your Engagement Session Wardrobe
Imagine, you’ve finally booked your dream photographer for your engagement session. You’ve built your mood board, scheduled a location, and now all that’s left to do is figure out what you’re going to wear. You look into your closet and ask “What Should We Wear?” and all of a sudden, the decision paralysis sets in. We’ve all been there. That “I have nothing to wear” dread is SO REAL, and we’re here to walk you through what to consider when making those wardrobe decisions that best suit YOU! (no pun intended).
1.CHECK THE VIBE. We always suggest two outfits for our couples— one casual and one formal. For your formal attire, think a gown and suit, and for the casual, think date night at your favorite sushi spot. Try to align your wardrobe with the vibe of the location. For the more feminine among us, we suggest a dress or top that cinches at the waist and really shows off your figure.
2.BE TRUE TO YOU. Let your personalities shine through your outfit choices. Your engagement session is an opportunity to capture this moment in your lives before you embark on your lives together as a married couple. Authenticity is a key component of making your engagement photos just as unique as your love story.
3.GLAM. We highly suggest doing a trial run with your Hair + Make Up artist on the same day as your engagement. Not only are you able to visualize your wedding day look, but it also puts you in full glam mode for your engagement session!
4.COLORS/PATTERNS. In any case, you’ll want to coordinate your outfits by color and style. Avoid busy patterns if at all possible. If you absolutely LOVE wearing patterns, we highly suggest limiting it to one pattern per outfit change. That means, if your fiancée just has to wear their Dan Flashes button-up, you go with a solid color.
5.KEEP IT FUN. Your best piece of wardrobe is a smile. Your number one goal of the day should be to have a great time. Try to do something relaxing before your engagement session, even if it’s just 5 minutes of deep breathing in the car. When in doubt, just go with the flow! Your photographer should have your back and be able to triage any day-of concerns.
Booking your engagement session with MUNGO foto + film is less of a photoshoot and more of a date night. Think fancy cocktails at the most exclusive spots. We’re in it to have a great time, get to know you, and get some great photos while we’re at it. We want your photos to ring true to you, so your engagement session has been fully customized to tell your unique story. Contact us and tell us all about your wildest date night/ engagement session ideas!
Cheers to a wonderful engagement session!
Emma + Damond: New Year’s Nuptials
New Year's Eve is a night for fresh starts, and for Damond and Emma Nash, it marked the beginning of their forever. We were honored to capture their intimate, Southern Alabama wedding at a stunning family vacation home on the water in Perdido Key, Florida, complete with a wrap-around porch; the epitome of Southern charm. As photographers, this was a truly special occasion, not only because of the beautiful couple and the idyllic setting but also because Damond is our cousin.
New Year's Eve is a night for fresh starts, and for Damond and Emma Nash, it marked the beginning of their forever. We were honored to capture their intimate, Southern Alabama wedding at a stunning family vacation home on the water in Perdido Key, Florida, complete with a wrap-around porch; the epitome of Southern charm. As photographers, this was a truly special occasion, not only because of the beautiful couple and the idyllic setting but also because Damond is our cousin.
It's been incredible to witness Damond grow into the amazing man he is today. Watching him find love with the beautiful and kind Emma was a joy for our entire family. Their love story is a testament to the power of true connection and the importance of family.
The weather in Perdido Key was simply divine. The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow on the couple as they exchanged vows. After the ceremony, Damond and Emma embarked on a romantic canoe ride, offering us some of the most picturesque moments we've ever captured. It was a photographer's dream come true – the perfect light, the stunning scenery, and two people deeply in love.
Emma, an embodiment of elegance and grace, donned a stunning beaded dress, adorned with delicate bows. Damond turned heads in a sharp tan suit, and later, he proudly honored his commitment to his country by sporting his Marine Corps blues, a further symbol of his strength and dedication.
The intimate setting of the family vacation home created a warm and loving atmosphere. It was a true family affair, filled with laughter, tears, and heartfelt congratulations. We felt incredibly privileged to be a part of such a special day.
Zoie + Will: Redwoods to Emerald Union
So, let's rewind a bit.We first met Zoie and Will over coffee (because, let's be honest, where else do good things happen?). From the moment we sat down, we knew this was going to be special. Zoie, with her infectious energy and meticulous planning, and Will, with his quiet charm and easygoing demeanor – they were the perfect balance. It was clear they were deeply in love, and we were honored to be a part of their journey.
Their engagement shoot was an adventure in itself! We jetted off to the majestic Redwoods in California, capturing their love amidst towering trees and breathtaking scenery. Fulfilling a deep sense of wanderlust AND getting to photograph a lovely couple was so immensely fulfilling for us as photographers. It was a reminder that love can flourish in the most unexpected and awe-inspiring places.
And then came the months leading up to the big day. In between the rush of wedding planning, we spent an afternoons at the park with our kids, letting them run wild while we chatted about wedding details, life, and everything in between. These moments were precious, a reminder that life is about more than just the "big day." It's about the everyday moments, the laughter, the shared experiences that weave the fabric of a loving relationship.
Finally, the day arrived! November 30th, 2024, was a day filled with joy, laughter, and tears. The Emerald Union, with its rustic charm and elegant ambiance, provided the perfect backdrop for their celebration. Zoie, radiant in her wedding gown, and Will, beaming with pride, exchanged vows that were heartfelt and deeply personal.
Zoie and Will, your wedding was a testament to your love and the beautiful life you've built together. Thank you for sharing your journey with me. I wish you a lifetime of happiness and adventure.
Bailey + Brady’s Proposal
Titan Up for this One of a Kind Wedding Proposal at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN.
When Brady first contacted me about his surprise proposal idea, my heart started racing. Excitement, of course, for the lovely couple, Brady and Bailey, and the incredible chapter they were about to begin. But also, a healthy dose of anxiety. The pressure of capturing such a special, once-in-a-lifetime moment was immense. Would the proposal go as planned? Would Bailey say yes? Would I capture the perfect shot without ruining the surprise? The anticipation was almost unbearable, but in the best possible way.
This proposal had an extra layer of excitement for me: the location. Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans! Not only is this my team, but knowing this iconic stadium is soon to be replaced, added a touch of history and soon-to-be nostalgia to the occasion. Capturing this moment felt extra special, knowing it would be a lasting memory tied to a significant landmark here in Nashville, Tennessee.
Brady had a fantastic plan, and it showed. Every detail was meticulously considered, making our jobs as photographers, a breeze. With the help of Bailey's dad, who works for the Titans, we were able to seamlessly blend into the background, ready to capture the magic unfold.
And then, it happened- the moment of truth arrived. Brady got down on one knee, the ring sparkled, and tears started to flow. Witnessing that raw, unfiltered emotion is incredibly moving. The genuine surprise, the overwhelming joy, the love radiating from both partners – it's pure magic. As a photographer, I feel incredibly privileged to be a part of this intimate and unforgettable moment.
Photographing a surprise proposal is about more than just getting the perfect shot. It's about capturing the essence of their love story, the raw emotions, the fleeting moments that will forever be cherished. It's about creating a visual narrative that will transport them back to that magical day for years to come.
